Viggo Mortensen & PJ Meet Queen Margrethe II

Nikolaj sends along this image from Danish newspaper 'Politiken'. It shows Viggo Mortensen & Peter Jackson meeting Queen Margrethe II of Denmark. [More]

bunny of many colors writes: I found this web site that has mention of a film called "On Love" that will star Billy Boyd. If true, it would be safe to assume that this is the romantic comedy he mentioned in a couple of interviews about a month ago. However, Billy's site has yet to officially announce this new project, so I personally am taking it as a rumor. 'Billy Boyd has revealed a few details about his next project. "It looks like I'm going to do a romantic comedy in Britain next," said the former hobbit.. "A film called On Love. I can't say who it is with yet, but we start in January."' [More]

Ethan Gilsdorf writes: I had vowed to take Dead Man's Walk. To sneak into Gothic-trimmed courtyards. To wander beside the shadow of J.R.R. Tolkien, the father of modern fantasy, in Oxford's medieval streets. Alas, I heard the trail was unmarked. Shrouded in rumor and false steps. I would have to find my own path. [More]

Maybe it was destiny. "I don't think anybody could have known, even if they'd hoped or believed or thought it might happen, how successful these movies would be," Viggo Mortensen says, "and not only how much money they've made, but how much people have connected with 'The Lord of the Rings.' [More]

Viggo Mortensen in Paris

Here are a series of images from the Paris Premiere of 'The Return of the King' as well as the opening of the Alan Lee/John Howe Exhibit of LOTR art. These photos were taken before the stars were ushered out of the building thanks to protesters who gatecrashed the event. Thanks to Ringer Spies Parn & Kimberley for the images! [Gallery 1] [Gallery 2]

The latest newsletter is ready to go! Do you want to receive our free weekly newsletter? Packed with tons of info to keep you up to date on the latest? Plus filled with exclusives from time to time! Join the crowd of over 18 000 mailing list members! Sign up now! [More]

A replica sword used in The Lord of the Rings trilogy will be given away to a ticket holder at the charity screening of The Return of the King in Auckland on Wednesday. The Strider's replica sword will be given away at the Starship Hospital showing of the movie. Tickets to the screening at Sky City Theatre are $100. [More]

Mega-popular and esteemed web critic James Berardinelli has posted his review of ROTK, calling it "not only the best movie of 2003, but the crowning cinematic achievement of the past several years." Thanks to RangerOfTheEast. [More]

From the Sydney Morning Herald: Someone should tell Liv Tyler that it's bad manners to win all the lucky draws in life. [More]

PJ interview to be had at BostonHerald.com! [More]

Tolkien Author Anne Petty writes: I'll be doing a book signing as part of the Ft. Myers, Florida, Line Part festivities on Dec. 16. I'll be signing both "Tolkien in the Land of Heroes" (Cold Spring Press) and "One Ring to Bind Them All" (University of Alabama Press). I'm looking forward to meeting all the south Florida LOTR fans and discussing Tolkien's works during the party prior to the showing of the three films. Kris Streck is the organizer. [More]

Ringer Laurelad sent in some links to SFGate.com LotR articles: V is for Viggo, The Hobbit Habit & Industry Buzz

Shot over a 14-month period in 1999 and 2000 in various locations in New Zealand, Mr. Jackson's homeland, "The Lord of Rings" has not only made a bundle of money (the first two movies in the cycle, "The Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Two Towers," earned $1.8 billion worldwide), but has also hastened Mr. Jackson's evolution from cult film auteur ("Heavenly Creatures," "Meet the Feebles") to full-fledged Hollywood big shot. !!!SPOILERS!!! [More]

The December 2003 issue of the UK's Mail on Sunday has this article on PJ's mansion in New Zealand, including a Hobbit-hole garden. [More]

Devin Grant writes: I write for the Charleston City Paper with Michael Marano (who recently wrote 'Thirty Years of Waiting: The Return of the King'). I see you posted his review and I wanted to give you guys my take. This will run alongside Marano's review next Wednesday in the Charleston City Paper. [More]

Indystar.com's Bonnie Britton has a neat article on the film, the books, and the Tolkien impact. Thanks to Ringer Cialian for the link. [More]

Ringer Pearl Sandybanks sent in a link to this page full of past LotR Metromix.com articles. Thanks for the summary! [More]

Garfeimao writes: The Newport Beach, CA Line party started on Wednesday, December 10, with one intrepid punch setting up their tent. On December 16, the Newport Beach line party will be hosting a Blood Drive with the American Red Cross, as well as collecting toys for Toys for Tots. A blood donation, or a toy donation, get's a person a raffle ticket. We'll also have all the normal costume contest, trivia stuff, gaming, etc. [More]

Kate Gale from RingCon writes: It's that time again...RingCon, The Gathering of the Clans will be held March 5,6,7 at the SeaTac Hilton Hotel. Ron Cleavland has authorized a "special" discount prices for the event. [More]

The December issue of People Magazine gave 'The Return of the King' 3 out of 4 stars. [More]

In the spirit of balanced news reporting, here's an RotK review from FilmJerk.com's regular reviewer Brian Orndorf. [More]

Ian McKellen has updated the 'E-Post' section of his website. Take a look! [More]

BRLOTRFAN writes: The Baton Rouge Tinseltown Line Party will be hosting a "Second Breakfast" Food Drive for the benefit of the Baton Rouge Food Bank. We are requesting breakfast items be donated during the opening days of Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (from December 16 through December 18). [More]

