Anborn1 writes: A friend who knows my obsession well found this and gave it to me, tho' my birthday is long past. I just love the thought and greeting (can relate to it completely), and they even got the lingo right -- "geek", not "nerd," if you please! [More]

From Stuff.co: "No admittance except on party business" – said the sign at the entrance to Bilbo Baggins' "eleventy-first" birthday party. Now Wellington is about to hang out the same sign, as fans book out city venues to celebrate the world premiere of the final Lord of the Rings movie. [More]

Pippin Skywalker Jedi Hobbit writes: I had the most wonderful of chances to go to the New York Tolkien Society Birthday Celebration for Bilbo and Frodo's late summer birthday and let me tell you it was awesome, awesome, AWESOME! :) [More]

Each week I scour Ebay looking for the hot Tolkien items up for sale. I post the most interesting here for you to bid on! [More]

Another chance to see your favorite LOTR star on the small screen this week! Take a look! [More]

Irascian writes: My weblog report on the press launch of the movie exhibition at the Science Museum is finally up. More interesting to most fans will be the transcript of the press conference and Q&A session where Richard Taylor reveals his favourite piece in the exhibition (and why it’s his favourite) and talks about his proudest achievement. [More]

The latest issue of PC Gamer Magazine, which features a big picture of Gandalf on the front cover, has a large article inside called 'Five games to rule them all...'. It goes into detail on all the latest and greatest LOTR games heading to all platforms this fall.

Anyone with scans of the article, send them along!

Armageddon 2003 In New Zealand - LOTR Panel

Gino Acevedo, Bay Raitt & Lawrence Makaoare

NZBoy writes: Arrived at Armageddon early yesterday in the morning and greeted by a HUGE crowd waiting to get in. Dymocks has a display of a lot of the Weta Workshop props, like Gimlis axes, Different face expressions of Gollum, Cave Troll, Lurtz, Goblin Archer etc. [More]

The first film had us intrigued, the second had us hooked. We’re all agog for what The Return of the King will reveal when it opens here in December. Never mind whether Frodo manages to destroy that ring. Step aside Viggo and Liv, with your wildly romantic hair and Pre-Raphaelite robes, we’ve all become besotted with the real star of the The Lord of the Rings trilogy — the New Zealand landscape. [More]

Lesley writes: There will be a screening of FOTR at 7 pm at McGill University on Friday September 26. It is a free outdoor screening on the lower field. The screening is part of the movie in the park series, hosted by the Student Society of McGill University.

Ringer Spy jellybeanchic sends us this extensive report from the Stephen Cohen Gallery, where Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) has on display a series of photographs titled "Miyelo". Take a look at her wonderful report! [More]

TORN Staffer WeeTanya writes: My friend Murnkay went to the Heren Istarion birthday party celebration. He wrote a very funny and excellent review of the party, including a sighting of TORN's own PippinSkywalker! [More]

samaranth writes: I also attended the Best of Both Worlds convention this weekend! It was terrific, with each of the special guests giving very interesting presentations. Their passion for the production is obvious, and they seemed so happy to share their stories with us. They are a great bunch of people, very approachable. Gamling is a cool dancer. I took this photo, this was from the group session on Saturday 20 September. (left to right: Ben Wootten (WETA), Craig Parker (Haldir), John Noble (Denethor), Sarah McLeod, (Rosie Cotton) David Weatherley (Butterbur) and Bruce Hopkins (Gamling). [More]

The shameless promotion of LOTR continues. As New Line Cinema continues to ignore the fact that the more saturated the consumer market becomes with pathetic attempts at gouging the public for more money, the sadder we the fans become. Here I bring you, a TTT Baked Beans cross-promotion. [More]

The folks at 3dgamers.com have released a demo from the fourthcoming EA game 'Return of the King'. Take a look! [More] [Gaming Havens]

Today, September 21st, is David Wenham's (Faramir) birthday! David was born on September 21st, 1965 in Sydney, Australia. That makes him 38 years old today! Happy Birthday David!

