Captain Salt
Tol Eressea
They're been plenty of these threads before, but given the newly revealed ending, thought we could make another attempt to summarize everything we know will occur in the first installment of the trilogy, garnered from promotional materials, AICN set reports, the teaser and video blogs, Comic-Con and Cinema-Con footage, interviews, spoilers, ETC.
A few notes...the just-released Apple App gives the film's primary cast as:
Bilbo Baggins…Martin Freeman
Gandalf the Grey…Ian McKellen
Thorin Oakenshield…Richard Armitage
Balin…Ken Stott
Dwalin…Graham McTavish
Fili…Dean O’Gorman
Kili…Aidan Turner
Gloin…Peter Hambelton
Oin…John Callen
Bifur…William Kircher
Bofur…James Nesbitt
Bombur…Stephen Hunter
Dori…Mark Hadlow
Nori…Jed Brophy
Ori…Adam Brown
Elrond…Hugo Weaving
Galadriel…Cate Blanchett
Saruman the White…Christopher Lee
Gollum…Andy Serkis
Radagast the Brown…Sylvester McCoy
Lindir…Brett McKenzie
Elder Bilbo Baggins…Ian Holm
Frodo Baggins…Elijah Wood
Azog…Manu Bennett
Bolg…Conan Stevens
The Goblin King…Barry Humphries
...Despite the fact that we know the Elder Bilbo and Frodo will only appear in the opening bookend segment, and Lindir will only make a very brief appearance in Rivendell; we also know that Stephen Ure plays a Goblin called Grinnah and and Orc called Fimbul, one or both of whom may appear in AUJ. Benedict Cumberbatch's name is absent from the list, so while the Necromancer will most likely be prominently mentioned (and we may see his forces, IE Azog & Bolg, and even Dol Guldur itself), he probably won't appear "in the flesh" so to speak, until DOS.
(Thanks to DanielLB for the cast list)! [
]
So, as of now, a break-down of what has become (IMO), a greatly abbreviated journey:
Introduction:
Just before the long-expected 111st birthday party of Bilbo Baggins as seen in the opening scenes of FotR, an Elder Bilbo narrates the full extent of his adventure to his nephew Frodo; an alternate theory is that Bilbo is transcribing a letter to Frodo, which would seem redundant given Bilbo working on his book in LotR, IMO. I wonder if, in continuation of LotR's style, we may get "The Hobbit" trilogy title, the opening scene, and then the film title "An Unexpected Journey" as the next scene begins?
Runtime: 3-5 minutes?
"Good Morning" & Bilbo's Life:
It seems likely the story proper starts with a younger Bilbo sitting outside Bagend, being approached by Gandalf the Grey and recruited for an adventure. However, unlike the novel, following this scene we'll see more of Bilbo's life in Hobbiton before setting out on his quest; Bilbo will go shopping in a bustling Hobbit market, buying fish, speaking to a Hobbit called "Worrywort", and hiding on the move (much to the disgust of Lobelia and Otho Sackville-Baggins), to avoid the Wandering Wizard (perhaps Bilbo initially turns down Gandalf's "call to adventure", and only accepts later on)? We know that Drogo Baggins and Primula Brandybuck were originally slated to appear in the Shire scenes - (they were listed on the Jan. 2010 casting call, Ryan Gage was at first cast as Drogo, while an actress called Caroline Grace-Cassidy auditioned for Primula)...so if they're still in the film, they're appear here as well. An actor called Stephen Glendhill has also been cast as "Old Gammidge" (thanks Carne!), and there's been speculation we may see a Hobbit party in this sequence as well.
Runtime: 15-20 min?
An Unexpected Party:
Thorin & Co. arrive at Bilbo's house and proceed to eat him out of house and home, before conscripting him for their adventure. Probably we'll get a fairly lengthy flashback here showing the history of Erebor & Dale, featuring Thror, Thrain, a younger Thorin, with a hint of Smaug? A couple of musical numbers occur here as well, and most likely quite a bit of development for the Dwarves, beginning to delineate each Dwarf's personality and dynamic within the group.
Runtime: 20-25 min?
The Adventure Begins:
Thorin & Co. depart Hobbiton, Bilbo rushing past a startled Worrywort as he runs to catch up with the Wizard and the Dwarves. Probably some more development for Bilbo, Gandy and the Dwarves as they set out.
Runtime:
3-5 min?
Tombs and Trolls:
At some point, Gandalf and Radagast will investigate the "Tomb of the Nine" where Gandy will most likely a discarded Morgul blade; IMO, it makes sense that this occurs when Gandy leaves the Company to scout ahead, the scene being a take on the Barrow-downs from FotR the novel; I wouldn't be surprised is a few (disembodied?) Nazgul make an appearance here, filling the roll of the Barrow-wights and giving Gandy and Raddy their first action scene (perhaps Gandy ends up in possession of the Mordul blade after a tussle with a Nazgul, rather than simply finding it)? Simultaneously, Bilbo and the Dwarves will have their encounter with the three Stone Trolls, leading to a frantic confrontation in the Trollshaw - lots of fighting and action (unlike the book, the Dwarves actually put up a fight here) - concluding with Gandy's return and rescue as the sun rises.