Those lucky enough to have BRAVO TV will be in for a treat today. They are showing no less than 4 LOTR-themed shows today, 2 which repeat for those who may miss them. Follow this link for all the information. [More]

The staff of the bar Nocturnal in Portland, Oregon, are huge Lord of the Rings fans, and have been talked into a Monday night (December 15) Extended DVD viewing party. Both Fellowship and Two Towers extended DVDs will be shown in the Nocturnal bar, with a trivia and costume contest. And it's totally free! [More]

Viggo Mortensen found the time he spent with horses while filming Lord of the Rings helped him remain calm and focused. There's a lot of horseplay in the Lord of the Rings movies, and that suits Viggo Mortensen just fine. A horse enthusiast all his life, Mortensen felt the animals were vital to his character, Aragorn. [More]

Kimberley Verburg writes: Here's a little more news on the disrupted premiere party in Paris. I went to the John Howe/Alan Lee exhibition this afternoon at the Biblioth�que Nationale, which was very cool, by the way. While I was there I thought I'd take the opportunity to ask the staff what had happened last night. [More]

(images to come soon! -Xo)

Jason is at it again, his Christmas 2003 tree is decorated not unlike a certain tower of evil we all know from Lord of the Rings. Complete with Eye of Sauron on top. [More] [foxtrot.com]

From the Akron Beacon: After more than five years, the journey from page to screen ends Wednesday for Peter Jackson and the cast of The Lord of the Rings films when the final chapter in the massive adaptation debuts on area screens. [More]

I managed to grab a few photos at the World Premiere Afterparty in Wellington on December 1. Considering the spoilerish nature of some of them, I was surprised no-one objected. Anyway, check out these cool pictures. [More] !!!Major Spoilers!!!

Tonight at a live ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall, The Lord of the Rings was announced as the winner of the BBC's Big Read and is officially Britain's Best Loved Book. With 23% of the public's vote or 174 thousand votes, LotR was a clear winner with 39 thousand more votes than second-placed Pride and Prejudice and more than His Dark Materials, The Hitchiker's Guide to the Galaxy and Harry Potter combined. Simon Tolkien, who attended the event, was visibly pleased with the result. [More]

Wireimage: Intermitent du Spectacle attacks the Francois Mitterand National Library in order to protest globalisation and the French Minister of Culture. They then proceeded to trash the exposition of cinemagraphic memorabila from the film. The exposition as well as the opening acompanying the "The Lord of the Rings" arrival in Paris were ruined by the group and numerous celebrities were displaced.

Just a reminder that Elijah Wood will be hosting 'Saturday Night Live' starting tonight on NBC at 11:30PM! Set those VCR's!

Chris writes: The Lord of the Rings has won the BBC's The big read with 174,000 votes. [More]

Ringer Spy Tinuvielas writes: Here is my absolutely spoilerfree review (unless you count simply mentioning .... ok, very minor spoilers)! [More]

Ringer Spy Aurelien writes: The biggest theatre of Paris "UGC Cine Cite Bercy" welcomes tonight the French premiere of The Return of the King ! It wasn't planned at all but due to Alan Lee's exposure, some members of the cast decided to go to Paris to support him and the production decided to organize a French Premiere. UGC Cine Cite Bercy confirmed this morning the news. Also, John Howe and Alan Lee are being featured until February 15th at the Bibliotheque Nationale de France. [More] [Translation]

This Sunday, Sunday, Sunday, December 14th, Dr. Bob Hieronimus and 21st Century Radio will feature a 30-minute spot on TheOneRing.net and our sponsor Sideshow Collectibles. Tune in on the air at WCBM 680 AM or online at 21stCenturyRadio.com from 8:30 pm to 9:00 pm Eastern to catch the live broadcast. Let's see just how cold Calisuri and his fellow moviegoers will be, waiting with the Vista Line Party during the live interview. The entire broadcast runs 7 - 9 pm so you may want to tune in early in case the feature comes up ahead of schedule. More

Carly writes in about an enviable family project: "My mom, dad, and I made this wardrobe. I designed it, my dad built it, and my mom burned the designs. The symbols are pure Tolkien... The front doors have the engraving from the Doors of Durin. The bottom drawer has Glamdring on it, complete with runes. The small drawers have different symbols on them; The White Tree, the Lothlorien brooch, horse of Rohan, and Arwen's pendant. We stained it green to get the Tolkien look -- We are very proud of it!" [More]

The December issue of Entertainment Weekly has this review of The Return of the King and a look at Miranda Otto's '5 year plan'. [More]

TORn's very own Jedi Hobbit, Pippin Skywalker sends in this (the first of six) report about her journey to New Zealand to attend the World Premiere of "Return of the King." Today, Pippin arrives in NZ and attends the "Return of the Ringers" party. Lots of pictures! [More]

Michael Marano writes: I've been waiting thirty years for this. Now that it's here, I almost don't know what to do or feel. But yeah, it's been three decades since I first picked up Tolkien's The Hobbit. Thirty years since I first tranced into those maps of Middle-earth, utterly convinced that Professor Tolkien had found a secret cache of manuscripts and was letting me in on some hidden history of the world. [More]

Here is an interesting story out of Singapore. It seems that security is so tight that they've issued a statement saying that all CameraPhones (cell phones with cameras in them) must be checked at the door before entering the theatre! [More]

Adele writes: Don't forget to remind fans in the UK that it's the Big Read final tonight at 9.00pm on BBC2. All voting platforms are now closed but the phone vote will re-open during the show - I believe it's still looking good for LOTR to win! [More]

Ringer Spy TheImagineTree sends along this scan from Blender Magazine which has an article on The Return of the King. [More]

A Lord of the Rings carnival is taking place this weekend in Times Square in Kuala Lumpur. Fans can expect Games, giveaways, costume competitions, game demonstrations and loads more!

