Thanks to Ringer Diedye for the heads up on this one! Empire Magazine has an exclusive interview with Christopher Lee in which he clearly states he would be more than happy to reprise his role as Saruman in the upcoming ‘Hobbit’ Films. How you might ask? Well, Christopher Lee has some theories of his own in Empire’s complete article.
“I’d be interested in seeing how that transition from good to evil occurred and, yes, of course I would return to the role if I was asked.”
Read the full article over at EmpireOnline.com! [Read More]
Sideshow Collectibles has started taking pre-orders for the ‘Dark Counsel‘ diorama – featuring Brad Dourif as Grima Wormtongue and Bernard Hill as Theoden. They have also posted a 360° turnaround of the piece (see image). In other LOTR updates, Sideshow has posted their production photography for the Sam and Frodo 12-inch figures – if you haven’t picked up you figures yet, now is the time. The Samwise Gamgee and the Frodo Baggins Exclusive Editions (only available via Sideshow’s website and have an extra accessory) are on second chance and should sell out shortly. Also on second chance is the popular ‘Treachery of Saruman‘ diorama which is getting some great reviews. And last, if you are on the fence about any of these collectibles, check out the ‘Backstage Pass‘ features. They are neat little videos that explain the figure and showcase what makes Sideshow items worth owning. [Dark Counsel Diorama] [Frodo 12-inch Exclusive] [Samwise 12-inch Exclusive] [Hobbit Backstage Pass Video] [Treachery of Saruman Diorama] [Treachery of Saruman Backstage Pass Video]
‘Wizard Week’ continues with the birthday of movie icon Christopher Lee. Christopher Frank Carandini Lee, CBE, CStJ (born May 27, 1922) is an English actor. He initially portrayed villains and became famous for his role as Count Dracula in a string of Hammer Horror films. Other notable roles include Lord Summerisle in The Wicker Man, Francisco Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun, Count Dooku in the Star Wars prequel trilogy as well as Saruman in the Lord of the Rings film trilogy. Lee’s most important role, according to him, was his portrayal of Pakistan’s founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the biopic Jinnah. His most recent film is The Golden Compass, where he plays the Magisterium’s First High Counselor. Despite a critically acclaimed career that spans over seven decades, Lee has never been nominated for an Academy Award. At his peak he was 6’5″ tall and is ranked along with Vince Vaughn as the tallest leading actor of all time.
According to the Times Online, Christopher Lee will make British History next month when he becomes one of the first living non-royals to be portrayed on a British stamp:
“The 85-year-old actor will appear as Dracula on a set of commemorative stamps next month marking the 50th anniversary of the Hammer horror and Carry On films. The stamps, which break more than 80 years of convention, will be released on June 10. Buckingham Palace said new designs were personally approved by the Queen.”
Thanks to message board member diedye for the scoop. Read More
From the Irish Film and Television Network: Irish actor Colin Farrell (In Bruges, Intermission), Spanish actress Paz Vega (Spanglish, Sex & Lucia) and screen legend Christopher Lee (The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars) will star in ‘Triage’, the latest pic from Oscar winning filmmaker Danis Tanovic’s (No Man’s Land, 11 September). Starting next week, the film will shoot for five weeks in Spain, followed by a three week shoot in Dublin. Thanks to message board member diedye for the link. Read More
LOTR veterans are lending their talents to Sky One’s upcoming Easter weekend broadcast of Terry Pratchett’s ‘The Colour of Magic.’ Sean Astin has a feature on-screen role as Twoflower, while Christopher Lee voices ‘Death.’ For complete details, check out the official ‘The Colour of Magic’ website. Thanks to Rowena_Boat for the heads up! [Learn More]
