The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug Fun Facts

This week sees the long awaited release of the second chapter in Peter Jackson’s big screen adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkein’s fantasy epic The Hobbit. The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug continues the adventures of Bilbo Baggins as he journeys with the Wizard Gandelf and thirteen Dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield,  on an epic quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain and the lost dwarf kingdom of Erebor. 

The film features returning stars Sir Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage and Martin Freeman, alongside Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Luke Evans and Orlando Bloom.  Benedict Cumberbatch also lends his unmistakable vocal menace to the terrifying Dragon Smaug. Check out below some interesting facts about exactly what else went into the production of the new film and check out our own exclusive interviews with Dwarves Adam Brown  and  William Kircher.

4 Tons of Silicon were used to make the facial prosthetics used in the film.

5 Hours spent applying hair, make-up, prosthetics and wardrobe for each of the 13 dwarves.  

6 Weeks taken to build Beorn’s house set.

7 km of toupe tape were used to apply all the film’s beards to people faces.

9 weeks were spent on location filming the trilogy.

10 kg of actual human hair was used for wig making.

14 Tons of silicon used to mold the armor and weapons used.

48 FPS the revolutionary higher frame rate used to film the trilogy.

91 Wigs created just for the dwarves.

95 Musicians in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra that recorded the film’s score.

99 Studios sets built for the Trilogy.

100+ Hobbit feet were made just for Bilbo Baggins.

263 Beards used in the whole production.

400 Costumes created for the inhabitants of Lake-Town.

547 Traveling weapons made for the 13 Dwarves.

752 Wigs used in the whole production.

1200 Extras cast in the Hobbit trilogy.

2000 Hand-spun goblets created for Smaug’s Lair.

8900 hours of continuous work from the art department to build, decorate and tear down sets.

11,862 Prosthetics made for the entire Hobbit Trilogy

170,000 Aluminium gold plated coins trickled over Smaug’s Lair. 

 

 

James McAvoy Talks X-Men Sequels

Whilst collecting his well-deserved best actor prize at this year’s British Independent Film Awards for his bravely depraved turn in Filth, star James McAvoy talked to Red Carpet News about what fans can expect from X-Men First Class sequel X-Men Days of Future Past.

The next X-Men film unites the First Class stars including Michael Fassbender and Jennifer Lawrence with many of the stars of Director Bryan Singer’s previous X-Men franchise. James told us that fans will see a completely different side of Charles Xavier aka X-Men’s telepathic leader Professor X to anything they’ve seen from himself or Patrick Stewart before.

James also shared his excitement for the chance to go up against Patrick Stewart on screen, as well as working again with his ‘best pals’ Jennifer & Michael, who just happen to be some of the ‘very best actors in the world’ in his opinion.

Reacting to suggestions that director Bryan Singer may move away from the colourful costumes of First Class in favour of a return to the drab all-black outfits seen in his previous X-Men films, McAvoy reassures that armed with a pink psychedelic shirt at least his portrayal will be vibrantly colourful.

Finally James gleefully confirms that he is indeed contracted for a third instalment in the X-Men series and looks forward to returning, in what will almost certainly be the X-Men Apocalypse project announced recently by Bryan Singer. 

 

 

Steve Coogan Confirms Alan Partridge Return

Attending the British Independent Film Awards in London in support of Philomena and The Look Of Love, star Steve Coogan spoke to Red Carpet News about the prospects of a sequel to recent hit Alan Partridge Alpha Papa.

In news that will delight fans of the iconic comic creation, Coogan confirmed that we have most definitely not seen the last of Alan and that the bumbling regional radio DJ will most definitely return in some form. The Partridge will fly again.

However, Coogan also admits that he’s taking his own ‘mental holiday from Alan’ and that he’s going to give the public a little break from his most famous alter-ego.  So though the character is certain to return, don’t expect to see more of Alan on the big screen any time soon.

Check Out the video clip below for yourself to hear the news straight from the Partridge’s mouth:

Paul Greengrass Will Never Return To Bourne Franchise

Director Paul Greengrass collected the Variety Award at the British Independent Film Awards in London over the weekend and took the opportunity to put an empthatic end to persistant rumours that he may one day return along with star matt Damon to the Bourne Franchise.

Greengrass directed the second and third films in the ongoing super spy franchise, based loosely around the books of Robert Ludlum. However since star Matt Damon abandoned the character Director Greengrass has likewise increasingly distance himself from the series. Regardless there has been near constant speculation surrounding the open eagerness of studio Universal to re-unite the pair for future Bourne instalments.

Greengrass has now made it emphatically clear that he will never consider a return to the Bourne series and feels that it is time for another director to ‘do their own thing with it’.

The director’s blunt statement of intent will no doubt be unwelcome news for the studio, as a possible return for Greengrass to directing duties had often been seen as potential bait to lure disinterested star Matt Damon back to the franchise.

 

Saoirse Ronan Misses Out On Star Wars Role

Speaking at the British Independent Film Awards in London actress Saoirse Ronan confirmed that she’s officially missed out on landing a lead role in Star Wars Episode VII.

The young actress had previously grabbed massive internet attention after accidentally admitting that she was one of the many young stars to have auditioned for a part in the sequel. Whether it was that ill-timed disclosure or the impact of recent open casting calls, Saoirse confirms that she now definitely won’t be taking any part in the new films, but that she still looks forward to watching what J.J. Abrams does with the revived saga like everyone else.

Video Clip below: