Screen Junkies » Peter Jackson

Peter Jackson Resumes Filming ‘The Hobbit’ Even Though People Are Pretty Much Over Tolkien At This Point

Penn Collins — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:17:24 +0000

Having raised his commitment to the Hobbit films to three installments, Peter Jackson has picked back up on filming numbers two and three even though people have pretty much decided that 17 hours of Tolkien films is adequate for this lifetime and any others that may follow.

Nonetheless, filming resumes in New Zealand, promising to let us know what happens when short people road trip for a completely different reason than they did in Lord of the Rings.

The next Hobbit films, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, hits theaters December 13th of this year, with The Hobbit: Here and Back Again coming to theaters December 17th, 2014.

Doesn’t Jackson know that the whole nation is into movies based on graphic novels now? GOD!

Honest Trailers: ‘The Lord Of The Rings’

Wookie Johnson — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:47:28 +0000

With The Hobbit in theaters this week, we figured there was no better time to prepare you for unpronounceable names and lots of walking around than by premiering the Honest Trailer for Lord Of The Rings.

We also did it so CreatedWrestlingFed wouldn’t rape anybody. Seriously, bro. It’s just a web video.

‘Hobbit’ Production Diary Looks Inside The World Of Computer-Generated Beards

Wookie Johnson — Mon, 26 Nov 2012 17:46:38 +0000

You might think that filming a bearded actor is as simple as reminding the actor not to shave for a few months, but the proper depiction of beards on-screen involves so much more than that. As evidenced in this production diary for Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit, a team of expert technicians work tirelessly around the clock with expensive motion-capture technology to photograph each individual beard hair in a variety of climates and environments. It might seem like a small detail but it’s this attention to quality that raises Jackson’s films above epic fantasies. Like Thor, for instance. The beards in that were buuuullllllllssshhhiiiiiiittttttt.

Put Down That Book. It’s ‘The Hobbit’ Trailer

Wookie Johnson — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 15:43:21 +0000

Nerds were dealt a blow earlier this week when they got their first look at RoboCop’s rebooted body. They’ve suffered enough. Here as a reward for their hardships, is the full trailer for Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit. It’s got all of the things Tolkien fans like. Short people, weird magic, mountains, pointy hats, pointy ears, caves, hard to pronounce words, men gazing forlornly at one another, and crumbling walkways and bridges. Oh man, does it ever have crumbling walkways and bridges.

Very Few People Will Actually Get To See ‘The Hobbit’s Revolutionary 3D Presentation

Penn Collins — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 20:28:12 +0000

While it was recently (as recently as Comic-Con), touted as the future of the industry, The Hobbit‘s recording in 48 frames per second doesn’t seem to have garnered all that much excitement by, well, anyone. Consequently, it’s imagined that only a handful of theaters worldwide will show the epic tale the way it was meant to be shown.

For one thing, in order to show the improved version, theaters will need to upgrade their projectors. That’s a pretty tall order for just one film, even if it is The Hobbit. Also, early reports have come back saying that the footage has a look similar to porn or British television, two things audiences enjoy very much, but probably only when they’re expecting them.

Finally, people don’t like being told what they’ll like, which is what the producers essentially said a month ago. The ole’ “We know what’s best for them” doesn’t play so well, so we might be stuck watching this elven fantasy in 3D, 2D, or, if you’re like me, in six years when you’re hungover on your couch.

The choice is yours.

There’s A F*&% Ton Of Dwarves In This Dwarf-Inclusive Trailer For ‘The Hobbit’

Wookie Johnson — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 15:03:58 +0000

While the original trailer for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey gave us much to ooo and aaa over, it was decidedly lacking dwarf. That oversight has been remedied. By simply pointing the camera downward, Peter Jackson discovered that there were dwarves in those scenes after all, and now all thirteen are introduced.