Last minute preparations are taking place for the Los Angeles Birthday Celebration taking place tomorrow in Griffith Park. Two highly sought items for this event will be tables and blankets! If you have 'em, and have the means, please do bring them! Thanks! [Celebration Details]

I've just returned from Day One of the Best of Both Worlds convention in Canberra. My brief verdict is that it's been absolutely fantastic. All the guests - Sarah Mcleod, Bruce Hopkins, Craig Parker, David Weatherley, Ben Wootten and John Noble - gave marvellous presentations. If you're in the area tomorrow, I thoroughly recommend coming along to hear them do it all over again. BOBW Co-ordinator Adele also announced that next year's LoTR convention will feature Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd. [More]

Mr. Cere, TORn's Line Party coordinator, writes: TORnados! TORn is doing some behind-the-scenes fall pruning, especially in the Line Party section of the site. If you are a line leader and you want to retain your line, you MUST E-mail MrCere@TheOneRing.net immediately or your line will be torched like a mound of Orcs! This is your final warning.

If you don't know what a Line Party is, rest easy, there will be many announcements in the weeks and months ahead so that each and every TORnado will have the chance to join or start a line. Thanks!

Check out this great new Aragorn image, sent to us by Ringer Mr. Frodo, from the latest issue of EGM Magazine. !!!Minor Spoilers!!! [More]

Germany's Cinema Magazine Goes Behind the Scenes

Bigature Preperations

A BIG Thank you to Owl Lover for transcribing and scanning in these images from Germany's Cinema Magazine. We've scanned the entire article and zoomed in on some of the more interesting pictures fro you. Take a look! Spoilers! [More]

Christopher Lee in Slovenia

Blaz writes: Recently Christopher Lee (Saruman) visited Ljubljana, the capital city of Slovenia. He came here as an UNICEF ambassador to help with a project called STOP THE TRADE WITH ALBANIAN CHILDREN, run bay a Slovenian actress Vita Mavric. There is also an article published in the magazine called STOP, with the title: A WALK TROUGH LJUBLJANA WITH CHRISTOPHER LEE. It is about his fascination with Ljubljana and its sites, although he has been here before. He is also telling about his experience in second world war here in Slovenia. [More]

When pondering the relevancy of Tolkien to the 21st century, some things immediately come to mind, such as the lure of power and industry vs. nature. But I wonder if it's not even more interesting to look at our collective memory. For Tolkien anchored his stories firmly in the traditions and legends of Europe. Myths speak to us about who we are and where we come from, and surely that is the greatest and most fundamental relevance any story can have, no matter what age the reader lives in? [More]

After a slight delay...we are proud to announce the winners of our 2003 Caption Contest! Please support our sponsor ShopAFX.com for their generous donation of prizes to this contest. Follow the link to see what lucky fans won! [Winners!]

Need weekend plans? Well, if you happen to live near New York, Los Angeles, Flagstaff, Arizona, or Alexandria, Virginia, you can celebrate Dear Old Bilbo's birthday in style with Ringers in your own backyard!

Update: Busy this weekend? Well San Francisco Ringers can attend a party for Bilbo NEXT Saturday -- apologies for the mixup!

Turimel writes: On Saturday, Sept 20 at 7 PM, there will be a film festival at Lloyd Cinema in Portland, Oregon, featuring LOTR Fan films. (A sample title: "The Blair Nazgul Project.") Films have been submitted from all over the country, in categories like Original Drama, Parody, Music Video, and more. It promises to be a fun filled evening of Tolkien geekiness for everyone. Tickets are availalbe at ticketweb.com -- look under Oregon, then "Lost Palantir." [More]

Turimel adds, "Up until yesterday Viggo, Dom, and Sean were going to ATTEND the event "if their schedule permitted." Unfortunately, they have been called in to do ROTK promos and are unable to make it. However, they have promised a video "hello" to fans at the festival, and Sean is scheduled to announce the winners live by phone!"

