The Dominion Post scored an exclusive interview with director Peter Jackson on Universal's King Kong. Jackson says the film will have a budget of about $200 million and will be shot in Wellington, New Zealand and various "exotic" locations around the country. [More]

Paul Badali sent in this word that YOU can get your own 'Two Towers: One Party' pins that we gave to all the Oscar Nominees last month. Take a look at this eBay listing and get bidding! [More]

Well, it seems the auction is closed already so you can click the link but you won't be able to bid for the item anymore. Somebody else must've wanted it badly and I can't blame them..

Here are a few more VERY detailed reports from a few of the lucky people who atteneded the 'Long and Short of It'/'TTT' screening with Sean Astin in Portland! [More]

Lorien Archer writes: The 2 1/2 minute trailer for "Priates of the Caribbean" aired on ABC at 8:20pm tonight! Orlando Bloom (Legolas) himself introduced the trailer.

AUEP writes: Craig Parker (Haldir) was on NZ TV show "Good Morning" about his episode of "Intrepid Journeys". While he was there, the host asked about what he did in the US last week and he talked about the TORN party that he was invited to and the "limousines, celebrites" etc that he saw. She then asked him about his death scene, "I'm greatful to Peter for giving me a great death", his sword fighting, his stunt man, the other stars, and Peter, saying "he's fantastic, a genius."

Oregoonie sends along her report from the Sean Astin screening in Portland last night. Sean answered a few questions regarding Goonies, ROTK, and other interesting topics! [More]

Pippin Skywalker writes: Ian Holm (Bilbo) is going to appear in a film alongside Natalie Portman and Zach Braff next year called "Large's Ark" about a young man who returns home to his estranged family.

Truckle writes: Sir Ian McKellen (Gandalf) will be appearing on Parkinson, a BBC1 show on Saturday 12th April at 10:30pm.

Rwingate writes: United Cutlery has confirmed new releases coming soon! They Include: Aragorn's Elven hunting knife with sheath. Legolas' fighting daggers with sheaths, Elven warrior sword, Aragorn's ranger sword scabbard with eating knife! [More]

Hirsute film director Peter Jackson's obsession with hirsute creatures went beyond doubt this week with the announcement he's remaking the 1933 horror-adventure classic, King Kong. [More]

Yeah yeah.. I know it's still 7 months away but I can't help getting excited over this event. This weekend the English version of their website, www.RingCon.de, went online. It has some basic information about the event, but the most interesting piece is that there are at the moment two actors confirmed to attend: Bruce Hopkins (Gamling) and Mark Ferguson (Gil-galad)! Mark Ferguson was one of the guests from last year, it seems he had such a good time he wants to go back.. [More]

Micky dropped us a line to say that the BBC is currently running a poll searching for Britain’s best-loved fiction across television, radio, online and interactive services. So, if you're in the UK, you might like add your vote for whatever your favourite fiction work is. The nomination period to discover the Top 100 best-loved books closes at midnight (GMT, I presume) on Saturday 19 April. [More]

Today we post up Tehanu's Note #20, which is the promised second part to my review and general musings on TTT. [More] Does it stick to the point? No. And if you enjoy that, there's plenty more like it - along with great articles from the Green Books staff - in TORN's book, The People's Guide to JRR Tolkien, due out this month.

Frodo's Girl13 and our own TORn Staffer Jincey seemed to simultaneously stumble on this link - LoTR quilts and bedding. Your very own Aragorn or Arwen quilt - or maybe a cushion with Gandalf or the Hobbits. The mind truly boggles. But I'm sure it will appeal to some. [More]

Ringer Spy Irascian reports that he's posted the final page in his six-part report on TORn's Two Towers - One Party Oscar event. If you haven't yet seen what all the fuss was about, wander across and take a look! [More]

Collectormania 3 has just announced that it has added John Rys Davies to its extensive list of special guests from the cast of LoTR for the May 2-5 event. Those already on the list include: Andy Serkis, Bruce Hopkins, Billy Boyd and Sala Baker. Collectormania 3 will be held in Milton Keynes (in Buckinghamshire) in the UK and entry is free. Thanks to Ringer Spy Arwenelf for the heads up. [More]