If you’re bad with names, I suggest making space in your memory palace for Fili, Kili, Oin, Gloin, Thorin Oakenshield, Dwalin, Balin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, Dori, Nori, and Ori. Perhaps creating a pneumonic device will help.

OK, NOW ‘The Hobbit’ Is Going To Be Three Films

Penn Collins — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 16:10:36 +0000

Remember when we reported from Comic-Con a couple weeks ago that The Hobbit was only going to be two films? Well, we were all very stupid for believing that. Because it’s going to be three films. Three times the action! Three times the unknown British character actors! YES!

As I discussed in the original report, it’s a little disconcerting that, with filming wrapped on the ~~two~~ three films and with one coming out in four months that another film can be crafted from the scraps of the two planned films. Will the entire film just be a series of gag reels of shrunken actors flubbing lines and offering up drunken Hobbit-themed freestyle raps?

Because if so…awesome.

The new release schedule is as follows:

Hobbit 1: December 14th, 2012

Hobbit 2: The Hobbiting: December, 2013

Hobbit 3: Let’s Get This Party Started!: Summer 2014

Peter Jackson On ‘The Hobbit’s Higher Frame Rate: The Audience Will ‘Get Used To It’

Penn Collins — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 06:08:24 +0000

If you have to “get used to” something, then you probably don’t like it to begin with. And if I don’t like something immediately, I will never, ever, ever change my mind. Because I represent fickle American audiences that the studio’s lover and artists hate.

Unfortunately for Peter Jackson, director of the upcoming The Hobbit saga, the higher frame rate of the film’s 3D version might not be an instant hit with audiences. At a screening of a 12-minute, regular frame rate, non-3D clip, Jackson said about audiences’ reception of the innovation, “Like anything, you’ve got to get used to it.” Oh, and of course, because theater owners aren’t the most forward-thinking lot, audiences will be paying extra to see something they’ve gotta “get used to.”

He didn’t specify if the higher frame rate is something you get used to in ten minutes, or maybe after a hundred years of inundation, so who knows if audiences will view The Hobbit as a starter film, which will jump on the proverbial grenade of the learning curve associated with new technologies.

The new frame rate will represent a “hyper-realistic” approach, not unlike the way that higher refresh rates on LCD TVs make everything look like a British soap opera or porn. You know what I’m talking about.

The director showed up with Martin Freeman, Ian McKellan, Andy “Ping Pong Ball” Serkis, and Richard Armitage.

Comic-Con 2012: Peter Jackson Denies The World A Third ‘Hobbit’ Film…For Now

Penn Collins — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 19:48:25 +0000

Oh, Peter Jackson, why do you tease us so? During the Hobbit panel earlier today, many were expecting Jackson to announce a third film in the series, but no dice. Unfortunately, the audience was left with knowledge of the two, with studio PR folks saying ”The plan was always for two.”

F*ck the plan! This is Peter Jackson and tiny whimsical people! Give us a third you motherless monsters!!!

During the 266-day shoot, producers had accumulated enough extra footage to make a third fiml feasible, which is a concept so ridiculous that it could only exist in Hollywood.

“Oh, I was so cavalier with filming for your projects that cost hundreds of millions of dollars that there’s a bunch of extra stuff that you could probably turn into its own movie, but whatever. Totes up to you guys. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go alternate between “fat guy with an unkempt beard” and “skinny dude with a well-manicured beard” for the next year or so.”

Or so I assume it went.

It’s Going To Cost Extra To See ‘The Hobbit’ In Its Intended Frame Rate

Joseph Gibson — Tue, 19 Jun 2012 16:58:04 +0000

Peter Jackson‘s upcoming “here we go again” epic The Hobbit is one of the most anticipated films of 2012. But despite the movie’s proven track record of Peter Jackson directing short people in funny costumes running around, Jackson and company have managed to muster up some controversy to go along with the movie – and it all has to do with frame rates.

