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News from Bree
spymaster@theonering.net
Sep 14 2010, 1:03am
Post #1 of 21
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The official 'DragonCon 2010' report (and photos!)
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Things are moving in the Hobbit world; there are rumors afoot of castings, contracts, scripts and even start dates. It's all very exciting, and if you were at TORn's panels at DragonCon this year, you were prepared for it!
Yes, TheOneRing.net was present again this year at one of the world's biggest fan based convention. Staffers from TORn ran a table over the course of the weekend, where we had the great pleasure of chatting to fans, meeting regular TORn visitors, catching up with old friends and faithful supporters, and introducing newbies to the joys of the website. Over the four days of the convention we gave out freebies, distributed candy to those brave enough to answer Tolkien trivia, sold t-shirts to help keep the website attending conventions and events, and provided the fun of the "Don't you know you're [sic] Sam?" photo opportunity! Apologies Samwise fans, but we decapitated Sam in a hobbit standee, so folks could pose with their head in his place; and all kinds of aliens, cartoon characters, heroes and villains stepped up over the weekend to offer to "share the load..." For images from the weekend click here. Lots more written details after the break!
Sean Astin was at the convention as well but despite the fun prospect of having his flesh face replace his cardboard face, busy actors are difficult to approach and we were immersed in fandom. He was excellent in his big-room panel conversation with fans and was available for autographs and photos as well.
We were happy to use the table to spread the word about other happenings in the world of Tolkien fandom, and we were very glad to support our good friend Donato Giancola, whose beautiful book, Middle Earth: Visions of a Modern Myth™ will be released later this month (look for a review soon here on TORn). We also helped to spread the good word about the wonderful fan film, Born of Hope, which screened at DragonCon (and is also available on YouTube), and about Ethan Gilsdorf's great book, Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks. Ethan and Donato generously donated prizes for us to give away at our panels, for which we were very grateful. And we must give a BIG shout out to TheTolkienShop.com, who not only donated the hobbit standee - source of so much mirth over the weekend - but who also gave us 300 pens to give out at the table, on which was written, "This pen was stolen from The Tolkien Shop"!
SideshowCollectibles.com has been a friend to the Tolkien Track and TORn for many years and we were delighted to give away hundreds of gift cards for their site, much to the disbelief of those who couldn't believe they were getting something so valuable for free. Thanks to them and to all who so kindly support TORn, which continues to be a not-for-profit site, forged by and for fans.
But I started this write up by mentioning panels: TORn staffers MrCere, deej and greendragon presented two panels at DragonCon this year, where we spilled the beans on all the latest inside gossip on The Hobbit movie. Calisuri had put together a wonderful PowerPoint presentation, on which we based our remarks, and we had many bits of secret information to share. Here's a summary of the facts we discussed - most of which regular visitors to this website will already know, but some of which were new and exclusive to DragonCon:
- The Hobbit scripts are completed! Warner Brothers execs have seen the scripts for the TWO films and they love them! Now we await the green light, which is being delayed because of MGM's ongoing financial problems. WETA and other production folks are ready to go - just waiting for that green light...
- Guillermo del Toro had to leave the movies because of the ongoing delays. It now looks likely that Peter Jackson will step into the breach and direct. [Though subsequent news suggests Neill Blomkamp may still be in the running.]
- Stars who were expected to return may start to encounter problems with conflicts, if this delay continues. Sir Ian McKellen's representatives have stated that Sir Ian, "isn't waiting". He wants to do the movies and WILL, but only IF they fit into his schedule. A very busy and in-demand actor, he isn't sitting around waiting for them to happen.
- A very good source told a TORn staffer that the first choice for Bilbo was selected! We couldn't share the name of the actor, but it seemed that they were going ahead with an excellent choice. At the same time, another casting call had been released (as has been discussed on TORn in the past few days) - so this made us wonder if the chosen Bilbo had fallen through. [Sure enough, the day after DragonCon was over news broke about Martin Freeman being approached and having to turn the role down because of "Sherlock" commitments.]
- A production company which could be involved in providing materials for the movies had been approached, then had been told the movies were "on hold". In the past few weeks they were approached again and told that things would be going ahead...