For Bloom fans, there's a number of ways to catch a glimpse of him in the 'Pirates of the Carribean' trailer, which is available online and is also airing in the States tonight on most channels. [More]

The NZ Herald talks about PJ's plans for the big hairy ape. The story has a link supposed to go to his team's 1996 draft script, but the link is actually outdated. [More]

The Rohirrim - encumbered by a seemingly very isolated Merry - find the way to Mundberg is cut by a strong force of orcs encamped on the road. However, in an odd echo of Merry's own earlier good fortune, a way opens. The Rohirrim pass on towards Minas Tirith through a long-forgotten valley. [More]

ComputerWorld Magazine has a great, albeit slightly short, article featuring snippets of an interview with Milton Ngan which hints at some of the issues that WETA Digital came up against when transitioning from IRIX to Linux. Exceeding the 4GB memory limit under IA32 seems to have been the biggest problem - no word on whether they felt the problems were finally worth it. Thanks to Starlady for the heads up. [More]

This takes some explaining, but if you live in the Chicago area you might like to join the Chicago Line Party for a night of LOTR improv. comedy on April 25th. "Join elves, dwarves, and wizrads for a death-defying, unscripted journey into a land of evil." [More] Thanks to Sierra for the news.

The Tolkien Society reports on the worldwide enthusiasm for its recent 'Tolkien Reading Day.' [More]

Mihaka writes to remind NZ viewers that Criag Parker [Haldir] is going to be on TV1 on Monday at 7.30pm in "Intrepid Journeys-Nepal"

More Viggo news, including a new poem, reports of his stay in Iceland, and his upcoming appearance on Swedish TV. [More] Thanks to Wee Tanya for the link.

No need to be bored over summer if you live in Arizona. The Uni is offering a summer class "Tolkien and Medieval Literatue." [More] Thanks to Rebecca for the link.

Hamish uploaded some more Video Captures which he kindly sent us; stuff from the premieres and from New Zealand TV including PJ's forthright criticisms of the NZ Film Commission. Nothing new, but these are in a fairly good quality format.
PJ vs Film Commission (TTT) Red Carpet Footage (TTT) Karl Uhban Red Carpet Interview Sum up of FOTR red carpet Interviews with viewers of FOTR (UK) -Interviews with FOTR cast (UK)

Hamish says "Alex Talpur provided the video of the UK footage, the rest I just recorded on VHS and have only really got around to uploading it today."

More news of the elusive elf, who was interviewed on Aussie radio and broadcast on the net. [More] Updated!

We have reports that TTT is being very well received in India, but also there are disturbing reports that once again, as happened last year with FOTR, some (or all?) audiences are seeing a CUT version that's only 2 and a half hours long! [More]

Jess sends in some sort-of spoilers, that mostly tell you where ROTK follows the book, plus evidence that the Smeagol-into-Gollum backstory will appear there too. [More]

Orangeblossom writes in to clear up some confusion (caused by a very naughty theatre ticket person) in regards to ticket sales for the Sean Astin screening: They ARE selling tickets over the phone as of 3pm YESTERDAY, but ONLY to out-of-towners. Local portlanders MUST go to the box office. [More]

Elvanui writes: John Rhys-Davies (Gimli) is appearing tomorrow at the Birmingham NEC Arena at the Sport and Movie Memorabilia Fair in the UK. [More]

Aussie fans eager to hear some coolness from WETA at the Supernova con this weekend (Click here) will want to listen up. The folks at WETA contacted us with news that Ben Hawker will NOT be attending the con, but make-ups Effects wizard Bill Hunt will be replacing him.

Sandra writes: Just thought you might like to pass on to all the LOTR fans that John Rhys-Davies (Gimli) will be appearing in Sydney, Australia in November 2003. He will be in Sydney on SATURDAY NOVEMBER 22, 2003 for a one-day convention with Friends of Science Fiction. [more]

A small clip from the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' trailer has been posted online in all types of video formats. Plenty of new shots of Orlando Bloom (Legolas), sadly no dialog. But check out Geoffrey Rush at the end! Avast ye mates! Make your way to the following link if ye dare! [More]

Bruce Hopkins (Gamling) will be appearing in Macbeth August 8th through September 6th at the Silo Theater in Auckland. Check out Bruce-Hopkins.com for details as they become available.