Xoanon here, my source sends along the sad news regarding the LOTR cast appearing on the PBS show 'Inside the Actors Studio'. The Lord of the Rings Inside the Actor's Studio taping is off and is not likely to happen soon... [More]

Celebrian writes: Those of you living near Holland, MI might be interested in an upcoming marathon reading of the Return of the King. It will take place on Friday, September 19, from 11 am to approximately 11 pm. [More]

Trinity the Purple writes: Last November, I was fortunate enough to attend a signing by Christopher Lee in London. If you've met the man, you'll know he is a Gentleman in every sense of the word. Not just a first class actor but a first class human being too... [More]

Matt writes: I have news about Christopher Lee (Saruman) who visited Slovenia yesterday (September 18th, 2003) as Ambassador of Unicef. He was invited by Star Entertaiment and the Slovenian Unicef comitee. He traveled the entire country and had a good time. He had several conversations with the media and members of Slovenian Unicef, who are actors as well.

Huorn writes: United Cutlery has confirmed that they will finally release the Sword of Boromir in 2004! It seems that the sword is still one of the most requested ones, even after so many other fine weapons released by UC thus far. [More]

Even more good news is that Blades by Brown are now selling their own version of the Gondorian vambraces that Boromir used in the FOTR and Aragorn adopted later. [More]

Peter writes: Just wanted to pass on a message from Adele Carr of Best of Both Worlds to confirm that all our guests have arrived in Canberra ready for the convention this weekend. Apparently a rumour was circulating that Craig Parker was not attending (which even reached his agent and caused a lot of distress on their part). This is patently false since he is now with us in Canberra as of this morning. [BOBW II Website]

Our insider in the ROTK camp chimes in with some exclusive news on what has been filming lately in New Zealand! Black Gates! Carsairs! Massive Battles and more!! Some Spoilers!! [More]

The Gollum Ring by Badali Jewelry

Badali Jewelry has just received licensing from Tolkien Enterprises to release a new ring featuring Gollum. Inspired from the pages of J.R.R. Tolkien's immortal works The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings series comes The Gollum Ring, the pitiable creature Sméagol who was enslaved by his need for the Precious. Each ring is carefully handcrafted one at a time by the Badali Jewelry artists. Available in sterling silver and 14k. gold, in sizes 5 to 13, in whole and half sizes. Gollum's spindly arms and legs wrap around you finger to form the band. This is a really cool ring! [More]

Fiver writes: Here is the link to my really late review of Dragon*con. We got some good pics, and met some great folks. [More]

Click here for TORN's complete coverage from the event!

Sean Astin (Sam), one of the stars of the "Lord of the Rings" series, and Annie Potts, best known for her role on TV's "Designing Women," are joining the cast of "Elvis Has Left the Building," a romantic comedy starring Kim Basinger. The film marks director Joel Zwick's follow-up to the indie smash "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." [More]

Lila Sandybanks writes: NZ Post has donated an Ultimate Pack of special stamps as a charity auction item, in collaboration with the Armageddon Expo to be held in Wellington this weekend. Note that $1 NZ is about $0.58 US. The auction closes Monday, NZ time - which will be Sunday for North & South America...etc [More]

Amazon.com has posted some great toy images from ROTK! Take a look! Fell Beast Playset from PlayAlong Toys. And here is a great pic of the King!

Tasha writes: I just emailed 'Famous Players' here in Canada. I inquired as to whether or not they would be involved in playing the triple header in December. To which I have just received a reply: Thank you for your inquiry. At this time all the information we have is that we will be running the LOTR's marathon in 20 different Canadian markets which are still being worked out at this time.

Krista writes: This week's BBC caption contest is featuring the LOTR exhibition in London. It has a pic of Lawrence Makoare and a little kid. It's a great photo, but make sure to enlarge it to see the whole thing. [More]

Atticus writes: I found a poll that was posted today on the Century Theatres Website...It's for which Holiday Movie Are you looking forward to the most, and ROTK is leading by just a little bit over Matrix : Revolutions...Thought you'd like to know! [More]

Radagast the Brown writes: "A little late on this, but on Saturday Sept. 20th, the city of Flagstaff, Arizona is having a Bilbo Baggins Birthday party celebrating all things hobbit and Middle Earth; games, prizes for costumes, and all the rest. It will be all day at Wheeler Park (next to downtown). Flagstaff is in the region called Northern Arizona, south of the Grand Canyon, north of Phoenix."

