It’s just about six months until the December 13th release of the second installment in The Hobbit trilogy and we’ve got our first poster for the film. Poor Bilbo. He knows going through that door is just as dangerous as it looks, yet he’s going to do it anyway and none of us can stop him.
(via Kotaku)
Here’s what Lord of the Rings would look like with the genders of all the characters swapped, and it’s absolutely beautiful. Annis at Livejournal recast the movie and did an incredible job choosing a whole new group of actors.
When I created this picspam, I had a couple of requirements when choosing an actor. First off: they should be of an approximately fitting age. No 20-year-old Aragorn or 40-year-old Gandalf. Second off: they should have some tie to the movie version of the character, as that’s what I’m casting after. As I’m pretty bad at actors, I used IMDB extensively and asked friends for help. I haven’t considered much beyond looks either, as, well, then I couldn’t cast anything. Not much of a movie watcher, me.
I’m particularly fond of Geena Davis as Gimili given that the actress is actually 6′ tall!
See more after the break…
The Orcs in Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings wield a pretty nasty weapon in the form of a scimitar. It is perfect for slicing and dicing things like horses, or Hobbits, and it generally strikes fear in the heart of all those who face it. Except for Zoe of zohbugg, who purchased one for herself and then discovered it has many uses beyond the slicing and dicing of horses and Hobbits. It’s great for making the bed, slicing bread, making coffee and even reaching the toilet paper. Who knew it was both deadly and incredibly useful?
See more pictures after the break…
The Lord of the Rings trilogy – the books and films – are eminently quotable. It seems like there’s a line for every occasion, be it sad or lighthearted, and some of them are just fun or beautiful. Narrowing the list of favorites down to ten is not an easy feat, but I managed! As you know, all quotes are penned by J.R.R. Tolkien but I’m crediting the character who spoke the line when appropriate. Check them out after the break.
As much as I would love to go to New Zealand, I can’t deny that I adore the idea of a Middle Earth theme park here at home. After seeing what can be done with theming and details – the sky is the limit. Rumors of a Middle Earth theme park hit the net about a month ago, but no sources were revealed or confirmed. Now those rumblings seem to have a more weight.
Tolkien Brasil obtained records from the U.S. Patent Office dated on January 22 which show that the Saul Zaents Company has registered a document requesting a few goods and services for the Middle Earth name. One section focuses on amusement parks. From the document:
“Entertainment in the nature of an amusement park ride; Entertainment services in the nature of an amusement park show; Entertainment services, namely, arranging for ticket reservations for amusement park attractions; Providing theme park services.”
Hmm.That certainly makes the possibility seem more real since the same company gives the rights to Warner Brothers to produce The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films. They don’t specify a location in the document, but here’s hoping that it’s in the U.S.
See the registration document after the break (click to enlarge).
These sets of nerdy nesting dolls were made by Etsy seller Rachel Anderson. Each set is handpainted and varnished with the main character from some of our favorite franchises like Doctor Who, Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings. There’s even one that’s got three different sets of dolls to commemorate each of the Back to the Future movies. She’s also open to custom orders so you can create your own set of nesting dolls.
See more after the break…
So. There’s a rumor going around the internet that Universal and the Tolkien family are in talks about a Middle Earth theme park. It all began in a forum – as most internet rumors do. User Disneyhead over at Orlando United said that Universal asked Warner Bros to approach the Tolkien family about the idea of an amusement park. They communicated how closely Universal worked with J.K. Rowling to bring the world of Harry Potter to life and basically said Universal could do the same for Middle Earth. The poster believes that the Tolkien family has talked with Rowling about just that, and that Universal has entered discussions with an “impressive plan.”
This person is being called a reputable member of the forums, but as I don’t use those forums I don’t know how they are defining that claim. However, from scanning the replies, no one seems to be questioning him – just speculating about possible rides and location. That says something.
I mean, imagine the possibilities! A dwarf barrel ride, a Smaug contraption you can ride across the sky, a roller coaster ride through Moria, locations serving themed food and Elevensies, and so much more. Plus, you won’t have to travel all the way to New Zealand. It could be glorious. Given the fact that Universal has built Wizarding World in a way that makes you feel like you’re walking around in the Harry Potter books, I think they could make it work. But since it’s a rumor from a forum, I’m going to take this with a healthy dose of realism and so you should you. Daydream away about walking into The Prancing Pony, but don’t put all your pipeweed in one pipe.
The Brotherhood Workshop is at it again. They made a fantastic Hobbit-themed Halloween video and now they’ve recreated one of the most stunning battles in The Lord of the Rings trilogy with precision detail in Lego form. Okay, there may be a few changes. Legolas gets a little confused. And Voldemort shows up for a minute, but other than those two small discrepancies, it’s a faithful recreation. Oh alright, it’s a whole new spin on things and it’s absolutely hilarious.
See the video after the break…
I am not alone in my belief that, at any moment, New Zealand will officially change its name to Middle Earth. They’ve got a giant Gollum in the airport, flight safety videos full of Middle Earth residents, a plane decked out with scenes from The Hobbit, and now, the local weather in Elvish. This guy does his best Legolas complete with cloak, ears and hair and reads the forecast in the Elvish language of Sindarin. I think he could say a monsoon was on the way and it’d sound so beautiful that no one would care.
See the video after the break…
Bilbo and Frodo will wish they were a little bit smaller when they see this 10″ tall terrarium version of Bag End. It features a detailed, hand-sculpted house made from reference shots of the film along with a living ecosystem of moss harvested by the seller from forests near her home. This world-in-a-bowl includes care instructions to help you keep your terrarium healthy and green.
See more pictures after the break…