Trueogre writes: We have a paper that is free in the UK called the Metro and they have a column in the paper everyday for a festure called 60 second interview. Domonic Monaghan is the interviewee for the 4th of April. [More]

Entertainment Tonight spoke with Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom (Legolas) about 'Pirates of the Caribbean', anyone with TiVo may still be able to catch it.

Renee writes: I just wanted to let everyone know that there may be some changes to the ticket-buying protocol for the Sean Astin appearance in Portland this Saturday. [More]

Cedric writes: Ben Hawker, prosthetics technician for LOTR and working with WETA, will be appearing at Supanova, a pop culture expo this weekend in Sydney, Australia. [More]

Let the geek in you show proudly as you parade around in your Elven costume! Take a look at these really neat step-by-step instructions on how to make your own Elf armour as seen in the Last Alliance scenes in FOTR! [More]

What could be better than a brand spanking new Scenario for the Lord of the Rings Tabletop Battle Game starring Gamling the Old? Well, what if it included an exclusive interview with the man who played Gamling: Bruce Hopkins? That's right, take a read through this special dual-feature Interview and Scenario! [More] [Gaming Havens]

USA Today has an article (and a creepy new pic of Geoffrey Rush) online today. Here is a small Orlando snippet: ...Besides a few frights, Bruckheimer promises romance (Orlando Bloom, pinup elf Legolas from The Lord of the Rings, is a blacksmith who joins Depp to rescue his beloved Knightley)... [More]

The Hollywood Reporter confirms a story we posted on March 12th. Karl Urban (Eomer) has confirmed his role in the 'Pitch Black' sequel 'The Chronicles of Riddick'starring Vin Diesel. [More]

Caitlin writes: The annual Armageddon Expo will be held in Auckland at the Aotea Centre on April 12th, 13th, and 14th and will feature a LOTR/Weta Workshop stand. [More]

Liv Tyler married Royston Langdon, the lead singer of the band Spacehog, in a private ceremony at a villa in the Caribbean on March 25, her publicist announced yesterday. Congrats to Liv and her new husband from everyone at TORn! [More]

The week following the 2003 TORn Oscar Party our Gaming Editor Flinch had the privledge to visit EA's HQ in San Francisco, CA. Among the other amazing things he was shown while there, he had the honor of meeting Producer Neil Young, one of those responsible for the Action Game of the Year: The Two Towers. Take a read through our interview and find out what to expect from the Return of the King Video Game! [More] [Gaming Havens]

Canadian soprano Isabel Bayrakdarian has held crowds spellbound in music halls all over the world, but she’s never had an audience as big as the one that has bee hearing her sing in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. [More]

Hoping to tap that old Middle Earth magic, Dr Pepper/Seven Up is banding with New Line Home Entertainment for the fall DVD/video release of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. Elements of the cross-promo include a loyalty-based eBay auction and an "Adventure Card" for partner offers. [More]

Caitlin writes: The beginning of the trailer for "Dumber and Dumberer" is LOTR themed. [More]

Emily sends along some interesting information regarding the possible begining of re-shoots for Return of the King, take a look! [More]

Geraldo's recent (latest) controversy has created some hilarious political cartoons, check out the last one on this page from slate.com. [More]

BitofEarth.net reports that their campaign to get the large cinema in Portland Oregon for their charity showing of The Two Towers and Sean Astin's The Long and the Short Of It was a success. Now, Sean himself will be in attendance, so if you want tickets for this April 5 showing starting at 7.30pm, we suggest you hurry! [More] Updated!

According to Stuff.co.nz, Fay Wray, star of the original King Kong, has given her blessing to Peter Jackson's $200 million remake of King Kong, after years of dismissing other attempts at remaking the 1933 classic. [More]

Two films starring LOTR stars have had their release dates shifted, according to FilmJerk. The first is the Elijah Wood (Frodo) film "Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind" which has now moved to November 14th, and the Marton Csokas (Celeborn) comedy “Garage Days" will head to June 27th.