Lady_Greenleaf writes: I sent you a link a few days ago when they had announced that Sala Baker (Sauron) would be at their October 25 and 26 show. They have just added John Rhys-Davies (Gimli) to their list as well! [Scifiexpo]

MSNBC writes: Simply astounding round-trip airfares to New Zealand. Qantas Airlines undercuts Air New Zealand’s historic Kiwi fares—grab ‘em up quickly! Records are being broken every day. On Friday, we put out a special edition of this newsletter just to let you in on the scoop that Air New Zealand was dropping airfares to historic lows: a mere $559 for a round-trip flight between Los Angeles and Auckland. Well, it looks like rival liner Qantas reads MSNBC travel, too, because its now undercut Air NZ, and how! Qantas has dropped its fare on this route to a jaw-dropping $498 round-trip. [More]

Morvan writes: As part of the advance promotion for ROTK, La Francse des Jeux is doing a "scratch lottery" game based on LOTR. The principle is simple: for 2 €, you can buy a ticket on which is a picture from the movie and a scratch area shaped like the One Ring. You win the sum according to the number of rings you discover. Wins go from 2 € (one ring) to 10 000 € (six rings). You can view the tickets here. [More] [Ad]

Carlene Cordova writes: As you may or may not know - the "Ringers: Lord of the Fans" production crew is heading off to Jolly old England! We'll be interviewing famous authors like Terry Pratchett, shooting Tolkien's old stomping grounds in Birmingham, and visiting Oxonmoot in Oxford. We'll also be interviewing the leadership of The Tolkien Society, lots of fans, some Tolkien scholars and more!

It should be a very productive and promising trip. We'll be traveling across the English countryside in our own version of "The Mystery Machine." We've even secured the generous services of an wisecracking Scottish driver/audio technician/"old" gaffer/ general dogsbody. who understands how to negotiate the "wrong" side of the road. With the help of our good friend Arathorn, we'll be updating our site with a sort of BLOG (weblog) of our travels. Hopefully this will happen daily! So, do check the site to see what we're up to. It should prove entertaining. [Ringers]

Christian writes: Today, Germany's Cinemaxx, one of the biggest chain of multiplexes, has begun to sell tickets for the first week of ROTK. While these tickets are for the regular screenings of the movie, a few tickets for the triple feature (all three movies in a row beginning at 5pm on 16th) are still available.

Lady Elira writes: At handbag.com there is a poll to vote for the top 20 men of the year. Orlando Bloom (Legolas) is currently number 4 and Viggo Mortensen (Aragorn) is rated number 2. [More]

(And yet somehow I can still sleep at night knowing I'm not on that list -Xo)

Mary writes: I just got my AmEx statement and there is this little blurb about some type of promotion: "Your request for music begins with Blue. This month Warner Music Presents has put together an exclusive sweepstakes package celebrating the release of 'The Return of the King' and its Howard Shore-scored soundtrack. As always it's just for Blue from American Express Cardmembers. Each month you'll have a chance to win everything from trips to concert tickets to exclusive autograph items...Each month brings a new offer, so don't forget to check back often." [More]

We'd like to introduce you to a new feature on TheOneRing.net: Plastic Ent's Toy Reviews. Plastic Ent is intimately involved with the toy industry. We hope his insight and experience will serve fans worldwide as a gauge on the quality of various Tolkien-related offerings in the market today. Plastic Ent's first review is of PlayAlong's 'Armies of Middle-earth' and the ShopAFX.com exclusive set 'Ambush at Weathertop.' [AOME Review] ['Ambush' Review]

I don't know if any of you have picked up a copy of 'A Field Guide to the Urban Hipster,' but last night I found myself face to face with TheOneRing.net as the subject of some cutting humor in a casual visit to Barnes and Noble. [More]

