It’s one thing to just be a reporter who covered The LOTR Trilogy during it’s lengthy production — but it’s another thing entirely to be embedded in the mix for many years while publishing Sir Ian McKellen’s extraordinary stories on his evergreen website www.McKellen.com — and thus Keith Stern, webmaster and author, provides the goods in his NEW tell-all book: For Entertainment Only: Behind the Scenes of The Lord of the Rings. Next Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, there’s even a special Book Launch Party to be held at Hollywood’s famous geek destination Scum & Villainy Cantina!
Only someone who had been that close to the action, the many rehearsals, the Big-atures, and the gargantuan effort made by the Cast and Crew could have written such a revealing volume! What amazing stories Keith Stern has to reveal here!
In his words: “Delve into the captivating world of “The Lord of the Rings” with exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes. Discover untold stories from the making of the iconic movies, featuring interviews and experiences ‘from one who knows,’ as endorsed by Ian McKellen himself. Available for pre-order now, this memoir by Keith Stern offers a unique perspective on the filming process and the journey of bringing Middle-earth to life.
Early KIRKUS REVIEWS are positively the best they could be — and they are known to be very tough critics:
A titillating, but never salacious, memoir from a music and movie insider’s perspective.
The above image is from May 25, 2011, Wellington NZ. Birthday party for Sir Ian McKellen. Peter Jackson previews some footage of THE HOBBIT for Stephen Hunter, Dean O’Gorman and Fran Walsh. Photo by Keith Stern “For Entertainment Only”
Continuing from their Kirkus Review: “As the author of the landmark 1993 book Queers in History, Stern has been at the forefront of promoting the biographies of LGBTQ+ luminaries, including that of his close personal friend Ian McKellen, who plays a central role throughout the book’s second half. The author’s stream-of-consciousness writing style offers an engaging read, and the text is accompanied by a high-resolution online photo gallery of snapshots taken by the author of Hollywood stars.”
Behind this nondescript door in Wellington, all kinds of amazing movie magic happened where KING KONG climbed and fell from the Empire State Building! Photo by Keith Stern: “For Entertainment Only”
As we get closer to the Party date (Nov. 12, 2024) more surprises and images will be revealed on Keith’s official FaceBook page here:
There are so many wonderful appearances in the pages of this volume from Rock & Roll stars and movie actors galore. What sets this remarkable book apart is the intimacy and self-awareness of the author himself — a man who worked hard to bring Sir Ian and his wisdom to all the fans waiting to hear from him during the earliest days of the Internet.
Clifford Broadway will be hosting an EXCLUSIVE interview with Keith Stern during next week’s broadcast of TORn Tuesday — so be sure to tune in for that livestream! If you are in Southern California on Nov. 12, 2024, then join us at Scum & Villainy Cantina, 6377 Hollywood Blvd. from 7pm until 9pm Pacific Time — for a smashing good party, free to attend! Books will be available and the author will be happy to sign copies.
The above photo shows us the 2001 Gandalf the Grey contact sheet. Photos by Pierre Vinet. Ian has marked with an X those that should not be used for publicity or marketing. His contract allowed him to reject a certain amount, about 1/2 but the rest were fair game for the studio marketing and publicity departments to use for posters, advertisements and illustrations.
The above picture: November 28, 2012, Wellington NZ: Elijah Wood on the red carpet for the premiere of “The Hobbit”. Photo by Keith Stern “For Entertainment Only”
If you’ve ever wished for “precioussss” versions of Gollum & Sméagol figures that capture every conflicted, crawling moment, look no further! Asmus and Sideshow have just dropped two stunning sixth scale figures, bringing The Lord of the Rings’ most tragic character to life. And thanks to Asmus, this marks an epic return to Middle-earth collectibles after a dark pandemic pause. In the words of Andy Hsu, Director of Asmus Toys: “Characters that were promised, were anticipated, that were wished for, are now back on the menu!”
Starting with Gollum: this 20 cm figure has over 22 points of articulation for all those sinister, slinking poses we know and love. With a smirking expression, rotatable eyeballs, and haired hobbit feet, Gollum is ready to stir up trouble on your shelf. And no Middle-earth journey is complete without provisions – this little guy even comes with wrapped and unwrapped Lembas bread accessories.
Then there’s Sméagol — the tortured soul behind the sneer. Sméagol’s innocent, haunted expression captures the side of him that Tolkien fans cherish. He has the same exclusive Gollum body by Asmus, complete with seamless limbs and multiple hands and legs to bring his story to life.
So, if you’re ready to give these two a home, both Gollum and Sméagol are up for grabs, allowing fans to continue this adventure together with Asmus and Sideshow. And by purchasing through our links, you’ll support TheOneRing.net.
Eagle-eye fans in Discord spotted new tshirts and sweaters for the anime feature film coming in December.
Over at Hot Topic you can now order (or buy at the mall) new apparel and merch for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, which just had a big kickoff at NYCC weekend of Oct 18-20. We previously reported on new Rohirrim Warhammer sets and other movie tie-in merch.
More LOTR Merch now available
There are even more Rohan inspired options at WB Shop!
Looks like the studio merch machine is ramping up like the days of old, which for many fans is a sign of confidence in the movie which is coming to cinemas in December. You can chat with fans in our dedicated Rohirrim channel on Discord.
Greetings, Ringers! New York Comic Con 2024 is in full swing, and TheOneRing.net is excited to be part of the Middle-earth magic once again. With the revitalized interest in our favorite author’s legendarium, this year’s convention is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience for Tolkien fans – and we’ve got a lot to share!
First, if you are at NYCC, get yourself to Geek Orthodox, Booth 1570. You won’t want to miss the incredible stained glass art and t-shirts on sale there. AND that’s where you can pick up TheOneRing.net’s Gollum/Smeagol 2024 T-shirt. This original TORn design features everyone’s favorite dual-natured (former) Hobbit, with the slogan: “We Wantsss Your Vote, Precious”. It’s the perfect tongue-in-cheek nod to this year’s presidential race – show your allegiance! And here’s the thing: this shirt is leaving now and never coming back… That’s right— NYCC is your last chance to get your hands on it! Once the convention ends, this exclusive edition disappears forever. (Sorry, we are not selling the shirt online).
Beyond the merch, we’re excited for everyone to experience Warner Brothers’ showcase of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, the epic animated movie releasing in the US on December 13th. The good news is that the Friday 11 am panel will will be live-streamed! Make sure to tune into YouTube and official channels to watch along.
And speaking of The War of the Rohirrim, our party celebrating the movie is sold out! We can’t wait to see those lucky Ringers who snagged a ticket for tonight. We’ve got some great swag for attendees, and some exclusive opportunities to walk away with great stuff from MetalBird, Oscha, Syzyrgy Forge, Shire Post Mint, Sideshow, and The Lord of the Rings in Concert.
Whether you’re at the convention or following along online, keep an eye out for all the LOTR fun. And don’t forget to stop by Booth 1570 to grab your exclusive shirt—you’ll wantsss it!
The Hornburg — a mighty fortress that win later come to be known as Helm’s Deep. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation, Hera, the daughter of Helm, must summon the will to lead the resistance against a deadly enemy intent on their total destruction. Product Features:
– Incredibly detailed 4″ scale playset based on The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
– Over 7ft in length
– The ultimate set to build out The Hornburg Castle
– Figures not included. Sold separately.
– Collect all McFarlane Toys The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim figures
In a separate announcement, WB Pictures announce that Friday’s Rohirrim panel from NYCC will be livestreamed at 11am PT, potentially on X / Twitter and YouTube.
Join thousands of LOTR fans in conversation about The War of the Rohirrim in the TORN Discord.
McFarlane Toys is set to bring Rohirrim figures soon to major retailers. The news comes via toy figure site 118archive which yesterday revealed images for figures for Helm Hammerhand, his daughter Héra, and the anime’s antagonist, Wulf.
Each figure will also, apparently, include includes one of four pieces that when combined with the rest will assemble a Snow Troll (which seems to have been accorded the name, Shank).
Reports indicate that the figures will be priced at $19.99 USD apiece. Some 118archive commentors reported that they had seen images of the figures on Walmart, but a search by TheOneRing.net was unable to turn up anything so they may have been subsequently removed.
HELM HAMMERHAND
HERA
WULF
Weapons can be swapped from one hand to the other.
According to the product blurb, the “detailed 4” scale figure based on The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim feature 6 points of articulation for maximum play value.” Some commenters seem to indicate that six points of articulation is not maximum play value, but others said that the headsculpt looks good.
We’ll keep you updated with any official announcements. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim debuts in theatres in the USA on December 13 2024.
New York ComicCon reminders
Be sure to catch the official The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim panel at 11am on Friday October 18th, at the Javits Convention Center. Whet your appetite for this epic-anime feature (coming to theaters this December) at the panel, and then come celebrate with us (TORn) in the evening.
The War of the Rohirrim Panel
TheOneRing.netParty
It’s TheOneRing.net’s annual party at New York Comic Con; and this year we are thrilled to celebrate the upcoming movie The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim! Come eat, drink and party like a warrior of Rohan – just leave your horse at home…
We’ll be back at our favourite venue, the Joyce Public House (formerly Tir na Nog) in Times Square (W 39th St). The party will be on FRIDAY 18 October, 7.30-10.30pm. (All welcome – no NYCC pass required to attend.)
Thanks to our sponsor Warner Bros. Pictures, tickets are just $30, which includes your first drink, a buffet (including dessert later in the evening), three tickets for the raffle which will be drawn on the night, AND a special goodie bag!