It’s a bit technical, but here’s the gist: The traditional frame rate (“the number of images displayed by a projector within one second”) for film projection in the United States is 24 frames per second. But big 3D-enthused filmmakers like Jackson and James Cameron are trying to get higher frame rates off the ground with the reasoning that they’re better for 3D – with many viewers saying that it makes Middle Earth look fake and artificial. Jackson shot The Hobbit in 48 fps, and he wants as many movie theaters as possible to show it in that new format.

But whatever your opinion on frame rates – there’s a solid bottom line here: In order for theaters to show movies like The Hobbit in the new frame rate, they have to equip their digital projectors with new software, which requires time and money. So to show The Hobbit in full-on Hobbit-vision is going to cost theaters more than showing a normal movie.

No one knows exactly how the exhibitors will defray this cost, but you can bet at least part of it will end up as a ticket price increase. So at this point, it’s basically up to the audience – if they’re willing to pay for higher frame rates, this could really take off. If not, it could be the next Smell-O-Vision. (The Hollywood Reporter)

‘The Hobbit’ Finally Gets Around To Casting Billy Connolly

Wookie Johnson — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 14:00:35 +0000

The final piece is in place. Peter Jackson has announced that he’s finally got around to casting Scottish comedian Billy Connolly in The Hobbit films. He’ll play a fierce dwarf because look at him.

“We could not think of a more fitting actor to play Dain Ironfoot, the staunchest and toughest of Dwarves, than Billy Connelly, the Big Yin himself,” Jackson said in a statement to THR. “With Billy stepping into this role, the cast of The Hobbit is now complete. We can’t wait to see him on the Battlefield!”

Congratulations to Mr. Connolly, who had better prepare himself for a surge in popularity. Fans of The Hobbit are much more rabid than those at Head of the Class Con. If only he could have hooked Arvid up with a part.

‘The Hobbit’ Trailer Teases More Middle-Earth Hijinks

Wookie Johnson — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 05:00:59 +0000

After having us wait around all day not knowing when a safe time to take a dump would be, the trailer for The Hobbit finally debuted online late tonight. And the verdict is: Peter Jackson has made the Lord of the Rings again. For the most part. The Shire looks the same. Gandalf looks the same. It does seem like there have been some advancements in dwarf make-up. It’s like a rogue’s gallery of weird-looking European men. I feel like I’m on the bus to Brighton Beach.

It’s a fair enough critique. The film does look similar to its predecessors in most ways, but not in all. Notably absent from this teaser were any gay-looking or effeminate men. Thorin Oakenshield is the only new character that stands out, and he looks pretty badass. Whether Bilbo has a male stalker or not remains to be seen (Gollum doesn’t count).

New ‘Adventures Of Tintin’ Trailer For U.S. Eyes Only

Wookie Johnson — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:58:17 +0000

Most of the promotional efforts for The Adventures of Tintin have been focused toward the film’s October 26th UK release date. But, at the American release on December 21st draws near we are beginning to see more of the film ourselves. Which means my houseboy will have to go into the other room. This new trailer is for American eyes only. I’m sorry, Estebuul.

A lot of talent went into making this film. Steven Spielberg directed, Peter Jackson produced, with WETA building the impressive world in which the characters swashbuckle. All that, and a script from Joe Cornish (Attack the Block), Steven Moffat and Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz). What’s your take on the trailer? Super-awesome or waxy-skinned and creepy?

The UK ‘Adventures Of Tintin’ Trailer Is Badass

Wookie Johnson — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:22:52 +0000

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn opens in the UK in just a few weeks, and in advance of that opening, we have this new, action-packed trailer. Why didn’t anyone ever tell me that Tintin was so badass? I always saw the neat haircut and placid features and assumed it was a lame comic created by the church or something. I had no idea that there are pirate battles and guns and motorbike parkour. This thing is awesome and now I’m pissed that no one thought to mention it to me. Thanks for dropping the ball, everyone in my life.

I nominate Tintin to replace Harrison Ford at Indiana Jones.