Hobbits and elves and wizards and warriors locked in a merciless battle for Middle Earth. Why don�t they just hang a sign on the clubhouse door that says "No GiRls allowed?". Because a lot of women are fans of director Peter Jackson�s "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, that�s why. Despite a plot that would seem to cater to only Y-chromosome bearers, many women are proud fans of Frodo, Gandalf and the grand epic in which they star. [More]

The repairs after 'Sharkey's men' go well with thousands of eager Hobbits working hard to clean up their homeland. The four Travellers contribute in different ways; Frodo act as Deputy Mayor, Merry and Pippin chase out the last ruffians, while Sam is busy all over the Four Farthings with the Gift of Galadriel. The following year 1420 is a marvellous year in the Shire. The harvest is bountiful, numerous children are born and there is something else in the air; a glimpse of a beauty beyond Middle-Earth.[More]

Will sends us the new ROTK TV commercial! See armored trolls! See charging Mumakil! See Frodo in Mount Doom! See Shelob full-on! See orcses! Thousands of orcses! (Remember, it's a TV spot, so everything goes by very quickly - but that's what the Pause button is for.) The Quicktime version is bigger but much higher quality, and the Windows Media version is smaller and quicker. And I'll throw in the obvious yet obligatory Spoiler Warning! to prevent the angry e-mails. [Quicktime] [Windows Media]

USA Today has a new article on ROTK, fan frenzy, and Oscars. TheOneRing.net gets a mention as well. Thanks to Sherlock! [More]

LiningUp.net and TheOneRing.net have teamed up to present The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 5-day line. If you live in LA and would like to take part in this all day and night fun-filled Ringer event, check out the Vista Theater line party. Stay tuned for reports from the sidewalk at the weekend goes on. [Vista Theater Line]

...I regret to announce that this is the END. Tonight is our final night of Ticket Exchange offerings for the Trilogy Tuesday marathons. In the last 5+ weeks we have put nearly 90 tickets into the hands of fans at FACE VALUE. I would like to thank all of our ticket sellers, and everyone who has participated. LOTR fans are great people!

UPDATE: Our final tally: 140+ tickets distributed! Very cool. As of about noon EST Saturday, we have tickets available in Concord, NC and Richmond, British Columbia. Plus, 13 tickets available for a group in Ontario (Can be sold individually). Also, if anyone is interested in North Canton or Tampa tickets, e-mail me. I am keeping a waiting list.
[More]

Feanor_NoldorPrince sends along these scans from the multiple-cover LOTR themed TV Guide out this week. Take a look! [More]

TonyZapata writes: This is the invitation to atend the Premiere in Mexico of th ROTK, which will be held at Six Flags Mexico this comming Dec.16th.at 7:00 o�clock. The Invitation says: We have the honor to invite you to the culmination of the greatest adventure of all times The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. [More]

The Return of the King, the last installment of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, opens next week. The series has already grossed nearly $2 billion at the box office worldwide -- and The Return of the King could add another billion to that total. Kim Masters reports on a film epic that has made Hollywood history. [More]

AICN has posted their review from the LOTR press junkett in LA (where our own WeeTanya attended and reported about here.). Mr Beaks writes: Not two hours after stepping off a plane from Ohio, I found myself sitting in the main theater at The Grove in Beverly Hills waiting to watch RETURN OF THE KING. Twelve hours later, I was scrunched into a crowded roundtable at the Four Seasons, ready to lob questions at the principal cast and crew. [More]

We will be posting in excess of 12 ticket opportunities at 9 pm EST. Tonight is the final night of Ticket Exchange, so stay tuned!

John Rhys-Davies at the ROTK Premiere

TORN Volunteers David Baxter and Galaphil were the lucky men with the microphone at the Los Angeles Premiere of 'The Return of the King' on December 3rd 2003. In this chapter David chats with the ever-delightful John Rhys-Davies who plays Gimli the Dwarf. John discusses his role as Gimli and the fondness for his fellow actors. He also answers an interesting question, would he be willing to play Gloin in a possible adaptation of 'The Hobbit'? [More]

[QuickTime Hi]
[QuickTime Med]
[QuickTime Low]

Jamie Selkirk, editor of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, told SCI FI Wire that the final three-hour, 20-minute movie was trimmed down from an earlier cut that ran more than four and a half hours. "It was really difficult, because we had a lot of very key stuff to actually still get in within the story," Selkirk said in an interview. "We actually had to build the emotion of the story through the battle action." [More]

Sequels rarely match the heights of their predecessors. But Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings saga is in a class by itself. The numbers tell the story of a trilogy that is getting more popular as it goes along, with expectations mounting for the final chapter, The Return of the King. [More]