Runtime:
10 min?
Troll Horde:
Following their victory over the Stone Trolls, Bilbo, Gandy and the Dwarves stumble upon the Trolls' cave, where Bilbo/Gandalf/Thorin find their respective swords; here, Radagast catches up with them and updates Gandy on the situation (the trolls that came down onto the road were only part of a tide of evil creatures)...mentions of Mirkwood, Ungoliant, Dol Guldur and the Necromancer foreshadow later obstacles for our heroes. Gandalf must convince the proud Thorin Oakenshield to seek Elron's aide in the Last Homely House, the Dwarf Lord being reluctant after being left scorned by the Elves following his expulsion from Erebor.
Runtime:
5 min?
Dwarf Development & History:
PJ has made it a point that each Dwarf will see his own development and personality emerge in the film, which will have time to arise in these early, comparatively action-low periods in the films. It's also very likely that at some point we'll be treated to flashbacks depicting the history of Thorin's people following Smuag's attack; wondering in the wild, the fates of Thror and Thrain, possibly even the Battle of Azanulbizar; there has also been speculation that we may see a flashback sequence where Thorin goes around collecting each Dwarf for his Company, although not sure what the source is for this?
Runtime:
15-20 min?
Rivendell & The White Council:
Thorin & Company arrive in the Last Homely House, where they receive a less-than-warm welcome; Elrond has the Company dine at his table and aides the Dwarves by deciphering runes on their map, while meanwhile, Gandalf & Elrond meet with fellow White Council members Galadriel and Saruman to discuss the morgul blade and the Necromancer; at some point, we'll see a sequence where Gandy and Raddy confront a crazed, possessed or undead Thrain in what's apparently Dol Guldur, and IMO, this scene is probably a flashback which could unfold here. A scene where Gandy and Elrond scout out Dol Guldur was mentioned in an Empire article, and if that remains, it's likely another flashback I think; we may also be privy to the machinations of the White Council, with some discord amongst its members. At some point, Bombur and Nori will be up to something (probably less than legitimate), Bofur may be involved with a foodfight, Bilbo may speak with Elrond, and Galadriel will council Gandalf. Lindir will appear, while actor Robin Kerr plays Elros (though not sure how he plays in yet).
Runtime:
25-30 min?
Heading for the Misty Mountains:
The action figure descriptions for TH line make it appear as if Azog, Bolg, and the Goblins will be major foes in TH, and we may see some plotting amongst the Orc leaders as they move against Thorin & CO., not to mentioned Gandy getting wind of the (probably) resurrected Azog, and attempting to figure out how he ties into the Necromancer. Probably more development of the Company here as well.
Runtime:
5-10 min?
The Misty Mountains:
Thorin & Co. are caught in the fire of Stone Giants and are forced to take shelter in a cave.
Runtime:
3-5 min?
Goblin-town:
Thorin & Co. are taken down to confront the Goblin King, and may be interrogated by Grinnah before their rescue by Gandalf, who slays the vile Goblin leader as stated in Sir Ian's blog. The Company have to fight their way free, being assailed by the deformed Goblin populace.
Runtime:
10 min?
Riddles in the Dark:
Bilbo falls into Gollum's cave where they play a "riddle game" and Bilbo finds the One Ring, subsequently escaping Gollum (and perhaps searching Goblin soldiers)?
Runtime:
5-10 min?
The Company Reunited:
Bilbo will have to meet up with the Dwarves at some point, where he tells Gandy he "found his courage" in the Goblin tunnels, whilst Gandy assures him he'll need it.
Runtime:
3-5 min?
Scene 88:
Bilbo and the Company make for the outskirts of the Lonely Mountains, facing continual harassment from the Goblins astride Wargs; Azog and/or Fimbul may come into play here, intent on wiping out the company before they can escape into Wilderland; the Orcs/Wargs will come continually closer to the Company as they race around them in concentric circles, possibly resulting in another confrontation.
Runtime:
5-10 min?
Out of the Frying-pan:
The climax of Film 1, where the attacks of the Goblins come to a head as Thorin & Co. are trapped in burning trees (possibly after a climactic fight), only to be rescues by the Eagles.
Runtime:
10 min?
Please feel free to add or correct anything I've left out or gotten wrong.
In any event, it seems the the runtime will land somewhere between 137 min (2 hours 17 min.), and 180 min (3 hours)...the former (or even shorter) is more likely. I wouldn't be surprised to see a runtime of just 2 hours.