- We also tantalized the attending fans by revealing that a very good source had told us that, as the script CURRENTLY stands, (so things could change), a very popular but unexpected cast member from the original trilogy will make an appearance in The Hobbit. That's all we can tell you on that for now...
There were many other issues discussed and dissected, but in conclusion we revealed that industry insiders had given us September 15th as the date MGM have been given as a FINAL deadline to resolve their financial troubles, one way or another. This we took to be a good thing; a resolution should mean forward movement (we hope!). We all know that December/January (New Zealand's summer) is the time they need to be filming in The Shire, and therefore to avoid another full year's delay they need to have cameras ready to roll at the end of this year.
So, we announced, look out for things happening in the next couple of weeks! And boy, have things started to happen! All the news and rumors which have broken in the past week or so do indeed suggest that wheels are in motion; perhaps our prediction of December 2012 for the release of The Hobbit Part One may yet prove accurate.
DragonCon is an amazing time which every pop culture fan should experience at least once in a lifetime.
Just people watching and admiring the incredible homemade costumes on display is worth the cost of entry! (This year TORn had its own group costume - as the Ralph Bakshi cartoon Fellowship! We entered the costume contest at The Tolkien Track's "Evening at Bree" and had a great time reminding people of a 70s classic. Costume goddess Charlie did most of the work of creating the merry band so a big salute to her.) There are also panels and workshops to attend, stars to meet and things to buy aplenty! TORn hopes to be back at DragonCon next year - and we must of course thank the Tolkien Track for the hard work they put into running excellent Middle-earth events each year. We hope we may see YOU there next year - and remember, if you want to be in on the latest Hobbit news before everyone else knows it, TORn is the place to be. Don't say we ain't good to ya...
You can see almost 50 images of the convention from a TORn-centric view right here
(This post was edited by Silverlode on Sep 14 2010, 8:21am)
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phredegar
Nevrast
Sep 14 2010, 9:06am
Post #3 of 21
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...that it's Legolas; Orlando hasn't a part in the new Pirates movie so this'll keep him from twiddling his thumbs. I think he'll team up with Aragorn to go and hunt some Gollum.
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Pipe Dream
Mithlond
Sep 14 2010, 9:23am
Post #4 of 21
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That's what I thought at first,
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but I think it's sort of expected to glimpse Legolas at home in Mirkwood.
Pre-Pre-production goes ever on and on...
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Elven
Doriath
Sep 14 2010, 11:22am
Post #5 of 21
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What a good time you guys must have had - the photos are wonderful - thanks for posting them MrCere.
Well, Ive got to say, there seems to be a bunch of news that you cant share with us yet 
And it all sounds exciting and Im looking forward to finding out what its all about.
I hope you break it here on tORN first 
Thanks!
Elven
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Kangi Ska
Gondolin
Sep 14 2010, 11:35am
Post #6 of 21
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They might have worked out a way that
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Christopher Lee could appear as Saruman. That would be nice though improbable.
Kangi Ska
Make the Hobbit Happen Now!
(This post was edited by Kangi Ska on Sep 14 2010, 11:36am)
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Tim
Dor-Lomin
Sep 14 2010, 2:30pm
Post #7 of 21
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Thanks for all the hard work in bringing us the latest and greatest on The Hobbit. Yes it's time to get this show on the road eh?
- The Hobbit scripts are completed! Warner Brothers execs have seen the scripts for the TWO films and they love them! Now we await the green light, which is being delayed because of MGM's ongoing financial problems. WETA and other production folks are ready to go - just waiting for that green light...
Well that's good news the last I had read the first script was done and the second one was about half way done. More confirmation that work has been proceeding with a positive outlook on the MGM situation.
- Stars who were expected to return may start to encounter problems with conflicts, if this delay continues. Sir Ian McKellen's representatives have stated that Sir Ian, "isn't waiting". He wants to do the movies and WILL, but only IF they fit into his schedule. A very busy and in-demand actor, he isn't sitting around waiting for them to happen.
It's been reported about a week or so ago he's good to go to start around December / January so it looks like he's in line to be with this production if it starts as rumored.
- A production company which could be involved in providing materials for the movies had been approached, then had been told the movies were "on hold". In the past few weeks they were approached again and told that things would be going ahead...