A startling roar from actor Lawrence Makaoare in his ghoulish orc costume as "Lurtz" launched New Zealand's museum industry on the European stage at London's Science Museum yesterday. Kensington schoolchildren, invited to meet one of the stars from Peter Jackson's trilogy, were impressed. "When he's not in character mode, he seems really nice," said Katie Akinlusi, aged 9. "If he goes into character mode, he seems really, really scary." [More]

We hope to be joined by many Ringers on Sunday September 21st as we celebrate Bilbo and Frodo's Birthday. Here's all of the information you need. First of all, there's been a change of venues. The picnic will not take place at the Hollywood Camrose park as originally announced, but in Griffith Park at the Cedar Tree Picnic Grounds. Follow the link for full details and directions. [More]

We've been inundated with Caption Contest entries and will not be able to meet our own deadline of posting the winners today! Sorry folks! We'll have the winners posted for Friday, Sept 19th. In the meantime, start warming up for our next contest: A Limerick for Legolas 2003.

Monopoly: LOTR Edition

CAhobbit sends in word that Hasbro's 'Trivial Pursuit: LOTR Edition' and Parker Bros. 'Monopoly: LOTR Edition' will hit store shelves on November 15th, 2003! [More] [Shop.theonering.net]

Tammy writes: Not sure if you are interested in reading a review of the film but Disney has started test screenings for Hidalgo throughout southern califormia and I was able to see it last night along with a theater filled with other very mixed demographics. [More]

The folks over at elfenomeno.com have posted a scan from a Spanish Magazine, the article features nothing new but the image that goes along with it is quite stunning! Take a look at the scan of the magazine and a close up of the image! Very Small Spoiler [More]

Jo writes: The Swedish interior design/DIY magazine "Äntligen Hemma" has a three page spread on how to decorate your room in the same style as in The Lord of the Rings films. [More]

Props, costumes, models - and behind the scenes secrets - from the Lord of the Rings trilogy have been unveiled at a new exhibition at the Science Museum in London. They will take the many fans of the series on an adventure into how JRR Tolkien's fantasy epic made it from written word to silver screen, all through the imagination and effort of a untried, largely virgin film-making crew in New Zealand. [More]

BBC.co.uk caught up with Lawrence Makoare during his short stay in London, check out this great article:

Lawrence Makoare, who played a terrifying warlord in the Lord of the Rings films, has spent the morning under hot lights promoting the film's exhibition at London's Science Musuem. [More] [TORn's coverage of the event!]

Scoop has more on the special release of 'Return of the King' postal stamps. "Anticipation of December's world premier of the final The Lord of the Rings film is building with New Zealand Post today unveiling a series of stamps to celebrate the third movie. [More] The stamps are on sale at [Stamps.co.nz]

The Denver Public Library (Denver, CO) will be presenting its out-loud readings of "The Return of the King" on Tuesday evenings from October 7th through December 16. Starting at 7:30 pm each of those evenings and running for an hour, the 10 sessions will complete Children's Librarian Heath Rezabek's readings of Tolkien's Rings epic. [More]

Just announced on Access Hollywood: Cate Blanchett's expecting her second child and so bowed out of the movie "Closer". Thanks to Cheryl and Bjam for that news.

TORN staff loved this story about a small boy who was SO determined to see the films that he made a deal. "In January of 2003 my son came home from school upset about something. "Dad, can I see the LOTR movie?", he asked. Immediately images of Orcs and cave Trolls came to mind coupled with images and sounds of a 7 year old waking up at 2 in the morning screaming from nightmares. "Maybe when you're older buddy", I replied. [More]

OK, so I got this news from Shell 2 weeks ago and lost it...here goes: "I've been told that due to that lateness of the main film group (weather problems and the like), the wrap up for the main filming/minatures will now continue until the end of Sept obviously the will be heaps of CGI stuff to do between now so it will be pretty full on for them. The main battle groups are now in Paraparaumu filming, mainly because of awful weather, they should be returning back to Miramar next week so I hear."