Yesterday we had a look at what 2004 had in store for us in the absence of The Lord of the Rings, and focused on five of the biggest movies coming soon involving LotR cast members. Today, we round off the list with another big five and take a look at some other movies which may prove to be suprise hits next year. [More]

Tom writes: In todays Toronto Star newspaper they have a full feature section devoted to the Lord of the Rings. For some reason, the online version is listed under the Travel Section. [Article 1] [Article 2] [Article 3] [Article 4] [Article 5]

From the "This is amusing department," courtesy of Ananova.com: Liv Tyler says her rock star dad fell asleep while watching her in the final part of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. [More]

Art writes: I wrote to you last year and gave you a heads up on Ebert and Roeper�s review of Two Towers, I thought this year I would do the same again for ROTK. !!!SPOILERS!!! [More]

LOS ANGELES, California (Hollywood Reporter) -- Las Vegas has been disseminating odds on who will win Oscars for years, though actual betting on the outcome of the annual Academy Awards contest isn't allowed there. But with the advent of legal online betting, offshore companies not only take bets on who will win but on who will be nominated. [More]

Winterpool sends us a breakdown on what the UK media has been saying about ROTK. [More]

Lissa (Line Leader, Cinemark IMAX of Tulsa) writes: We got word from our theater contact that the IMAX print is back and that it will be shown for our line party. A collective sigh of relief can be heard from all over Tulsa, OK. I'm guessing that means that the IMAX print is back everywhere.

Martin Zimmerman writes: Lord J.R.R.'s "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" is set to steamroll through theaters across the land Wednesday. The third part of the trilogy is a nice enough movie, as far as '60s hippie fantasy faves go. But just think what might have been...[more]

Chris writes: Christopher Lee (Saruman) is signing copies of his book in London on December 13th from 11am - 1pm at The Cinema Store. [More]

"The Lord of the Rings" head man Peter Jackson will receive this year's Modern Master Award at the Santa Barbara Film Festival. Award, the most distinguished honor presented to filmmakers at the fest, is bestowed upon individuals who make significant contributions to American culture "through his or her accomplishments in the movie industry." [More]

Don't forget, this weekend's edition of Saturday Night Live will be hosted by everyone's favorite Ringbearer: Elijah Wood! Get those VCRs ready! [More]

Nazz sends along his interview with Miranda Otto! "In some ways my character seems glamorous, but she's also gritty as well. The costumes are made of wool and heavy fabrics so it's not just like the ephemeral, floaty elf look of Liv Tyler's Arwen because my character is human..." [More]

The December 2003 issue of Twist Magazine has this feature on Orlando Bloom. [More]

Jorge da Cunha sends along these photos from the South African Premiere of ROTK. There were no stars or talent in attendance, but that didn't stop these folks paying homage to hometown hero JRR Tolkien with a great looking 'yellow' carpet premiere and after-party! [More]

France's 'STUDIO - HORS SERIE' Magazine

Marie sends along the December issue of Studio - Hors Serie. It features this look at Viggo Mortensen & Orlando Bloom. [More]

LOS ANGELES -- Viggo Mortensen was never supposed to be the man who would be king. When director Peter Jackson started filming "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy in October 1999, he had another actor cast as the warrior Aragorn, a reluctant hero whose courage and royal bloodline help defeat the ancient evil of Sauron. [More]

Jenn writes: Thought your readers might be interested in our short (but interesting!) interview with actor Rob Inglis, who has narrated unabridged audiobook versions of THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS. Also includes reviews of his audiobook performances. [More]

Everytime I try to get out, you guys keep pulling me back in! ;) I arrived home to find EIGHT more Ticket Offerings in my inbox. If there is anyone else out there thinking "I'll just wait until last minute and then send them in," THIS is the last minute. Friday night is the last day to offer tickets in time for Trilogy Tuesday. All sellers and buyers from here on out MUST include their phone number in their e-mail, in order to be participate. And now, on with the tickets! [More]

UPDATE: As of 7 a.m. Friday, we still have tickets available for Tampa, FL; Boise, ID; Vancouver, Canada; and Richmond, Canada.

Even before I saw The Return of the King, the movie haunted my dreams. Having read J.R.R. Tolkien's original Lord of the Rings trilogy a couple of times, I wasn't exactly losing sleep over whether intrepid hobbits Frodo (Elijah Wood) and Sam (Sean Astin) would fail in their quest to destroy the nefarious ring of power. Instead, like many a geek, I didn't want to be disappointed by a King unworthy of the prior two films. [More]

The character of Gollum in The Lord Of The Rings trilogy is arguably the first time a computer-generated character has been completely believable. A lot of that is down to London-born actor Andy Serkis, who provides Gollum's voice and characteristics. [More]

Ringer Spy Drogo Fallohide writes: I just wanted to tell you that apple.com has a trailer to "The Big Empty." Sean Bean stars in the movie as a rough modern day cowboy who is going to give a guy 27,000 dollars if he brings a blue suitcase to him. [More]

Talented Ringer Spy Andy sends in this Holiday greeting to TORn and the entire TORn family. Enjoy! [More]

With "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" Peter Jackson delivers a decent ending to his fantasy trilogy actually, about 12 endings. [More]

Last year, we at TOR.n gazed into the crystal ball and predicted what would be the big movie projects to feature LotR cast members in 2003, previewing hits such as Master & Commander, Pirates of the Carribean, Veronica Guerin and X-Men 2. With Christmas looming and the New Year around the corner, we now look to 2004 - the first cinematic year post-Lord of the Rings. [More]

We have a special, early, ticket exchange offering is for TWO pairs (2 sets of tickets) and ONE single ticket to the AFamous Players Coliseum in Mississauga, Ontario. E-mail maegwen@theonering.net with the following subject line will be put into contact with the ticket seller. The price of each ticket is $49.95 + fees negotiable postage. The subject line MUST read: "Ontario tickets." Please specify whether you want a pair or single ticket. You MUST include your e-mail address, phone number, and real name.