Even better in a way than the script information because somebody somewhere in the know thinks things are going to work out positively with MGM.
- We also tantalized the attending fans by revealing that a very good source had told us that, as the script CURRENTLY stands, (so things could change), a very popular but unexpected cast member from the original trilogy will make an appearance in The Hobbit. That's all we can tell you on that for now...
The numerical odds make this John (Gimli). There's 13 dwarves for cryin' out loud.
So, we announced, look out for things happening in the next couple of weeks! And boy, have things started to happen! All the news and rumors which have broken in the past week or so do indeed suggest that wheels are in motion; perhaps our prediction of December 2012 for the release of The Hobbit Part One may yet prove accurate.
*does happy dance*
King Arthur: Who are you who can summon fire without flint or tinder?
Tim: There are some who call me... Tim.
Tim: No I don't talk about my love life for a very good reason, and that reason is I don't have one. Which is very good news for the ladies-I am still available. I'm a heck of a catch, cos, er well look at it. I live in Slough, in a lovely house, with my parents. I have my own room, which I've had since yep, since I was born. That's seen a lot of action I tell you. Mainly dusting. I went to university for a year as well, before I dropped out, so I'm a quitter. So, er, form an orderly queue ladies.
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DiveTwin
Nargothrond
Sep 14 2010, 4:26pm
Post #8 of 21
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We also tantalized the attending fans by revealing that a very good source had told us that, as the script CURRENTLY stands, (so things could change), a very popular but unexpected cast member from the original trilogy will make an appearance in The Hobbit. That's all we can tell you on that for now...
Although a few folks here are suggesting John Rhys-Davies, he stated that he would never again put on that costume and couldn't wait to remove it for the last time. Not because he didn't love the character or the movie. He simply had an allergic reaction to the make-up and prostetics. He often said what a miserable experience it was on his skin. So from a cast member standpoint, I can't see him agreeing to come back, unless there's a new process for make up he's not allergic to.
Unexpected, eh? That could be Christopher Lee, if the word "unexpected" refers to how unlikely it is for him to travel to to New Zealand. He has stated repeatedly that he is too old to travel such distances now and would not choose to do so. Many fans believe him and suggest he might film from London, if he joins at all. But his character isn't unlikely in the story ... if they are delving into historical events surrounding Bilbo's adventure in The Hobbit. And while not part of the actual story, a few characters have been talked about (Galadriel, Legolas) as possible for the movie.
So if the word "unexpected" means someone that hasn't been talked about much, I wonder if it might be Arwen. Or maybe referring to a scene with Ian Holm? Or if really unexpected (but popular) .... Figwit???
"Do not come between the Nazgul and his prey"
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Tim
Dor-Lomin
Sep 14 2010, 4:31pm
Post #9 of 21
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...John Rhys-Davies just because he said he'd never do it again. It is possible that they've come out with some makeup he's not allergic to.
But yes it could also be the possibilities you mention.
King Arthur: Who are you who can summon fire without flint or tinder?
Tim: There are some who call me... Tim.
Tim: No I don't talk about my love life for a very good reason, and that reason is I don't have one. Which is very good news for the ladies-I am still available. I'm a heck of a catch, cos, er well look at it. I live in Slough, in a lovely house, with my parents. I have my own room, which I've had since yep, since I was born. That's seen a lot of action I tell you. Mainly dusting. I went to university for a year as well, before I dropped out, so I'm a quitter. So, er, form an orderly queue ladies.
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Pipe Dream
Mithlond
Sep 14 2010, 4:40pm
Post #10 of 21
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John Rhys-Davies might consider doing a short cameo perhaps, not an entire role...or at the very least a voice over for a scale double. It's most likely Leggy...he's going to need money to buy stuff for that new wife of his. 
Pre-Pre-production goes ever on and on...
(This post was edited by Pipe Dream on Sep 14 2010, 4:41pm)
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Legalize_Athelas
Menegroth
Sep 14 2010, 4:51pm
Post #11 of 21
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I would love to see Bret and Jemaine, as elves, perform a "Decending into Rivendell" montage duet complete with "tra-la-la-lallies."