Nuannaiel writes, "Hi, just wanted to let you know about the art competition Harper Collins is running for 11 - 19 year old New Zealanders. Entrants must draw a scene from ROTK. I hope to enter and good luck to anyone else - the prizes look fantastic!" [More]

Vincent Smalls writes: Thought I'd give you an update on the ROTK ADR (additional dialog recording) mixing going on down here at Anvil Studios. They are still hard at work with the sound mixing. Elijah Wood (Frodo) was in yesterday, presumably doing some sound looping. I'm going to try and get over there sometime soon. As soon as we know Peter Jackson is over there, I will try to "accidentally" bump into him, perhaps ask him a few questions. It's not over yet!

Annalisa writes: Dr. Michael Drout (author of the Mythopoeic Scholarship Award-winning "Beowulf and the Critics") writes in his blog that he is negotiating a contract to edit a new Tolkien Encyclopedia. He mentions back in a July 28th entry that he was interviewed for the new National Geographic: Beyond the Movie (ROTK) which will be airing sometime in November. [More]

Louise Jury writes: Some 260,000 people are expected to see the new 'Lord of the Rings' exhibition - but critics say it is further evidence of dumbing down. Devotees of The Lord of the Rings will think they have died and gone to Middle Earth. From today, hundreds of props, costumes and gadgetry from the epic production of the J R R Tolkien trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson, go on display in a £750,000 show in London. What critics were asking yesterday was how this Victorian spirit of intellectual improvement could be reconciled with a self-conscious blockbuster exhibition based on a fantasy movie already seen by a global audience of millions? [More]

The official LOTR site posted a new interview with Miranda Otto (Eowyn. Miranda talks about her sword training, Eowyn's developement and how she approached the character, and her filming experience in New Zealand. [More]

Even though New Line Cinema stopped counting the pennies in regards to 'The Two Towers' box office earning, we haven't! BoxOfficeMojo has just listed TTT in 4th place of all time moneymakers. It just passed Jurassic Park with $920.4 Million dollars (JP has $920.1 Million). In third place is The Phantom Menace with $925.6 Million. [More]

Roger Friedman's latest article on the Fox News website has this small blurb on ROTK. And by the way, Messrs. Shaye and Lynne — how's the new "Lord of the Rings" movie coming? Will it make its mid December deadline? "Just barely," was the unanimous answer, although I am paraphrasing. Turns out director Peter Jackson is in London frantically trying to finish all the special effects. "But we did have a screening last week," the pair reported. "And it's phenomenal."

I tend to think Friedman mis-quoted, PJ is/was in London working on the score, not SFX.

Nik writes: Games Workshop has updated thier site featuring tons of mini images from Return of the King. It's got pictures of Orcs, Uruks, Easterlings and most excitingly (I thought), Heroes of the West! [More]

Andym writes: Ian Mckellen (Gandalf) has updated his white book website and talks about his final day filming. [More]

The Cave Troll

Today, Monday the 15th marks the opening of the highly anticipated Lord of the Rings exhibition in the London Science Museum. TheOneRing.net was there, got a chance to chat to all the VIPs present, shoot some footage and bring you this exclusive report! The exhibition opens for the general public tomorrow, today the press (gathered from all over the world!) got a sneak peak at the exhibit, which is said to have sold more tickets then anything else the Science Museum has ever hosted. No gathering masses around the museum today though, just lots of Finnish students, one or two tourists and a bunch of press people eagerly awaiting the launch of the first European LOTR-exhibit. Other then that very few people on the street seemed to be aware of the exhibit. [More]

WrightWords writes: "Lights! Kiwis! Action!" Westworld travel magazine's fall edition from the BCAA (British Columbia Automobile Association) embarks on a New Zealand Orc-seeking quest. I like the before-and-after photos of the botany guide-turned-Uruk, and reference to "morsels" Frodo and Sam. Oh, and the chance to meet one of the films' stars: horse Willy! Elsewhere in the magazine is an ad for a 21-day stay on the islands..oh so tempting! [More]