REGULAR Ticket Exchange will take place tonight at 9 p.m. EST.

Liv Tyler and Viggo Mortensen in London

The stars have arrived in London for the ROTK premiere at The Odeon in Leicester Square, London! Take a look! [More]

Amy Longsdorf writes: As the regal warrior Aragorn, Viggo Mortensen finally fulfills his destiny and ascends the throne of Gondor in ''The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.'' !!!SPOILERS!!! [More]

Lissa writes: I am a Line Leader for the Cinemark IMAX of Tulsa Line and I can absolutely confirm that as of right now our print has been pulled. Which is causing absolute panic right now because our entire line had purchased tickets!! We are waiting on word from our theater contact who has said that NewLine is getting a lot of heat but we still don't know that status or our line or our tickets.

At the end of the second Rings movie, The Two Towers, Jackson let us hang on the realisation the truly dark times were yet to come. Though the wizard Saruman's army had been despatched at the Battle of Helm's Deep and his fortress at Isengard laid to ruin, this battle had been merely a sideshow. !!!SPOILERS!!! [More]

When auditions for the Lord of the Rings took place, many of the actors were told filming the trilogy would take up about nine months of their time. Not quite true - it was, as Arwen actress Liv Tyler has testified, more like four years. But few are complaining. Taking part in Jackson's trilogy has transformed careers. [More]

GULNAZ BAZ writes: Friday December 12th 'This Morning' will be showing exclusives from the ROTK premiere tonight. The programme starts at 10.30am on ITV1.

Jim Rygiel, visual effects supervisor on the upcoming third Lord of the Rings film, The Return of the King, told SCI FI Wire that his team used computer animation to create one of the film's most fearsome creatures. !!!SPOILERS!!! [More]

Paladin writes: The December issue of New Idea magazine has this article on Karl Urban (Eomer). [More]

With a mere six days to go until The Return of the King hits cinemas around the country, Odeon cinemas reports that the film has already passed the �1million mark in advance ticket sales. This gives The Return of the King the biggest advance sales this year � and let�s not forget, there are still six days to go. That�s 144 hours, or 8640 minutes. Not that anyone here is counting. [More]

TORN broke the internet yesterday. Sales for 'The Return of the One Party' went on sale at exactly noon PST time yesterday and we sold out in about 15 minutes. This, needless to say, was unexpected. Last year it took us 2 weeks to sell out. We are currently swamped with processing orders. [More]

The last two telecasts of the Academy Awards have featured, if fans looked closely at Peter Jackson's jacket lapel, two "good luck" pins from TheOneRing.net made by the hand of Paul Badali. Badali is a long-time fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's books and has always been fascinated with the Middle-earth jewelry. [More]

And the raves just keep on coming! Entertainment Weekly critic Lisa Schwarzbaum gives ROTK a grade of "A," the magazine's highest possible rating. You must be a magazine subscriber to read the online review; the print copy should hit newsstands in a day or two. [More]

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - If Ian McKellen has his way, he will be reprising his role of Magneto in the third "X-Men" film. After recently seeing "X2: X-Men United" for the first time -- "much more recently than I should confess" -- he tells Zap2it.com, "I immediately called up Bryan Singer and said, 'What can I do to make sure I'm in the third film. And are you going to direct it?" [More]

For those who don't feel like making the trek down to Leicester Square in London for the UK premiere of The Return of the King, Sky News are broadcasting coverage from the red carpet live from 5.30pm.

As of this week John Noble (Denethor) has an official website online where you can find out all you ever wanted to know about him. Be sure to keep checking back as there is a promise of frequent updates! [JohnNoble.net]

Only one or two more days and TORn Friend Irascian will have finished his trip through New Zealand. His website features reports about all the premiere-activities, the Rohan Red Carpet-tour and of course loads of excellent pictures! Be sure to read all about it (if you haven't already) here!

This week, TV Guide features 4 individual hologram covers for the new issue! They are Gandalf, Aragorn, Gollum, and trusty Frodo! Check them out! [More]

With ROTK around the corner the promotion wagon is going full tilt. Here is a quick rundown on all things Rings on the small screen leading up to the release! [More]

Are you desperately trying to figure out what exactly a "hobbit" is? Are you stumped when people ask whether you think Gollum is a victim or a villain? Do you feel left out when your friends discuss the love triangle of Aragorn, Aarwen(SIC) and Eowyn? If so, chances are you've been living under a rock for the past three years and are on the outside of one of the most significant movie subcultures since the "Star Wars" trilogy: "Lord of the Rings" mania. [More]

PR writes: New Line Cinema / Warner Bros. decided yesterday (12/9) to pull from theatrical release of Lord of the Rings:Return of the King from IMAX Theatres planning to show the film on their 35mm projection systems. Contracts were signed, thousands of tickets were sold! No reason was given from New Line.

No confirmation on this, if anyone knows more send some information along!

