Taking time out from canvassing for the Scottish National Party and a break from offers to advertise Japanese whisky, Sean Connery is in advanced talks with a US studio to star in what will be one of the biggest films ever embarked on. He is the front-runner to take the lead role in the Tinseltown-backed adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s trilogy, *Lord of the Rings*. The film version is being backed by New Line Cinema, the studio behind such blockbusters as *Mortal Combat*, with New Zealand director Peter Jackson taking the chair. Connery would play Gandalf, the wizard who leads the Hobbits in their battle against Dark Lord Sauron. The three Tolkien films, which will shoot back-to-back starting this September, were originally budgeted at a collective $130m when New Line agreed to take over the financing of the project from Miramax Films in return for worldwide distribution and merchandising rights. But now figures being bandied about are much higher with all three costing more than even *Titanic*, which included the world’s most expensive ice cube. Like the upcoming *Star Wars* trilogy, Jackson’s heavily-shrouded project has provoked endless Internet discussion as it nears the projected September 19 start date. Jackson, like George Lucas before him, is no stranger to the use of digital effects and is expected to draw on his state-of-the-art digital effects facility he had built in New Zealand. The ambitious Kiwi director is expected to create the legions of hobbits, orcs, elves and goblins that make up Tolkien’s mythical world of Middle Earth in his backyard. A portion of the year-long production schedule for the first film may even be shot in Europe with a Christmas 2000 release date penciled in for the first episode, *The Fellowship Of The Ring*. But it still remains to be seen whether Jackson will follow the example of George Lucas and shoot the entire film digitally. Whether Connery decides to pick up Gandalf’s staff or not, the film adaptation is likely to be one of the most talked about movie projects of next year. With its expansive story, intricate fantasy world settings, big production costs and the lure of Tolkien’s original brilliance, actors will be queuing up to play a part.
Category: Rumours Spy News
Cinescape Online reporter Chris Kivlehan, on hand to ask the tough questions of the assembled actors at the Star Wars Celebration convention in Denver today, asked Phantom Menace actor Warwick Davis about his interest in possibly being involved with the upcoming Lord of the Rings trilogy and whether or not he had contacted Peter Jackson. Davis responded “I was fortunate enough to audition for that film.” He went on to explain that it didn”t work out, and an actor Timothy Spall has been cast as Gimli. Spall is not of small stature but will instead be reduced in size through special effects which caused some disappointment with an actor who felt he had the obvious attributes to carry that role.
I have exclusive Cirdan-News about the the Aragorn-Casting-Rumor with Robert Atkins-Down of Babylon5.
Today I met Robert Atkins-Down at a Star Trek/ Babylon5 -Convention here in Bonn, Germany and I told him about the rumor in the Internet. He said, that he only have tried to do this casting, but they don’t want him.
editors note: The actors name is actually Robin Atkin Downes
Famed New Zealand film-maker, Peter Jackson, is bringing his multi-million dollar production of Lord of the Rings to Palmerston North. Jackson shot to fame with his low-budget cult favourite Bad Tase, and found artistic acclaim with the darkly gothic Heavenly Creatures, and financial success with the US financed The Frightners. Currently Jackson is remaining coy about the actual location to be used for the shooting, but has stated that he is sizing up his optitons before confirming his intentions in the Manawatu. However he is looking for approximately 80 to 100 young extras to various stature. Jackson will be appearing on Concourse on Wednesday 12th of May in the common lunch hour to look for prospective talent. I you are interested in auditioning, application forms will be available on the day. No previous experience is necessary.
Wellington – Rumours linking British actor Sean Connery with Peter Jackson’s ‘Lord Of The Rings’ trilogy are gathering momentum in the Wellington suburb of Seatoun, where the film-maker lives. First there was speculation the Connery and Kiwi actor Sam Neill (‘Jurassic Park’) were interested in playing the role of Gandalf the wizard. Now rumours are circulating that Connery has bought a house in Seatoun, where Neill is said to own a property. Locals are believed to have spotted Connery at the Chocolate Fish Cafe in Karaka Bay.
A cardboard cutout of the star has graced one of the cafe’s seats since Tuesday. “I haven’t seen him myself,” said manager Penny Pennington, “but I have people who swear they have seen him here.”
Well, with stories like this around, I don’t need to make anything up. People’s imaginations are running rife down there. Or maybe he really DID go to the Chocolate Fish Cafe. (In case that sounds revolting, chocolate fish are a popular thing here, they’re chococlate-covered marshmallow fish.)
(You didn’t need to know that…)
This was sent to me this morning. Coming from the Oxford Literary Press I would put more weight into this rumour. “The Lord Of the Rings”, the nation”s most popular novel, according to recent polls, is currently being made into a blockbuster movie by Hollywood director Peter Jackson. Jackson is preparing to film the three-part epic in his native New Zealand with a budget of millions of pounds and a cast of thousands. One member of the cast may come as a surprise to Tolkien aficionados; Christopher Tolkien, the author”s son and editor of many recent Middle-Earth releases, is strongly rumoured to be making a cameo appearance in the movie. Although both the Tolkien family and the Tolkien society have been keen to distance themselves from the production, word has reached us that Christopher has been approached to play a small part. Our insider, a member of the Tolkien Society tells us, “During talks with [Christopher] Tolkien, Peter Jackson broached the subject of a cameo appearance. Christopher has indicated that he would be pleased to take part as he has been impressed with the production and screenplay. The current thinking is that he will appear on-screen during the Council of Ellrond.” This will come as a surprise to many in view of the Tolkien family”s reticence to be involved with previous adaptations. We tried to contact the family but their representatives declined to comment. I really hope this rumour is true. Christopher Tolkien has done so much for Tolkien’s Literary works! It would be absolutely fabulous to see him make it into the film. Huge thanks goes out to ‘Broken Nose’ for the 411.