Comic-Con 2011: No Panel For ‘The Hobbit’, But There’s A Production Video

Col. Longshanks — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:44:41 +0000

Yesterday, Peter Jackson announced that he would not be bringing The Hobbit to Comic-Con this year. The main reason for this is he has absolutely nothing to show. The director posted this message on his Facebook:

Good news and bad news today. Bad news is that we won’t be doing any Hobbit presentation at Comic Con in San Diego this year. New Line and Warner Bros were very happy to support a presentation, but I declined, simply because I felt it was too early. There’s so much more of the films still to shoot. I just wanted to get that out there, because I’ve seen various references to the possibility of something Hobbity at Comic Con. Hate to disappoint anyone. But something tells me we will be there in force next year.

Now for the good news…

We’ve just finished a new video blog, covering a little more of the first block of shooting. So please enjoy this—at least you don’t have to travel to San Deigo to see it!

I’ve been on the go since wrapping the first shooting block, but I’m about to settle down and get into the much delayed 20 Questions. I’ve a few half-written and will get those done very, very soon! I promise!

Cheers,
Peter J

So there you have it. You get the video above, and if you don’t like it then, well, I apologize on behalf of all the Jacksons. Especially Joe.

Enough With The Dwarves Already: ‘The Hobbit’s’ Thorin Revealed

Wookie Johnson — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:00:32 +0000

And then there were none, and it looks like they saved the best for last. After a slow tease over the last few weeks via several media outlets, The One Ring has revealed British actor Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Though that sounds more like the name of a Swedish club DJ, Oakenshield is actually the bad-ass leader of the dwarves who join Bilbo on his quest to kill the shit out of the dragon Smaug. You can next see Armitage in Captain America, where he presumably won’t look like Travolta’s character from Battlefield: Earth.

Congratulations all. We made it. This should be the final dwarf reveal at least until Ian McShane has his Snow White and the Huntsman make-up test.

‘The Hobbit’ Dwarf Lords Balin And Dwalin’s Prom Photo Now Online

Wookie Johnson — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:15:23 +0000

When production on Peter Jackson‘s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey began, we didn’t anticipate that we too would be taken on a journey — the journey of slowly being teased with Sears Portrait Studio images of Bilbo’s dwarf buddies. Some may be annoyed with this marketing tactic, but I find it refreshing. It’s always intimidating to meet people in large groups. This way you get to make the more personal connection. Like on The Bachelor.

We’ve already gotten to know Dori, Nori, Ori. Then Oin and Gloin. Followed by Kili and Fili. And then, fat one and miner guys. Would Dwarves #11 and #12 please step forward:

Check it out. It’s Balin and his bro Dwalin. Though Dwalin isn’t rocking his blue beard, he’s still looking pretty bad ass. I wouldn’t step to him.

So, this leaves us with only Thorin to go. Then we can get started on the Elves…. (Time)

New ‘Tintin’ Trailer Proves Mo-Cap Doesn’t Have To Suck

Col. Longshanks — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 16:11:49 +0000

‘The Adventures of Tintin’ Teaser Has A Whole Mess Of Danger

A bloody good new full-length U.K. trailer for Steven Spielberg’s The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn: Longest Title Ever has dropped on the Internets. It’s refreshing to see a movie done entirely in mo-cap that doesn’t send chills down my spine. Spielberg and Peter Jackson may have solved the “dead-eyes” problem that has plagued so many previous mo-cap films **touches nose with one finger, points as Robert Zemeckis with the other** I’m now officially excited to see what looks like an exciting adventure story. If nothing else, that dog, Snowy, is damn adorable.

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn: Longest Title Ever opens in the U.K on October 26, and in the U.S. on December 23. Hey Brits, don’t yell spoilers across the pond to us Yanks.