Anyhoo, we'll see how this all shakes out (and how accurate all of this is), in just a few short months. [
]
A few notes...the just-released Apple App gives the film's primary cast as:
Bilbo Baggins…Martin Freeman
Gandalf the Grey…Ian McKellen
Thorin Oakenshield…Richard Armitage
Balin…Ken Stott
Dwalin…Graham McTavish
Fili…Dean O’Gorman
Kili…Aidan Turner
Gloin…Peter Hambelton
Oin…John Callen
Bifur…William Kircher
Bofur…James Nesbitt
Bombur…Stephen Hunter
Dori…Mark Hadlow
Nori…Jed Brophy
Ori…Adam Brown
Elrond…Hugo Weaving
Galadriel…Cate Blanchett
Saruman the White…Christopher Lee
Gollum…Andy Serkis
Radagast the Brown…Sylvester McCoy
Lindir…Brett McKenzie
Elder Bilbo Baggins…Ian Holm
Frodo Baggins…Elijah Wood
Azog…Manu Bennett
Bolg…Conan Stevens
The Goblin King…Barry Humphries
...Despite the fact that we know the Elder Bilbo and Frodo will only appear in the opening bookend segment, and Lindir will only make a very brief appearance in Rivendell; we also know that Stephen Ure plays a Goblin called Grinnah and and Orc called Fimbul, one or both of whom may appear in AUJ. Benedict Cumberbatch's name is absent from the list, so while the Necromancer will most likely be prominently mentioned (and we may see his forces, IE Azog & Bolg, and even Dol Guldur itself), he probably won't appear "in the flesh" so to speak, until DOS.
(Thanks to DanielLB for the cast list)! [
] So, as of now, a break-down of what has become (IMO), a greatly abbreviated journey:
Introduction:
Just before the long-expected 111st birthday party of Bilbo Baggins as seen in the opening scenes of FotR, an Elder Bilbo narrates the full extent of his adventure to his nephew Frodo; an alternate theory is that Bilbo is transcribing a letter to Frodo, which would seem redundant given Bilbo working on his book in LotR, IMO. I wonder if, in continuation of LotR's style, we may get "The Hobbit" trilogy title, the opening scene, and then the film title "An Unexpected Journey" as the next scene begins?
Runtime: 3-5 minutes?
"Good Morning" & Bilbo's Life:
It seems likely the story proper starts with a younger Bilbo sitting outside Bagend, being approached by Gandalf the Grey and recruited for an adventure. However, unlike the novel, following this scene we'll see more of Bilbo's life in Hobbiton before setting out on his quest; Bilbo will go shopping in a bustling Hobbit market, buying fish, speaking to a Hobbit called "Worrywort", and hiding on the move (much to the disgust of Lobelia and Otho Sackville-Baggins), to avoid the Wandering Wizard (perhaps Bilbo initially turns down Gandalf's "call to adventure", and only accepts later on)? We know that Drogo Baggins and Primula Brandybuck were originally slated to appear in the Shire scenes - (they were listed on the Jan. 2010 casting call, Ryan Gage was at first cast as Drogo, while an actress called Caroline Grace-Cassidy auditioned for Primula)...so if they're still in the film, they're appear here as well. An actor called Stephen Glendhill has also been cast as "Old Gammidge" (thanks Carne!), and there's been speculation we may see a Hobbit party in this sequence as well.
Runtime: 15-20 min?
An Unexpected Party:
Thorin & Co. arrive at Bilbo's house and proceed to eat him out of house and home, before conscripting him for their adventure. Probably we'll get a fairly lengthy flashback here showing the history of Erebor & Dale, featuring Thror, Thrain, a younger Thorin, with a hint of Smaug? A couple of musical numbers occur here as well, and most likely quite a bit of development for the Dwarves, beginning to delineate each Dwarf's personality and dynamic within the group.
Runtime: 20-25 min?
The Adventure Begins:
Thorin & Co. depart Hobbiton, Bilbo rushing past a startled Worrywort as he runs to catch up with the Wizard and the Dwarves. Probably some more development for Bilbo, Gandy and the Dwarves as they set out.
Runtime:
3-5 min?
Tombs and Trolls:
At some point, Gandalf and Radagast will investigate the "Tomb of the Nine" where Gandy will most likely a discarded Morgul blade; IMO, it makes sense that this occurs when Gandy leaves the Company to scout ahead, the scene being a take on the Barrow-downs from FotR the novel; I wouldn't be surprised is a few (disembodied?) Nazgul make an appearance here, filling the roll of the Barrow-wights and giving Gandy and Raddy their first action scene (perhaps Gandy ends up in possession of the Mordul blade after a tussle with a Nazgul, rather than simply finding it)? Simultaneously, Bilbo and the Dwarves will have their encounter with the three Stone Trolls, leading to a frantic confrontation in the Trollshaw - lots of fighting and action (unlike the book, the Dwarves actually put up a fight here) - concluding with Gandy's return and rescue as the sun rises.