JRD would be nice, just so we could hear him roll his R's a bit more, but my bet's on Legolas.
LOTRO Free-to-Play starts September 10th. You know you want to try it.
Check out "The Sibs of TORn" on Landroval server!
Got Necroquestions? I'll give you Necromanswers.
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greendragon
Sr. Staff
Sep 14 2010, 5:05pm
Post #12 of 21
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Flight of the Conchords 'Tra-la-la-lally' gets my vote.
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Genius idea! I love it! I could just see Bret and Jemaine skipping their way into Rivendell...
'There are older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of my fridge...'
'You never know what will happen next, when once you get mixed up with TORnsibs and their friends.'
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Kangi Ska
Gondolin
Sep 14 2010, 6:33pm
Post #13 of 21
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Peter has this new thirty eight million dollar jet that can fly nonstop
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from London to New Zealand. It has all of the comforts of home on board. An old guy (like me) could fly without trouble. 
Kangi Ska
Make the Hobbit Happen Now!
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ElanorTX
Dor-Lomin
Sep 14 2010, 6:54pm
Post #14 of 21
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identify the folks in the first photo?
"I shall not wholly fail if anything can still grow fair in days to come."
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Trevelyan
Nevrast
Sep 16 2010, 3:55pm
Post #15 of 21
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I was thinking something along the same lines, perhaps Gino and the other guys at Weta have come up with a different type of prosthetic for JRD to wear. He could even play Gloin, and wear a slightly different prosthetic and use a similar voice. I wouldn't mind him playing Gimli's Father in the Hobbit, he has the credibility.
www.seregon.co.uk
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deej
Dor-Lomin
Sep 16 2010, 7:37pm
Post #16 of 21
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The members of the Bakshi Fellowship are...
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Top row (from left to right): Gandalf (L. Ron Halfelven), Legolas (Rob, not here on the boards but a member of Barlimans chat room), Boromir (Mr Cere), Aragorn (Cayce, not a TORn member but always a big help to us at DragonCon).
Bottom row (from left to right): Sam (Po, also a member over at Barlimans and Rob's wife), Merry (Namadrial), Pippin (deej), a Ringwraith (soinma), and Frodo (greendragon)
TEAM MARTIN!
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Idril Celebrindal
Dor-Lomin
Sep 27 2010, 8:29pm
Post #17 of 21
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If this was really the Bakshi fellowship, was Aragorn wearing pants????
Seriously, great pic and costumes! Wish I'd have been there to see you all.
With caffeine, all things are possible.
The pity of Bilbo will screw up the fate of many.
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greendragon
Sr. Staff
Sep 29 2010, 4:14pm
Post #18 of 21
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I can testify that my friend who played Aragorn was wearing a SHORT tunic and knee high boots. No trousers of course! (She wanted to wear leggings but I wouldn't let her!!) But I believe there was underwear involved, to protect her modesty... Can't guarantee it was authentic cartoon underwear, mind you... 
'There are older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of my fridge...'
'You never know what will happen next, when once you get mixed up with TORnsibs and their friends.'
(This post was edited by greendragon on Sep 29 2010, 4:14pm)
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Sep 29 2010, 4:27pm
Post #19 of 21
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You guys are so AWESOME!!!! This had me smiling so much, my face hurts!!! Oh I wish I could have been there.
I still owe my g'daughter a convention since I brought her brother to the 2007 Dragon Con... so maybe next year... or the next *whimper*
I LOVE those costumes!!! I'm so proud to be a part of TORn. Bless ya'll for being!
 
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
TORn's Observations Lists
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greendragon
Sr. Staff
Sep 30 2010, 6:15pm
Post #20 of 21
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Who could forget the charming young gentleman you brought with you in '07?
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Hope to have you back at DragonCon in the NEAR future! 
'There are older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of my fridge...'
'You never know what will happen next, when once you get mixed up with TORnsibs and their friends.'
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grammaboodawg
Elvenhome
Sep 30 2010, 11:40pm
Post #21 of 21
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he's still smitten with you. The Lady in White and the Lady with Purple Hair both ;)
I really need these new films to take me back to, and not re-introduce me to, that magical world.
TORn's Observations Lists
Unused Scenes
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