Today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has released the fourth and final vignette featuring a new perspective on The Lord of the Rings: War in the North, releasing November 1st. As the first M-rated video game bearing The Lord of the Rings name, this video addresses a simple – though key – element of this title: slaying orcs.

An assemblage of faces from the gaming and entertainment worlds, as well as key members of the Snowblind Studios team discuss not only the sheer fun obliterating the foul creatures that terrorize Middle-earth, but also speak to the violence depicted in the pages of the books, to describe war torn Middle-earth. Sean Astin and Dominic Monaghan (The Lord of the Rings), Brian Posehn (The Sarah Silverman Show) and Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) comment on not only the hordes of orc players will face in the game, but other foes that will pursue them, from troll, to goblins, to fell beasts and more. Gaming personalities Eric Eckstein (G4), Alison Haislip (G4) and Miri Jedeikin address the combination of the visceral combat, with the depth and character development of the RPG elements. Noted Tolkien scholar Corey Olsen points out the scribe’s own experience with war, particularly World Wars I and II. Continue reading “WBIE Releases Final Video of Four for The Lord of the Rings: War in The North”

Today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has released the third of four new videos discussing the theme of Fellowship in The Lord of the Rings. From the world of entertainment, to the development team at Snowblind Studios, this video includes candid commentary from people close to The Lord of the Rings canon.

Speaking to the concept of Fellowship, and it’s vital impact on The Lord of the Rings story, film stars Sean Astin and Dominic Monaghan (The Lord of the Rings) discuss the power created through these characters coming together. Actor Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) discusses the coming together of different races, utilizing their different attributes to create an even stronger bond, Experts from the world of gaming, Eric Eckstein (G4) , Alison Haislip (G4) and Miri Jedeikin discuss this theme in relation to concept of co-op play, and actor Brian Posehn (The Sarah Silverman Show) discusses his choice of player race. Continue reading “WBIE: Releases Third of Four Videos for The Lord of the Rings: War in the North”

From empireonline.com: It’s ten years on since four little hobbits set off from the Shire on an epic quest that spanned Middle Earth and took in vast battles, demonic monsters, wizardry, Orcs and, ultimately, enough Oscars to fill the Lonely Mountain. It’s ten years that have seen the rise and fall and rise again of two-part prequel The Hobbit, now firmly in production in Wellington, offering moviegoers an imminent return to Middle Earth.

Obviously this all called for a big celebration so a celebration is what Empire is having. The new issue is more bursting with revelry and nostalgia than a Friday night at the Prancing Pony. There’s tall tales – well, tallish tales – memories; behind-the-scenes pics from Aragorn himself, Viggo Mortensen; Oscar night reflections from Ian McKellen, Peter Jackson and Mortensen; and rarely-seen concept art.

Best of all, though, is a gathering of the four hobbits themselves: Elijah Wood (Frodo), Sean Astin (Samwise Gamgee), Billy Boyd (Pippin) and Dominic Monaghan (Merry). It was so momentous it called for its own trailer – and here it is for your perusal pleasure. Sadly the Nazgûl got stuck in LA traffic.

Today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has released the first of four new videos discussing the cultural phenomenon of The Lord of the Rings, as well as how The Lord of the Rings: War in the North fits within this world. This video features commentary from well-known faces from the entertainment industry discussing their personal affinity for The Lord of the Rings.

Film stars Dominic Monahan and Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings) discuss exploring this world in their childhoods; actors Brian Posehn (The Sara Silverman Show) and Kunal Nayyar (The Big Bang Theory) speak to its dominance within the fantasy genre, and gaming experts Alison Haislip (G4) and Miri Jedeikin affirm The War in the North’s authenticity, as well as noted Tolkien scholar, Corey Olson. Continue reading “WBIE Release First of Four Videos for The Lord of the Rings: War in the North”

Access Hollywood caught up with Elijah Wood in LA and spoke with him about his upcoming trip to New Zealand to reprise his role of Frodo Baggins in The Hobbit.

In related news, Access Hollywood also happened to snag an interview with Sean Astin and asked him what he thought about The Hobbit. You can catch the interview after the break below.

Continue reading “Elijah Wood, Sean Astin Speak About “The Hobbit””