Michael Caine, who will play Alfred the butler in the upcoming new Batman film, told SCI FI Wire that director Christopher Nolan is eyeing Lord of the Rings star Viggo Mortensen to play the villain in the film, which is slated to begin production in April 2004. In an interview, Caine wouldn't specify which villain role Mortensen (Rings' Aragorn) is up for. [More]

Lea writes: Hey guys! Just wanted to give you the skinny on the clip which premiered during tonight's episode of Smallville: Frodo and Sam and struggling up a cliff... !!!SPOILERS!!! [More]

The t-shirt department of TheOneRing.net reports that as of yesterday, all shirts ordered by Dec. 7, were shipped via U.S. priority mail. [More]

Foll577 writes: I am a long time visitor and big fan of the site. Just wanted to let you know that today I noticed on Yahoo! Movies an exclusive short clip of ROTK showing Pippin (highlight to read!) struggling with a Palantir. [More]

More tickets for Trilogy Tuesday have showed up in the inbox. So... here we have it, ELEVEN ticket offerings, including some VERY BIG CITIES. [More]

NEW YORK - Photographers always pick the worst times to track down celebrities and snap their picture, Liv Tyler says. "It's always the days when it's 8 in the morning and I'm going to walk the dog or I have a pimple or a thick white shirt that makes me look chubby � that's when they're there," the 26-year-old actress tells Seventeen magazine for its January issue. [More]

In a report from the Hollywood Reporter, EA apparently have plans to release a �Lord of the Rings� trilogy box-set to accompany the DVD release of �The Return of the King� in Autumn 2004. [More]

Susan writes: The UK the BBC's Big Read is reaching its final week and the winner will be announced this Saturday. Lord of the Rings is currently in the lead but is being pushed by Pride and Prejudice. Even if you've voted before, you can vote again, so for those of us in the UK, let's get behind Lord of the Rings and make sure it stays at number 1!! [More]

Angie writes: There are three interview videos posted on the website of Germanys TV station ZDF. They include Peter Jackson, Ian McKellen and Liv Tyler, probably taken prior to the Europe premier in Berlin. [More]

TORONTO (CP) - Serious Lord of the Rings fans will have a chance to prove their devotion Tuesday when North American theatres plan a marathon screening of all three films in the series. That includes the special extended editions of Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers, followed by the first screenings of the final instalment, Return of the King, which officially opens next Wednesday. [More]

The official site has updated with a video about digitalized horses and how they created the massive Rohirrim army and their horses. [More]

A few tasty treats for �filling up the corners� before the big wash of Return of the King reviews!

Tookish's Ticklers are sure to give lots of belly laughs!
Two Special Guest articles continue our "Science of Middle-earth" series and Part Two of "What Tolkien Saw!"
Moon Letters provide some sweet poetry delights!
A new Tribute by author Lillian Stewart Carl!

And the coup de grace, as they say, is Quickbeam's review of The Return of the King! He's one of those lucky press dogs who got to see it before the rest of us Average Joe and Josephines!

Watch out for reviews from the rest of the staff before the end of the month! Happy holidays!

--Anwyn

Dominic Monaghan bares all

The LOTR promo-train made a stop in Germany tonight. The entire gang of stars and creative talent alike arrived for the 'Return of the King' premiere in Berliin. Take a look at some of the first photos from Reuters and AP. [More]

This has got to be a record, it seems The Return of the One Party tickets SOLD OUT in a mere 15 minutes!! All the pending buyers will need to be approved by the admins and processed. We reached our maximum capacity VERY quickly, and then some. We will be placing the people who tried to get tickets after the initial limit on a waiting list.

Ringer Reggit writes: I love the site and wanted to contribute a report about seeing the ROTK preview screening on Fri Dec 5th in Palm Springs, CA (a KCET benefit event). I also have a small concern about the movie that I hope you can forward to the appropriate people involved with the film. !!!SPOILERS!!! [More]

Dr. Amy Sturgis, a Belmont University professor of science fiction/fantasy studies, media studies, and Native American studies, will present a very special multimedia talk on J.R.R. Tolkien, author of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, on the evening of December 11, tomorrow. [More]

Tickets for The Return of the One Party will go on sale Wednesday December 10th at Noon PST. That's in a little over three hours from now! We have posted the official website for your viewing pleasure. Please make sure you have set up your PayPal account before tickets go on sale. PayPal will be the only payment method accepted. [More]

The Paris-based OECD has taken a swipe at the Government for providing a reported subsidy of up to $400 million for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. "Lord of the Rings received as the result of a tax loophole a subsidy amounting to $300-$400 million, very large not only relative to the Government budget but also as a proportion to the total cost of making the movie, reported to have been $675 million," say the authors of the organisation's annual study of New Zealand. [More]

Darren writes: There is a QVC Lord of the Rings Day on the 17th December on QVC UK. They have exclusive interviews with some of the cast that they will be playing throughout the show. They have teaser trailers that will be played throughout the day. [More]

Zach Oat, Editor of ToyFare Magazine writes: ToyFare magazine will be doing a 16-page visual price guide on all of Toy Biz's Lord of the Rings figures in an upcoming issue, and we were wondering if you would want to report on it on your Website. If so, feel free to use the promotional description, as well as the attached sample page, which shows what the format of the guide will be like. The issue, #78, goes on sale in comic stores on Wednesday, and hits newsstands later on in the month. [More]