…And Now, An Image Of Oin And Gloin From ‘The Hobbit’

Penn Collins — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 21:40:45 +0000

Why should Dori, Nori, and Ori get all the…glory? They had their day in the sun yesterday with the release of this image. Before that, Bilbo got his glamour shots. Now, it’s time for Oin and Gloin to shoin. (I’m so very sorry.) With The Hobbit casting complete, Peter Jackson is starting to roll out images of its more diminutive characters.

So who, exactly are Oin and Gloin? You’re going to have to read the book to find out.

Just kidding. This is what Yahoo said about them:

Distant cousins of Thorin Oakenshield, these two doughty Northern Dwarves join the Company out of a sense of loyalty to their kin, and also because they have a substantial sum of money invested in the venture. Along with Bombur, Gloin is the only other married Dwarf in the Company (there being a shortage of female dwarves in general). His wife is an acclaimed beauty with a particularly fine beard. Gloin is the proud father of a young son, Gimli, who will go on to become part of the famous Fellowship of the Ring.

They do look rather doughty, don’t they? Doughty as shit, if you ask me. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go look up “doughty.”

3 photosReturn To The Shire With First Official 'Hobbit' Stills

Between these guys and Peter Dinklage in Game of Thrones, I’m beginning to feel kind of tall and uncool.

Time To Find Out What ‘The Hobbit’s’ Dwarf Brothers Will Look Like

Wookie Johnson — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:42:54 +0000

3 photosReturn To The Shire With First Official 'Hobbit' Stills

We’ve already seen what Bilbo and Gandalf will look like in Peter Jackson‘s adaptation of The Hobbit. Actually, we’ve seen them from various angles. Sadly, no other angles have been offered up, but now we won’t have to imagine what the dwarf brothers Dori, Nori, and Ori look like anymore either.

Below we have a full pic of Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, and Mark Hadlow who play the brothers who join Bilbo on his quest to fuck up Smaug’s shit.

What do you guys think? Looks good to me and I’d be the last one to tell Peter Jackson how to do his job, but he could have saved on his make-up budget if he’d cast that main guy from System Of A Down to play Nori. Not to mention all of the time spent in the chair. I’m sure that the 1st assistant director would agree with me.

(Coming Soon)

Look At Gandalf And Bilbo From A Different Angle

Col. Longshanks — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:02:58 +0000

Last week, thanks to EW, we got a sneak at Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. Now, thanks to Empire, we get to see Gandalf and Bilbo yet again, only this time from slightly different angles. Gandalf is in more of a close-up, looking ever so weary and fed-up with hobbit B.S., while Bilbo has turned to face the camera. If we’re patient, we may soon get to witness their backsides. I’m personally very interested to find out what Gandy is workin’ with.

Return To The Shire With First Official ‘Hobbit’ Stills

Wookie Johnson — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 16:20:03 +0000

Here are the first stills from Peter Jackson‘s currently-in-production The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and they of course look awesome. We all knew that Martin Freeman would make a convincing Hobbit but wow, he really looks the part. All it took was pointy ears and a flowy shirt. And look at him playing Army guys with Peter Jackson. What a fun set!

There’s also a new look at Ian McKellen as Gandalf. Or should I say “Sexy Gandalf”? Look at that come hither stare. Dude is ready to pose for Geriatric Romance novels. Either that or he’s trying to inconspicuously let out a fart. You shall not pass gas! (EW)

Evangeline Lilly And Barry Humphries Find Themselves In ‘The Hobbit’

Wookie Johnson — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:23:58 +0000

Peter Jackson spent the weekend adding original characters to The Hobbit storyline. Not only can we expect to see the cast of the original trilogy return. Jackson has found a way to shoehorn in a few more.

“Lost’s” Evangeline Lilly will call upon her talent of looking ethereal for the role of Tauriel, a Woodland Elf from the Mirkwood forest. She’s a completely new character and it was also noted that she’s not a love interest for Legolas. Which I’m sure that isn’t helping Legolas squash any rumors about himself. He’ll date when he finds the right girl, Dad!!

