By Andrew O'Hehir

Can the quest to turn "The Lord of the Rings" into a movie trilogy satisfy Tolkien's legions of dedicated fans and still produce a blockbuster? [More]

2000-08-14 After much rumours and speculations on various film music web sites, Howard Shore has now confirmed that he has been hired to compose the original music for Peter Jackson's much anticipated Lord of the Rings. In fact, it looks like the Canadian composer of stylish scores such as Silence of the Lambs, Crash, Dead Ringers, Philadelphia and The Fly, has been commissioned to score the whole trilogy. In a statement made to Music from the Movies, Howard Shore himself confirms: "Yes, I am doing The Lord of the Rings Trilogy".

Howard Shore has two new films coming up before entering Middle-Earth: he has scored the Jennifer Lopez thriller The Cell, opening this week, and The Yards. He recently wrote the score for High Fidelity, where Carter Burwell (who was hired initally) had to withdraw due to a schedule conflict. Another current Howard Shore project is the French film Ester Kahn.

The news about Howard Shore being the most likeable but surprising choice for Lord of the Rings was broken by www.soundtrack.net several weeks ago, but Music from the Movies is the first source to finally get the assignment confirmed.

- Mikael Carlsson

Just visited "cinescape.com" and the have a poll at the top right of the web page saying with sequel or prequel would you most like to see, and the HOBBIT makes an appearance! Post it on your web page so us tolkien fans can make the HOBBIT number one!

Click here to vote for the Hobbit!

"Just got off the phone with Total Movie Editor-in-chief Gary Whitta. [he says]The magazine you saw in ODCM (Dreamcast Magazine?-T) was a mockup, a dummy issue they made up prior to the magazine's launch to sample what it might look like. So there will not be a LOTR trailer on the DVD, but Gary assures me that there is plenty of other kick-ass stuff on the DVD of the actual first issue...which hits magazine stands in a few weeks."

"Hey Tehanu -
Just a heads up. I am one of the PR folk at New Line and I can say without a doubt that there will be no trailer for LOTR on any DVD released by Total Movie. This is nothing more than a bogus scam to get subscriptions."

OK, what say we offer something (like, a OneRingNet T-shirt.....Calisuri? Corvar?) to the first person who can prove or disprove this rumour, which originally was reported as being published on an insert in Total Dreamcast. Yes we will certainly be following this story up, bigtime.

While the Decipher employee mentioned that the Lord of the Rings Card Game would also cover the Silmarillion, I personally doubt this.

In other words, don't expect the cool artwork Iron Crown's Middle Earth Card game was known for.

Boromir: Tragic Hero of Gondor

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You can catch Sean Asting (Sam) in 'Kimberly' on Cinemax.

News comes from NZ regarding Kiwi actor Bruce Hopkins. Apparently Hopkins has been cast, however we have no idea as who. Any ideas?

Yep! (says Tehanu) Gamling the old, we've heard. He's the old codger that lives in the Deeping Coomb, and takes part in the defence of the Hornburg.

"Gamling the Old looked down from the Hornburg, hearing the great voice of the dwarf above all the tumult. "The Orcs are in the Deep!' he cried. 'Helm! Helm! Forth Helmingas!' he shouted as he leaped down the stair from the Rock with many men of Westfold at his back."

Hopkins has been making films since 1991 with a debut in 'Linda's Body', he also ran the 'Xena, Herc, Cleopatra' gauntlet as well, and yes, I'm waiting to see what role he had in Shortland Street...

More info as it makes its way available.

Wild Wgtn weather strands Lord of Rings crew

The wild weather which struck the North Island this morning has caused some problems for the film crew making the Lord of the Rings trilogy. [More]

Thanks to Mr Tadpole for the tip!

Ringer Spy GC sends in more info on the Upper Hutt Set. [More]

"A while back you posted news about the trailer possibly being on a DVD with a mag called 'Total Movies.'

Just thought you'd like to know the first issue of Total Movies which is supposed have this DVD attached can be had for free (there's a small subscription caveat) at this address:

Total Movies Subscription.

Xoanon Note: It seems that New Line MAY have plans for 'The Hobbit' if LOTR makes mondo $$$, good stuff!

I'm a photographer passing thru NZ. The Lord of the Rings cast were at the Bledisloe Cup at the weekend (All Blacks vs Australia rugby match) as guests of Wellington City. Before the game they had their faces painted and were meeting the public etc. I have black and white pics of Astin, Monaghan and McKellen. [More]

Click on the image to enlarge

Thanks to Robbit the Hobbit for the tip!