Media Watch: Starlog Magazine Talks LOTR - Cover

Starlog Magazine - October 2003

Roheryn writes: The October issue (#315) of STARLOG magazine has several good LOTR-related features. Here are scans of the articles. One, "My Precious..." is an in-depth interview with Andy Serkis. The other, "Translating Tolkien," is a wonderful chat with Philippa Boyens about the challenge of bringing her favorite book to the big screen. Also included is the cover page of the mag, and a humorous sketch of "The CG Stooges" -- Gollum, Dobby, and Jar-Jar Binks. [More]

Lady_Greenleaf writes: Sala Baker (Sauron) is scheduled to make a convention appearance in Dallas on October 25 and 26 where he will be signing autographs. [More]

This image finally made it into my mailbox, I'm a happy clam tonight. Let me explain; for the past few weeks we've been getting emails from people claiming that they've seen TTT standees with images of Aragorn, Gandalf, The Hobbits...and someone else. They didn't recognize who it was, or who it was supposed to be. I thought people were seeing things, confusing themselves with other standees or characters. But I did want to see this standee image for myself. To my delight Nils sends along this image. And I really have to ask everyone, The Powers That Be, PJ, anyone...WHO IS THIS?! [More]

Update! Ok...so we learned who this person is...YOU! Yes I say YOU the fan, this was the area where Wal*Mart customers can place their heads in place and have their photo taken with the LOTR stars. So...he's not Stuart Townsen, Rick Cottontree, or my Uncle Mario...it's....you :)

Ed sends along this scan of Viggo Mortensen in the latest issue of Rolling Stone Magazine. [More]

USAToday is reporting that the first theatrical trailer for The Return of the King will, as previously reported by TORN, show up before New Line Cinema's 'Secondhand Lions.' The twist is that 'Lions' opens this week and the trailer will not show with the film until September 26th. The promotion for 'Secondhand Lion's' states that it is the best 'family film' since Finding Nemo, so I imagine we won't be seeing anything too graphic as far as the 3 minutes Return of the King trailer is concerned.

Irascian writes: I thought you might appreciate these two exclusive pictures from the photo call in the morning that TORn wasn't able to attend. The first one shows Richard and Lawrence at the press call and the second shows Jon Tickle from the UK’s “Big Brother” show being attacked by Lurtz! Enjoy! [More]

Donna Karan Ad Featuring Cate Blanchett

No, we haven't turned in to the Blanchett Love-Society (not a bad idea mind you), but Pavel just had to share these images from a Donna Karan ad featuring Cate Blanchett. These are very stylish pictures of one of the world's most beautiful women. Take a look! [More]

Cate Blanchett's portrayal of Veronica Guerin is set to earn her an Oscar nomination, according to film industry experts. Movie magazine Screen International last week tipped Australian Blanchett, 34, to be one of those battling it out to win the Best Actress gong at the Academy Awards next February. [More]

Chris writes: I thought you would want to see below for the Sean Astin news: 'Jeremiah' Returns to Showtime for Second Season Friday, October 10 At 10:00. NEW YORK, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- SHOWTIME will premiere the second season of the sci-fi adventure drama series JEREMIAH on Friday, October 10 at 10:00 PM (ET/PT). With 15 new episodes, the series has added Sean Astin ("The Lord of the Rings" "Staying Together") to the cast. JEREMIAH stars Luke Perry in the title role, who rose to international fame as the brooding Dylan McKay in the television and cultural phenomenon that was "Beverly Hills, 90210". [More]

LONDON (Reuters) - The "Lord of the Rings" creators laid bare Monday the high-tech movie tricks that earned them a string of Oscars. The special effects were hailed as the most advanced ever seen on the silver screen and are now starring in their own right at London's Science Museum. [More]

Halfdan Hansen sends in an update to this story we posted on September 4th about an original LOTR ring prototype going up for aution. Just to let you know that at the auction on the weekend, the number #1 prototype ring sold for $4,583.00

Wolfish writes: The Princess Cinema in Waterloo, Ontario is having another LOTR double-bill. Seems the August one was so successful, they're doing it again! Check it out: October 2nd, 5:30pm. Six hours of Tolkien bliss! [More]