6 photosEvangeline Lilly

The character actor best known for portraying Dame Edna, Barry Humphries, has also joined the project. He’ll play the Goblin King via Gollum-like motion capture. This character also did not appear in the books, rather the video game The Lord Of The Rings: The Battle For Middle-Earth II. Filmmakers will be going the more lizard-eyed, jagged tooth route with this character and less in the direction of David Bowie with a feathered wig. (Peter Jackson)

‘The Hobbit’ Dragon Will Have A British Accent, Courtesy of Benedict Cumberbatch

Penn Collins — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:37:38 +0000

After much speculation, the producers of The Hobbit have settled on a voice for Smaug, the magic dragon. They have selected actor Benedict Cumberbatch, and they didn’t have to look too far to find him. He was already in the cast of The Hobbit, having signed on to play Necromancer, a character that can’t possibly be as depraved as his name would suggest.

Cumberbatch, who I correctly assumed is very British, has garnered some buzz for his turns in the upcoming War Horse, directed by Steven Spielberg, and Tinker Tailer Soldier Spy, opposite Colin Firth and Gary Oldman. He also continues to play Sherlock Holmes in the award-winning BBC mini-series of the same name.

In addition to providing the voice of Smaug, motion capture will be used to pick up Cumberbatch’s movements and mannerisms, though it’s not explained whether the capture will just be from the actor’s face, or his whole body a la Andy Serkis and Gollum. Let’s hope it’s the latter.

Director: “Act more like a dragon!”

Benedict Cumberbatch:”I AM acting like a dragon!”

Director: “Hmm. Trying acting HARDER like a dragon. Like as hard as you can.”

Benedict Cumberbatch: “ROOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAARRRRRR!”

Director: “Cut. We got it, people.”

(Deadline)

Luke Evans Readies His Bow And Arrow For ‘The Hobbit’

Penn Collins — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 22:40:33 +0000

Luke Evans, after getting shortlisted for, then denied, the lead in The Bourne Legacy as well as the role of Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby, has finally gotten some of that sweet, sweet blockbuster action. Evans has scored the tole of Bard in Peter Jackson‘s epic The Hobbit. It was one of the last roles to be cast, so odds are he was sweating this one out until its merciful conclusion.

Evans’ character plays a skilled archer (read: badass) that Deadline states is reminiscent of Viggo Mortensen‘s Aragon from Lord of the Rings. Bard will be in the first film, but will get more attention in the second installment, it is said.

Evans is wrapping up his role as Aramis in the upcoming Three Musketeers, so perhaps Hobbit producers knew he would be well suited to wearing ridiculous outfits. Whatever gives you an edge…

‘The Hobbit’ Confirms Additional Titles, Because ‘The Hobbit’ Isn’t Enough

Joseph Gibson — Mon, 30 May 2011 21:31:00 +0000

As previously rumored, the two Hobbit movies from director Peter Jackson now have official titles. The first one will have the title The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, while part 2 will be known as The Hobbit: There and Back Again. As for release dates, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is set to come out on December 14, 2012, while The Hobbit: There and Back Again has a release date of about a year later on December 13, 2013.

In case you’re a little rusty on your Tolkien, both of these titles come from chapters of the book (“An Unexpected Party” and “There and Back Again”). Now, since I don’t have anything else to say about these confirmed titles, here’s a massive list of the cast:

See Video Of Peter Jackson’s ‘The Hobbit’ Being Made Before Your Very Eyes

Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Ian Holm, Christopher Lee, Hugo Weaving, Elijah Wood, Andy Serkis, Richard Armitage, Jed Brophy, Adam Brown, John Callen, Stephen Fry, Ryan Gage, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Stephen Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, Mike Mizrahi, James Nesbitt, Dean O’Gorman, Lee Pace, Mikael Persbrandt, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott, Jeffrey Thomas and Aidan Turner.