Maria sends along the December issue of Spain's Accion magazine. Which has Sam, Gollum and Frodo on the cover. [More]

Director Peter Jackson is poised to flex his Hollywood muscle by securing a top male film star for his new project King Kong - he wants to lure George Clooney or Robert De Niro here. While Jackson is overseas attending The Return of the King premieres, he is also in talks with agents to cast stars for the $100 million remake, to be filmed in Wellington next year. Naomi Watts is in talks to play Ann Darrow, the female lead played by Fay Wray in the 1933 original film. [More]

Manwen sends along these images from the relatively small ROTK promotion display recently seen in Hong Kong. [More]

Of course, as soon as you declare something "over," you find it's NOT-QUITE-YET over... Following yesterday's post there was an influx of tickets, so we are having another "Last" Ticket Exchange post, this time with EIGHT ticket offerings. We will continue tomorrow if more tickets surface. There will be a post either way, to let folks know. And now, on to the tickets.... [More]

Brandon from boxofficemojo.com writes: Playing at 126 theaters, FOTR:EE earned $473,463, enough to rank No. 17 for the weekend. It averaged $3,757 per site, solid considering the movie's length and how it essentially never went away. The lifetime tally was pushed up to $313,837,577, the 12th highest grossing picture ever. [Weekend Chart]

It's being tracked daily for its one week engagement and being added to the movie's lifetime total. [Lifetime Chart]

Elijah Wood, who plays the diminutive hero of the Lord of the Rings epic trilogy, which climaxes later this month, is still in awe of the magical One Ring he guarded in the films. The 22-year-old says he keeps the golden prop ring at home in a box, Reuters reports. [More]

MrCere here with some more LP3 (line party 3) goodness! We have a great new line party sponsorship with Royal Selangor and the good news is, this isn't just for North Americans but for the world-wide LP3 participants. They require individuals to register and then attend an LP3 event, where winners will be announced and the prizes are fantastic! Read on. [More]

gregoing writes: I was just visiting Dell.com when I saw a banner for ROTK, so I clicked on it. It tells a bit about how Dell servers were used for color grading in the movies. [More]

Seventy-five percent of the 1,000 New Zealanders surveyed in August had used the Internet in the previous month, up from 71 percent in a 2002 survey, market research firm Taylor Nelson Sofres (TNS) said Tuesday. Among the 32 countries participating in the TNS survey, the Netherlands was second in Internet usage at 72 percent followed by Denmark (71), Norway (69) and the United States (68). [More]

Acclaimed British actor Ian McKellen said Monday Shakespeare acting helped him to play the wizard Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. "Having played Shakespeare where you're often required to be intensely naturalistic and the next minute rhetorical, speaking blank verse and rallying the troops maybe, that's quite a good preparation for playing Gandalf," McKellen told journalists. [More]

James Ellis writes: Andy Serkis wanted to be a graphic artist before becoming an actor. He's had many theatre, TV and film roles, appearing in Shooting The Past, Topsy-Turvy and 24 Hour Party People. Then he got the role of Gollum in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy, with advanced motion caption techniques allowing him to play the creature. The Return Of The King is out on December 17. (Watch the language here kiddies -Xo) [More]

Sidhe writes: The Columbus, OH Line Party for the Trilogy Tuesday showing at the AMC Lennox theater will be holding a Toys for Tots drive. All interested parties should bring a new toy with them on the big day. Boxes will be out in the lobby next to our Line Party headquarters table, and even if you are not planning on participating in Trilogy Tuesday, if you will be attending a movie at the theater at any point that day, you can and should also bring a toy for the drive. Toys for Tots donates toys to children of needy families. [More]

The folks at ican.org have tickets for the UK Premiere of 'The Return of the King'. See how high you can go! [More]

Renound Tolkien author Douglas Anderson will be doing a chat about his anthology 'Tales before Tolkien' tonight at 9PM EST through Asimov's
and the Sci-Fi Channel. [More]

And tomorrow (December 10th) he will be talking and signing books in the Chicago area at Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville. [More]

Liv Tyler talks to TORN

TORN staffer Treebark was the lucky man with the microphone at the Los Angeles Premiere of 'The Return of the King' on December 3rd 2003. In this chapter he chats with the lovely Liv Tyler. She tells David how ending the series has effected her and what she will take away from the experience. [TORN DIGITAL]

[QuickTime Hi] - [QuickTime Med] - [QuickTime Low]

IGN has a great new interview with PJ, in which he discusses premieres, Extended Editions, carrots, and King Kong, as well as setting the record straight on the whole Saruman/Christopher Lee thing. [More]

Tickets for The Return of the One Party will go on sale Wednesday December 10th at Noon PST. We have just posted the official website for your viewing pleasure. Please make sure you have set up your PayPal account before tickets go on sale. PayPal will be the only payment method accepted. [More]

The costumes in The Lord of the Rings and The Last Samurai - perhaps you've noticed them? If so, you're not alone. New Zealand designer Ngila Dickson won a BAFTA Award and a Saturn Award for The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and an Oscar nomination for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. [More]

W writes: The DVD Excellence Awards will be aired on the FX network at 8pm eastern time, Tuesday Dec. 9th. This was filmed Dec. 2nd, in between the big premieres. Dominic Monaghan, Andy Serkis, and John Rhys-Davies were in attendance. [fxnetworks.com]