SunnyJim sends us a link to an exclusive Two Towers watch from fossil - only 3000 available. [More] [Shop]

April writes: Buena Vista will air the trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean on Sunday, April 6th on all of their affiliate TV stations. They are calling it a trailer roadblock. That includes, ABC, Family Channel, Disney Channel, etc.

Halfdan Hansen sends us the great news! Sotheby's have listed for auction a unique prototype of the One Ring made by Jens Hansen, during the design process for the film. Jens Hansen was a noted New Zealand jeweler, and designer of the One Ring for the trilogy. An original concept drawing by Dan Hennah, Twice-Academy Award Nominated, will be offered with the piece. [More]

Jack writes: I was just looking at the website for the E3 expo (a game industry convention) and I saw that Electronic Arts will be presenting Lord of the Rings: Return of the King on a panel. It says Neil Young is presenting the game on the "Sneak Peeks" panel. This is confirmation that the game will be at E3 and will be shown. [More] [Gaming Havens]

Hey guys, leo here. Well.. my inbox has been flooded with emails about yesterday's april's fool joke. Honestly, Isengard doesn't even begin to compare to the status of my inbox. The general consensus seems to be that everyone pretty much gathered it was a joke after the first heart attack had passed, and we even managed to trick some of our own staff (right Quickbeam?). To be quite honest the real criminal masterminds behind this joke were GreenBooks Staffer Anwyn who wrote the press release and Calisuri who came with the idea in the first place, really I had nothing to do with it at all 0:)

I'm glad everyone took it so well though (I'm not counting the 20+ deaththreats I got), our past april fools, amongst others the one about New Line acquiring TheOneRing.net, didn't go over to well but I think this one did the trick pretty good. Thanks for playing along and keep your wit open next year!

Speedcorn writes: TTT has finally passed the overseas gross of FOTR with a total to date of $553.5 million versus $548.8 million for FOTR. It is now just $30 million shy of Jurassic park in total worldwide gross with $889.3 million. [More]

Jer'm writes: Bruce Hopkins (Gamling) is coming to the Elf Fantasy Fair in the Netherlands on 26th & 27th of April. [More]

Zandra writes: "You posted something about LOTR sheet music and where to get it....The site MusicNotes.com has most of the LOTR music available to order a hard copy or to download digitally on its player to print youself or save it. [More]

Vojta writes: TechTV in their TechLive is going to do a documentary on the technology in TTT tonight (April 1st). [More]

Erin told us about an Interactive Map of New Zealand a la Middle Earth. "I found the site to be very handsome and quite interesting. It is introduced by Karl Urban [Eomer] and is a very nice layout, with lots of interesting tidbits and some very nice movie bits and interactive treats. [More]

We have a report from a fan at the first screening there and it seems to have been well-received. Add that to the news that LOTR was a bestseller for 4 months after FOTR came out, and it seems that Tolkien may be gaining ground in India. [More]

Little news snippets are starting to come in regarding PJ's King Kong film and ROTK re-shoots! [More]

Todd noticed some nice things in an ROTK 'teaser' scene included a the TTT game. [More] [Gaming Havens]

Billy Boyd's (Pippin) short film, Sniper 470, will be having its US premier at the Hi Mom! Film Festival (Which sounds cute -T) in North Carolina on Friday April 4th. [More]

Wee Tanya writes: "Orlando Bloom's (Legolas) next film may be a drama about Colditz. [More]

News for Mar. 31, 2003

More King Kong news.

3/31/03, 9:57 pm EST - Tehanu

Minas Morgul Model Pics

3/31/03, 12:36 pm EST - Xoanon

RingCon 2003 Update

3/31/03, 11:58 am EST - leo

Texas Tech Holding a 24-hour Reading Marathon

3/31/03, 11:55 am EST - Xoanon

Heren Istarion Tolkien Event Report

3/31/03, 11:09 am EST - Xoanon

Lord of The Kong

3/31/03, 10:48 am EST - Xoanon

VARIETY: Universal going ape for 'Kong'

3/31/03, 10:42 am EST - Xoanon

TTT: EE Rated PG-13

3/31/03, 10:30 am EST - Xoanon

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