Whew! No wonder the movie is in two parts. (ComingSoon)

Hooray! Orlando Bloom Confirmed As Legolas

Joseph Gibson — Fri, 27 May 2011 17:32:29 +0000

Good news for all the Legoliacs out there – as previously rumored, Orlando Bloom has been confirmed via Peter Jackson on Facebook to play America’s Favorite Elf, Legolas, in Peter Jackson‘s The Hobbit. So, unfortunately, my prediction that they would cast Jon Hamm in the part instead has turned out to be inaccurate. Here’s Jackson on the news:

“Ten years ago, Orlando Bloom created an iconic character with his portrayal of Legolas. I’m excited to announce today that we’ll be revisiting Middle Earth with him once more. I’m thrilled to be working with Orlando again. Funny thing is, I look older—and he doesn’t! I guess that’s why he makes such a wonderful elf.”

Orlando Bloom Seems Super Drunk

Whoa, way to insult the guy, Peter. Although I guess in some cultures being compared to an elf is considered a compliment.

Two People Hospitalized Working On ‘The Hobbit: Turn Off The Dark’

Joseph Gibson — Tue, 24 May 2011 17:51:11 +0000

Peter Jackson‘s The Hobbit has officially joined the ranks of movies like Apocalypse Now or Waterworld, in that we can read news updates about the latest calamity to befall the poor cast and crew (note: at least one of those movies is an all-time masterpiece, so this doesn’t mean The Hobbit is going to be bad). The latest: Two crew members are hospitalized after an “explosion” caused them to suffer minor burns. Here’s the movie’s publicist on how “explosion” might be a bit of a harsh word:

‘‘One of them had some burnt nostril hairs and, apparently if that’s the case, there is always the risk of inhalation so they get checked out.’’

Just some burnt nostril hairs, nothing to be alarmed about. There was no fire, either, according to the statement. Still, if I were Martin Freeman, I’d think about taking out an extra insurance policy or something. (The Sydney Morning Herald)

Benedict Cumberbatch Is Gonna Be All Up In ‘The Hobbit’

Wookie Johnson — Mon, 23 May 2011 15:30:11 +0000

When the sexily-named Benedict Cumberbatch, dropped out of Joe Wright‘s Anna Karenina for and unknown scheduling conflict, nobody really batted an eye. We all just figured he was doing, “I don’t know. Something British, I guess.” But now, thanks to his “Sherlock Holmes” co-star Martin Freeman‘s ship-sinking lips, we know exactly what that unknown conflict is.

Cumberbatch will be sharing the screen with Freeman once again in… The Hobbit. I’m not sure what role Cumberbatch will be playing as his appearance was intended to be a secret, which I guess was news to the film’s star when he run and told dat to Bleeding Cool. Now Freeman has told Digital Spy about the kind of heat he is worried he’ll be taking.

“I knew I was a bigmouth, I didn’t know how much of a bigmouth, and I’ve ruined everything. And now I might not have a job to go back to!”

Oh, Martin. Of course you’ll have a job to go back to. The Hobbit can’t afford another setback.

Smartypants Comedian Stephen Fry Joins ‘The Hobbit’

Geoffrey Golden — Thu, 19 May 2011 02:32:03 +0000

More non-American people are joining Peter Jackson‘s The Hobbit, taking jobs away from Americans who do terrible English accents. However, the latest non-American to join The Hobbit is that awesome, super-genius British actor/comedian Stephen Fry, who’ll play Mycroft in Sherlock Holmes 2. He’s hilarious, so I’ll give Fry a pass. This time.

Fry will pla The Master of Laketown, also known as “The Master” and “Master Blaster.” He’s the smart, greedy mayor of a town Bilbo and company hang out in. Other roles have been cast, too. The Master’s conniving servant Alfrid will be played by Ryan Gage, and Conan Stevens will play the orc Azog. “Isn’t that cool? Azog is played by Conan,” Jackson wrote on Facebook, enthusiastically. Uh, is “cool” the right word?