Click here for images from outside the award ceremony

TRM writes: I found theese programme listings for the UK and thought you might like to put them on the front page to let people know. [More]

James Rampton writes: When we meet, Sir Ian McKellen is about to embark on a dizzying, four-month, global tour to promote The Return of the King, the final part of the Lord of the Rings saga. Just listening to the actor's itinerary exhausts me - it's a real case of "If it's Tuesday, it must be Miami." [More]

Chaotica writes: Here are a few pics from the Premiere of "Tanz der Vampire" (Dance of the Vampires) in Hamburg, Germany, a musical directed by Roman Polanski himself, based on his famous vampire movie. Originally created in Vienna, the show has played a few years in Stuttgart, Germany and moved to Hamburg now. Alongside a lot of German celebrities the premiere featured LOTR Stars Christopher Lee and Cate Blanchett. [More]

elfstone writes: Dr. Greame Anthony, the Royal Selangor LOTR sculptor will be coming to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for series of autograph sessions! He is schedule to have his autograph sessions at KLCC, Petronas Twin Towers on the 11th and 12th December as well as at Berjaya Times Square on the 13th and 14th December; during the Lord of the Rings Carnival, touted as the biggest LOTR event in Asia.

Tanta writes: E! News Live is going to interview Peter Jackson and Sean Astin on Tuesday's show. Check your local listings.

His eerie voice is used to flog everything from fast food to instant lottery tickets. In fact, there probably are few Australians who haven't uttered a raspy "my precious" since encountering The Lord of the Rings character Gollum almost two years ago. [More]

The folks at ToysRUs writes: Join us as Andy Serkis, the voice of the tortured �Gollum� from �The Lord of the Rings� feature films, makes a special personal appearance as �The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King� hits theaters nationwide. Beginning December 10, if you purchase �The Lord of the Rings� MONOPOLY, TRIVIAL PURSUIT, RISK or Chess* you will receive a ticket to meet Andy Serkis and get his autograph during a private signing event. To receive your ticket, please bring your receipt to Personal Shopping on Level Three. [More]

sean writes: RaveMotionPictures.com have reported that the trailer for Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban will be attached to Return of the King when it hits theatres.

The final instalment of Peter Jackson�s The Lord of the Rings trilogy landed at the Embassy Theatre in Wellington, New Zealand, and it has apparently exceeded every expectation. It needed to. During the schematic sprawl of The Two Towers, much of Tolkien�s magic seem to wither before the eyes. The ambition and pulsing horror of Jackson�s opening salvos in The Fellowship of the Ring were diluted by complicated wars, bedraggled cameos and splintered story lines. [More]

MS writes: I'm attaching a scan of a Belmont University flyer for a Tolkien talk scheduled on this Thursday, 12/11, at 6:30pm, open to the public at no cost. [More]

shubassdk writes: According to Intertain.dk and BT.dk several of the actors listed to attend the premiere on the 14th in Copenhagen has cancelled, among those Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, Elijah Wood and Sir Ian McKellen. Apparently they have become tired of all the premieres and fell that they need to have a night off. Viggo Mortensen, Peter Jackson, Andy Serkis and Bernard Hill are still to attend, though.

Funyun writes: I thought I'd write in: Peter, Fran, and Philippa all made an appearance in Austin TX yesterday as part of Harry Knowles' fifth annual Butt-Numb-a-Thon. For those who don't know, Butt-Numb-a-Thon is a 24-hour movie marathon at a local dinner theater, typically showing a mixture of older films and brand-new not-yet-released films. [More]

For over five weeks we have been offering tickets to Trilogy Tuesday via Ticket Exchange. These tickets, sold by fans at face value to other fans, have come to represent to me all that is good in the world of Tolkien fandom. I only wish that there were tickets for everyone. Tonight marks the end of the Ticket Exchange program, barring any last minute ticket offers. Should more sellers emerge, we will continue posting. At this time however, these are the final six ticket offerings. [More] Much thanks to everyone who has participated!

BERLIN (Reuters) - New Zealand film director Peter Jackson (news), tipped to win an Oscar for his "The Lord of the Rings" epic, said Monday he would like to make "The Hobbit" prequel to the trilogy and work with some of the same actors again. [More]

I've been tramping through New Zealand's north island for the past few days, but I have managed to write up a couple of things from the premiere. Here's a report on the parade and red carpet stuff - expect a film rambl^H^H^H^H^Hreview in the next couple of days. [More]

Today, December 8th is Dominic Monaghan's (Merry) Birthday! Dom was born on December 8th, 1976 in Berlin, Germany. That makes him 27 today! Happy Birthday Dominic!

On Wednesday Dec 10th at Noon PST, tickets for The Return of the One Party will go on sale. These tickets will be sold through a webpage located on TheOneRing.net's server and processed through the payment service PayPal. Please note that sending money to TheOneRing.net's PayPal account will NOT secure tickets for the party. Tickets can only be purchased through the webpage url we will provide at Noon PST on Wednesday. Hope that answers a few questions! In the meantime, we will be posting the Party website tonight which will answer more of the most commonly asked questions.

Time magazine's Movie section has a list of "Seven Holiday Treats" to be found in cinemas this season. Guess what's #1? My favorite quote: "The second half of the film elevates all the story elements to Beethovenian crescendo. Here is an epic with literature's depth and opera's splendor � and one that could be achieved only in movies." [More]