The wait is over!
For fans of Tolkien this Christmas is going to be special–you can enjoy a professional Lord of the Rings inspired feature film–and not only that, you can watch it for free!
Born of Hope is a genuine attempt to tell a new Tolkien story boasting a host of characters, which have never been seen on screen before. Released exclusively on DailyMotion.com on the 1st of December, this UK based 70 minute prequel is the story of Aragorn’s parents, Arathorn and Gilraen, and the people who sacrificed everything to keep him safe.
You can visit their website here.
Today, 12th November, is Craig Parker’s 39th birthday. He was born in Suva, Fiji on November 12, 1970. In the CoE gallery there are some great pictures of Craig in the role of Haldir here.
Happy Birthday Craig.
Though Viggo Mortensen has hinted his ‘The Lord of the Rings’ character, Aragorn, will not be included in ‘The Hobbit’ storyline, he claims the warrior character could be seen in ‘The Hobbit 2’. You can read the rest of the story here.
Weta are to create a collectible sculpture of Bag End and will be publishing regular updates about the project. Daniel Falconer (who was involved in designing the LotR movies) is leading the design of piece. Weta hope that the sculptures will be ready to ship in mid 2010. You can find further details here.
Eighteen months ago, Guillermo del Toro had a 10-year-plan. His life was mapped out, and it had nothing to do with JRR Tolkien’s lovingly rendered cartography of Middle-earth. Now, in a detailed interview with Total Film he updates us on how his life has changed and the progress that has been made towards making the Hobbit movies.
UK student Emma Dollard read Lord of the Rings when she was 14 years old but it was the movies that really re-awoke her interest in Tolkien. Emma has now completed her PhD in which she studied Lord of the Rings (books and movies) in relation to appropriation, “the notion of outside influences being an integral part of the creative process”. You can read the full story here.
Scifiwire.com report that Ian McKellen has read The Hobbit script. He confirms that the role of Bilbo has yet to be cast and said about the script; “There’s lots for me to enjoy, in all sorts of ways. And I couldn’t be happier. But I’m sworn to secrecy. I’m not to say anything at all about the script.”
Feeling nostalgic for the days of yester-yore? Need a little mirth from Middle-Earth? All current and alumni staff, mark your calendars for December 12, 2009 for the first ever CoE Staff Online Reunion!
Everyone is welcome but the invitiation is especially extended to those on the staff thread in the forum.
For the month of November the CoE Store will be featuring the new 2010 Lord of the Rings Calendar. Also available the 2010 Tolkien Calendar. Star your new year our right with one of these great calendars. And remember, all items purchased through the CoE store benefit the site.
According to an exclusive at Empire Online when he was asked if he would again put on Dwarf makeup and appear in ‘The Hobbit”, part of John Rhys Davies reply was; “I’ve already been asked and to be honest with you, I wouldn’t. I have already completely ruled it out. There’s a sentimental part of me that would love to be involved again. Really I am not sure my face can take that sort of punishment any more.”