Runtime:
10 min?
Troll Horde:
Following their victory over the Stone Trolls, Bilbo, Gandy and the Dwarves stumble upon the Trolls' cave, where Bilbo/Gandalf/Thorin find their respective swords; here, Radagast catches up with them and updates Gandy on the situation (the trolls that came down onto the road were only part of a tide of evil creatures)...mentions of Mirkwood, Ungoliant, Dol Guldur and the Necromancer foreshadow later obstacles for our heroes. Gandalf must convince the proud Thorin Oakenshield to seek Elron's aide in the Last Homely House, the Dwarf Lord being reluctant after being left scorned by the Elves following his expulsion from Erebor.
Runtime:
5 min?
Dwarf Development & History:
PJ has made it a point that each Dwarf will see his own development and personality emerge in the film, which will have time to arise in these early, comparatively action-low periods in the films. It's also very likely that at some point we'll be treated to flashbacks depicting the history of Thorin's people following Smuag's attack; wondering in the wild, the fates of Thror and Thrain, possibly even the Battle of Azanulbizar; there has also been speculation that we may see a flashback sequence where Thorin goes around collecting each Dwarf for his Company, although not sure what the source is for this?
Runtime:
15-20 min?
Rivendell & The White Council:
Thorin & Company arrive in the Last Homely House, where they receive a less-than-warm welcome; Elrond has the Company dine at his table and aides the Dwarves by deciphering runes on their map, while meanwhile, Gandalf & Elrond meet with fellow White Council members Galadriel and Saruman to discuss the morgul blade and the Necromancer; at some point, we'll see a sequence where Gandy and Raddy confront a crazed, possessed or undead Thrain in what's apparently Dol Guldur, and IMO, this scene is probably a flashback which could unfold here. A scene where Gandy and Elrond scout out Dol Guldur was mentioned in an Empire article, and if that remains, it's likely another flashback I think; we may also be privy to the machinations of the White Council, with some discord amongst its members. At some point, Bombur and Nori will be up to something (probably less than legitimate), Bofur may be involved with a foodfight, Bilbo may speak with Elrond, and Galadriel will council Gandalf. Lindir will appear, while actor Robin Kerr plays Elros (though not sure how he plays in yet).
Runtime:
25-30 min?
Heading for the Misty Mountains:
The action figure descriptions for TH line make it appear as if Azog, Bolg, and the Goblins will be major foes in TH, and we may see some plotting amongst the Orc leaders as they move against Thorin & CO., not to mentioned Gandy getting wind of the (probably) resurrected Azog, and attempting to figure out how he ties into the Necromancer. Probably more development of the Company here as well.
Runtime:
5-10 min?
The Misty Mountains:
Thorin & Co. are caught in the fire of Stone Giants and are forced to take shelter in a cave.
Runtime:
3-5 min?
Goblin-town:
Thorin & Co. are taken down to confront the Goblin King, and may be interrogated by Grinnah before their rescue by Gandalf, who slays the vile Goblin leader as stated in Sir Ian's blog. The Company have to fight their way free, being assailed by the deformed Goblin populace.
Runtime:
10 min?
Riddles in the Dark:
Bilbo falls into Gollum's cave where they play a "riddle game" and Bilbo finds the One Ring, subsequently escaping Gollum (and perhaps searching Goblin soldiers)?
Runtime:
5-10 min?
The Company Reunited:
Bilbo will have to meet up with the Dwarves at some point, where he tells Gandy he "found his courage" in the Goblin tunnels, whilst Gandy assures him he'll need it.
Runtime:
3-5 min?
Scene 88:
Bilbo and the Company make for the outskirts of the Lonely Mountains, facing continual harassment from the Goblins astride Wargs; Azog and/or Fimbul may come into play here, intent on wiping out the company before they can escape into Wilderland; the Orcs/Wargs will come continually closer to the Company as they race around them in concentric circles, possibly resulting in another confrontation.
Runtime:
5-10 min?
Out of the Frying-pan:
The climax of Film 1, where the attacks of the Goblins come to a head as Thorin & Co. are trapped in burning trees (possibly after a climactic fight), only to be rescues by the Eagles.
Runtime:
10 min?
Please feel free to add or correct anything I've left out or gotten wrong.
In any event, it seems the the runtime will land somewhere between 137 min (2 hours 17 min.), and 180 min (3 hours)...the former (or even shorter) is more likely. I wouldn't be surprised to see a runtime of just 2 hours.
Anyhoo, we'll see how this all shakes out (and how accurate all of this is), in just a few short months. [
]
Last edited:
