New Hobbit Video & Screencaps

Note: This is an archived entry that’s several years old. While I have ensured that all photos are restored, some links may no longer work. If you encounter any dead links, let me know and I’ll try to find a copy of the material. Some entries may not be up to my current standards as far as photo source and other credits are concerned; if you are a photographer or writer of a piece that lacks appropriate acknowledgement, please let me know and I’ll be happy to add source info.

It’s been a week of frustration trying to confirm any news about Hugo Weaving’s current whereabouts or plans… Early rumors suggested he’d attend Comic Con again, but none of the more recent, official reports or event logs mention him. I assumed he’d be in the US this week for various promotional duties or Uncle Vanya rehearsals, but there’s been no news, nor any new video or print interview coverage featuring him. So either he’s not here yet or is keeping very quiet. 😉 (Hedda Gabler split rehearsals for its 2006 New York production between Sydney and New York, so it’s possible he’s still at home.) Then I found this report that Hugo would attend a fundraiser for Japanese ophans affected by the earthquake/tsunami earlier this year. The fundraiser will be held on 26 July in Sydney… but I could only find one blog listing Hugo among the guests. (Sam Neill and Bryan Brown will cohost the event.) It’s possible that Hugo might participate via live video feed or on tape if he is indeed overseas… this does sound like the sort of event he regularly participates in, but I can’t find independent confirmation.

Then there were conflicting Variety reports on US distribution of The Key Man… initially they reported that Open Road would distribute Hugo’s film of that title (costarring Brian Cox and Jack Davenport)… then they posted a story that Open Road would distribute a completely different, yet-unmade film that happened to share the same title. IMDb confusingly lists both films on Open Road’s page… but I’m suspecting they just followed Variety’s lead because the film’s producers are active Twitter members but they haven’t mentioned distribution. Also, Variety removed the actors’ names from the initial story which reported that Hugo’s film was the one in question. Confused yet? 😉 I’d love to be wrong and be reassured that The Key Man wiill either open theatrically in the US soon or at least get a DVD release, but right now I don’t have enough to go on.

But all suddenly became well when Peter Jackson released the long-awaited Third Production Video for The Hobbit. This is easily the best one yet, full of behind the scenes glimpses of all our old favorite actors in character, a hilarious introduction to the Dwarves, some footage in Gollum’s cave and a wonderful surprise at the end which I won’t spoil. Hint: it confirms that Jackson et al are currently filming in London to accommodate an essential old friend (or is he a nemesis?) 😉 We get much more Elrond footage this time around, in multiple settings and costumes, our first look at Cate Blanchett on set (and in costume fittings) and a set visit from Gimli (aka John Rhys-Davies) who looks in on his forbears on the Bag End set. 😉 While I look for an embeddable version, do proceed with all haste to the original… and enjoy these screencaps I made, with my apologies for any imperfections. I know TheOneRing.net will probably have better ones shortly, but I just couldn’t stop myself. Everything looks amazing, both “just like old times” and promising something completely new.