This week is a killer again–two more Hobbit premieres (Toronto and NYC) and all the related press. But if we Richard Armitage and Hobbit fans feel overwhelmed with all of the media goodies coming our way, just think how those Hobbit cast and creative types being interviewed feel. Ha!
And since I’m supposed to take it easy on the eyes still, I’m going to try to make this Hobbit post short (nope, didn’t succeed, Ha!)–and then add to it Wednesday and Thursday as interesting things to me arise or are made public.
But for full coverage, visit the main Richard Armitage resources sites like www.RichardArmitageNet.com and www.RichardArmitageCentral.co.uk and www.RichardArmitageonline.com
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1) First up, the December 3rd Toronto, Canada press swing and premiere [(1) right] lead with inexhaustible energy by Richard Armitage flying solo–no other Hobbit cast or creative team present. It speaks well for the state of the Commonwealth when a British citizen is eager and pleased to show his movie in Canada. Richard Armitage did so with verve and style. Love the “Oh Canada” red [(2)] tie with his blue pinstripe suit!
With lovely comfy suede ankle boots on, RA dipped host Marilyn Denis when he greeted her on her December 3rd talk show [(3) RA’s segmentis later in the video of this broadcast]. We should all be so lucky! In chatting with Ms. Denis, Richard Armitage shined with poise and grace as usual–and a bit of humor, about immigration agents at the airport making him “feel human”. Priceless! Ha! Below is a screencap collage retweeted by WB Pictures Canada[(4) below]:
Faboamanto shared a link to a transcript of a brilliant and insightful interview Richard Armitage had with Jason Gorber on Dec. 3rd at http://twitchfilm.com/2012/12/interview-richard-armitage-talks-thorin-tolkien-and-being-a-leader-of-dwarves-in-the-hobbit-saga.html and I love the new poster picture of RA as Thorin included with the article [(5) right)].
And RACentral tweeted their link for the 680 News All Radio interview[(6)] Richard Armitage did with Gloria Martin on 12/03/12.
And Toronto makes me wax nostalgic for my honeymoon there 23 years ago. *sniffles* Well, we passed through Toronto after Niagara Falls. So I actually got to see more of Toronto through Richard Armitage’s press tour–including an RA Union State interview with Maurie and his Headcam from KISS 92.5 [(7) left]; and RA’s relaxing chat at Root where he waxed enthusiastic about The Hobbit in his gRAy sweater (below, left and middle)–that leaves us enthusiastic.
And then the Toronto Premiere that evening [(8) above far right]. Richard Armitage was devilishly handsome and gentlemanly–as always. All I can say is, thank you Getty Images and the photographers (6) above] for all of the wonderful Richard Armitage pictures!
This just in from GizTheGunslinger on FB, a Russian fan site has huge hi-res images of the Getty images from Toronto at http://armitage-online.ucoz.ru/photo/165 [(9) below] спасибо! (Thank you!) I couldn’t resist embedding the full size for this image–such a sharp dressed man:
2) That said, December 4th news on RANet [(10)] was astoundingly long and wonderfully detailed–even more so than usual–with excerpts of movie reviews and such. Ali, honey, did you get yourself a staff? Or did you clone yourself? Take a bow, lady! You are amazing! And readers, follow the RANet link pronto for some great reviews of Richard Armitage portraying Thorin Oakenshield. Their homepage URL is www.RichardArmitageNet.com
3) And TORN shared a review of The Hobbit by Calisuri on 12/04/12 [(11)] that basically praised Richard Armitage for becoming Thorin Oakenshield:
“The acting by the core cast was astoundingly good. Martin Freeman IS Bilbo Baggins and as expected delivers an amazing performance with true emotion, humor and feeling. Ian McKellen is a less serious version of his LOTR-self and in many ways a lot more likable. His sense of humor comes across more in the performance and it is very endearing. Richard Armitage delivers a dead-on performance of Thorin. For those of us who know what the future holds for Thorin, I can clearly state the casting was perfect. Andy Serkis returns as Gollum and provides yet another amazing performance. ‘Riddles in the Dark’ will be one of your favorite scenes – guaranteed!”
However, Calisuri was not a fan of the 48fps at 3D.
Another great TORN article on 12/04/12 “The Hobbit’s dwarves: Too Hot to Handle?” by Maegwen [(12) below and image below right] in which she lays to rest any concern about tall and handsome Richard Armitage portraying Dwarf King Thorin Oakenshield:
“With the casting of Richard Armitage as Thorin, the leader of the dwarves, we couldn’t help but admit that we were conflicted. Supremely talented actor. But could he look dwarflike? …
With the exception of Thorin, dwarves aren’t the leading characters in “The Hobbit” and yet the film would live or die on them. …
So, with the “Unexpected Journey” finally here, how did it all turn out? Fabulous.
He [Richard Armitage portraying Thorin] embodies the essence of the character – the haughty nobility, the impatience and simmering anger. The sadness. This is not the hot dwarf you were looking for, but so much more.
Voice, body language, costume, prosthetics – all combine to transform Armitage into the strong, surly Thorin Oakenshield. One dimensional images fade from mind and the focus shifts to the character in action, as it should. …”
4) Media for The Hobbit is coming out faster than I, for one, can process it–let alone locate it. So again, thanks to Heirs of Durin blog for her nicely inventoried listing of the new Hobbit clips (six of them!) on Trailer Addict [(13)]. To view the summary and access the links, visit the Heirs of Durin blog at the link above.
5) Then it was on to New York City December 4th for Richard Armitage and all of the cast and creative team for the start of a three day whirlwind culminating in the Dec. 6th NYC premiere, but with some stuff happening on Dec. 7th too.
The Anderson Cooper Live show taped a segment with The Hobbit that will air on Dec. 14th (air date per RACentral).
More info will come out on Wednesday and I will add it in as I get to it. Feel free to share links to neat Hobbit and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield resources from yours or others sites in the comments below.
This is only the tip of the iceberg folks–just the things that particular caught my eye that I wanted to bookmark for myself. So I say again, visit the main fan unofficial Richard Armitage resources sites of: www.RichardArmitageNet.com, www.RichardArmitageCentral.co.uk, and www.RichardArmitageOnline.com
References
1) Richard Armitage at the Toronto Premiere is courtesy of WB Pictures Canada and was found at https://twitter.com/WBPicturesCan/status/276044392370958336/photo/1
2) “Oh Canada”, the national anthem of Canada information, and the Canadian flag is found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_Canada;
3) The Marilyn Denis Show, December 3, 2012, on air interview with Richard Armitage about his role portraying Thorin Oakenshield in “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is found at http://www.marilyn.ca/Video.aspx#clip818392&vp127686
4) Screencap collage of Richard Armitage on the Marilyn Denis Talk Show, 12/03/12 retweeted by WB Pictures Canada from http://twitpic.com/birzsd on a site by the Ghoulish Glenn.
5) New Thorin poster at http://twitchfilm.com/assets_c/2012/12/thorin-thumb-300xauto-35340.jpg, with interview article by Jason Gorber, 12/03/12 at http://twitchfilm.com/2012/12/interview-richard-armitage-talks-thorin-tolkien-and-being-a-leader-of-dwarves-in-the-hobbit-saga.html
6) Transcript for the 680 News All Radio interviewRichard Armitage did with Gloria Martin on 12/03/12 was shared by RACentral at http://richardarmitagecentral.co.uk/main.php?g2_itemId=326851 .
7) [HEADCAM INTERVIEW] Damnit Maurie &Richard Armitage chat about The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” on December 3, 2012 at http://www.kiss925.com/2012/12/03/headcam-interview-damnit-maurie-richard-armitage/ ; the link has video, though with Maurie being shorter than Richard, there aren’t a lot of shots above his shoulders. Ha!
8) Getty RA Images Listing page http://www.gettyimages.fi/editorial/richard-armitage-pictures#
9) This just in from GizTheGunslinger on FB, Russian site has hi-res huge images of the Getty images from Toronto at http://armitage-online.ucoz.ru/photo/165 ; sample image was found at http://armitage-online.ucoz.ru/_ph/165/205477745.jpg
10) December 4, 2012 News on RANet link is http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/news.html#dec04
11) “The Hobbit: an expected masterpiece in a distracting frame”, a review by calisuri was found at http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/12/04/66330-the-hobbit-an-expected-masterpiece-in-a-distracting-frame/
12) “The Hobbit’s dwarves: Too Hot to Handle? by Maegwen, 12/04/12, article and image are found at http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/12/04/66605-hobbit-are-hot-dwarves-too-hot-to-handle/
13) “6 New Hobbit Clips, Actor Interviews, and Behind-the Scenes Footage!” by DarkJackal32 at the Heirs of Durin blog at http://thorinoakenshield.net/2012/12/04/6-new-hobbit-clips-actor-interviews-and-behind-the-scenes-footage/
12/05/12–Faboamanto tweeted a link for a THAUJ review by Chris Bumbray
“…Armitage is pretty great as the bold dwarf prince, handling most of the big action scenes, and bringing the kind of gravitas and absolute sincerity a fantasy like this requires. Likely, people will be championing him as THE HOBBIT’s big discovery. …”
http://www.joblo.com/movie-news/review-the-hobbit–an-unexpected-journey-embargoed
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12/05/12–Thanks to Kitty for the link to an Entertainment Tonight video interviews of key Hobbit cast members (Andy Serkis, Martin Freeman, and Richard Armitage–also with LOTR carryovers, Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, and Elijah Wood.
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12/05/12–The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – Richard Armitage Interview – Thorin (2012) HD”
With RA having his beard on, this interview must have happened during filming. Someone thought that it might end up on the dvd extras for THAUJ.
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12/05/12–Thanks for Laura Watts sharing the link to the RANet version of this interview.
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This interview was so great, I had no words to describe my reaction to it. All the stars are so gracious. You can see their pride in not just the finished product but every minute detail and the accomplishments of their co-worker and how joyously happy they all were to be able to work together. It’s obvious that Peter Jackson is the engineer of a well-oiled machine. My interest was initially drawn to The Hobbit because of Richard Armitage, but now I’m as excited about the complete package that PJ & crew are bringing to the masses. Still my heart shouts, “You go, Richard!!! Man, you ROCK!!!” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjGb0u2EupI&feature=share
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Hi Kitty,
Thanks for you nice note! The interview was great! Thanks for the link.
I’m off to work now. Catch you all in the afternoon.
Cheers! Grati ;->
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ery good interviews. A friend is a Tolkien fiend, and I saw the ToLR films with her. Was a bit bored. Fantasy not my “thing”. Plot and acting, good, but too long. Obviously, Hobbit interest (intense) has been ignited by Thorin, and 3-yr. interest in actor and his career. Also, with detaching from pure actor crush, it is the crush interest that has led to more examination of the production process – the story board art; the artists’ conceptions and realisations of sets,the crew participation. Immensely complex. How does PJ keep all those balls in the air? The intimations from inteviews of the acting processes, and how each actor approaches, absorbs, and analyses his/her performance vis a vis the dynamics of shooting and the interplay between between the different actors?
From the actor viewpoint, the interviews NZ/Tokyo/Toronto have been enlightening. More, much more to come, in NY. This is a major sophisticated venue. Look out for critic fireworks! :D (Already mixed on Rotten Tomatoes. But interesting. :)
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Precisely, Fitzg!
No other filmmaker than Sir Peter Jackson has given us such insights into his process of weaving stories with so many complexities involved in making them–from actors to sets to CGI to locations, etc. As Richard Armitage said on the Marilyn Denis Show Dec. 3rd, Sir Peter is a “genius”.
And Richard has also said that Sir Peter has a “quiet authority”–that RA used as a model for him creating the character of Thorin Oakenshield–an earned respect engendering loyalty such that his creative team and actors work with him again and again. And the actors have said that they feel very safe in Sir Peter’s artistic hands.
I can’t wait to see “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”!
Thanks for visiting and commenting! Cheers! Grati ;->
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And I’m still a rubbish typist. Thought I did that proof-reading. :)
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We knew what you meant. But let me know if you want me to fix the 2 typos for you.
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12/05/12–Here is the video of “Richard Armitage on TODAY 5 Dec 2012” by RANet
Thanks to Servetus for pointing me to the link!
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Here is the link to the page for the Today Show / MSN web site for this interview. I don’t know if the image is sharper:
http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/50086808#50086808
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
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12/05/12–Thanks to Mirella for sharing a link to the Dec. 14 issue of Entertainment Weekly magazine featuring “The Hobbit” again. Here is that online link:
http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/12/05/this-weeks-cover-go-inside-the-hobbit/
P.S. I am so glad that I popped for a subscription to EW!
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12/05/12–Warner Brothers Pictures shared: “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey TV spot 10” features warrior Thorin Oakenshield in all his roaring battle glory! Shock and awe!
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12/05/12–RACentral tweeted the link for a SPACE blog interview of Richard Armitage by Abelle. Here is the direct link to that article:
http://www.spacecast.com/article/SPACE-Interviews-Richard-Armitage
She closes with the juicy tidbit of what gifts Mr. Armitage got from the film:
“Finally, I had to ask if he’d been allowed to keep anything from the set. The lucky king of the Dwarves had this to tell us: “Do you know, on the last day of shooting, I was given Orcrist… and the Oakenshield… and the key to the door… and the map. So yeah, I pretty much got the entire kit!” I kept expecting him to stop after each new item… yeah, I’m jealous.”
RANet had previously reported that these were Richard Armitage’s filming gifts.
Great character swag is all I can say. I was hoping that Mr. Armitage would receive Orcrist and the Oakenshield. Were RA to have received the Arkenstone as well, it would have been like icing on the cake.
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12/05/12–AWESOME video of the Dec. 3rd Toronto Union Station Takeover/Makeover by The Hobbit with Richard Armitage greeting fans. Thanks for the link to Miss K.
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12/05/12–Link to TORN’s interview article online with Richard Armitage in Toronto, Dec. 3rd, interview by a lady named greendragon
http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/12/05/66668-richard-armitage-talks-to-theonering-net/?fb_source=pubv1
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12/05/12–The Dec. 14th Entertainment Weekly magazine will feature “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”. And there will be four covers! Thanks to April for pointing me to the Thorin Cover.
Here is the link at popwatch for all the covers and Dec. 14 issue info:
http://popwatch.ew.com/2012/12/05/this-weeks-cover-go-inside-the-hobbit/
Bilbo cover: http://img2-1.timeinc.net/ew/i/2012/12/05/1237-ew-COVER.jpg
Gandalf cover: http://img2-1.timeinc.net/ew/i/2012/12/05/1237-GANDALF.jpg
Gollum cover: http://img2-1.timeinc.net/ew/i/2012/12/05/1237-GOLLUM.jpg
Thorin cover: http://img2-1.timeinc.net/ew/i/2012/12/05/1237-THORIN.jpg
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12/06/12–Summer RAfandreamer just tweeted a page with images of The Hobbit cast in costume and makeup with their Lego figures. Priceless!
http://www.buzzfeed.com/donnad/the-cast-of-the-hobbit-pose-with-their-lego-dopp
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12/05/12–Entertainment Tonight dishes about the Naughty Dwarf Boys Calendar The Hobbit cast made for Sir Peter Jackson’s 50th birthday. (online article and video)
The calendar has been known about for a while, but there are now “descriptions” of the images that will never be seen.
http://www.etonline.com/movies/127785_Exclusive_The_Hobbit_s_Naughty_Dwarf_Calendar/index.html
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12/05/12–Between Twitter and Facebook, I think we all have the world at our fingertips–especially nice when bReAking “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” news occurs.
Here is an article tweeted by Nancy Johnson, but written by Brooke Tarnoff that is a nice checkoff list of Hobbit Film Facts:
http://www.film.com/movies/hobbit-press-conference-spoilers
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12/05/12–Here is another list–only 6 this time–by Jordan Hoffman (tweeted by Patricia): http://screencrush.com/the-hobbit-preview/
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12/06/12–Roarin’ Thorin Thursday: Richard Armitage sneaks into some leather in Toronto (see pix below). Will he do the same for NYC and the premiere press today?
Ladies,
According to Janine and Anna on Twitter, RA’s pants here are leather–LEATHER. Whatever they are, they fit him like a … Kkhhh … well, like a glove. Ha!
Fasten your seatbelts, it is continuing to be a heck of a ride!
And kudos to Mr. Armitage for his poise, grace, sensitivity, and joi de vivre. We love to see the man enjoying himself. Nothing ruffles Richard Armitage. He is the consummate professional. I hope other public figures are taking notes.
As I said over on Twitter a few mintues ago:
Richard Armitage is in his prime at 41 years old–seasoned like the fine wine he drank this morning on Today. Destiny awaits!
Cheers! Grati ;->
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12/06/12–TORN has a fascinating “riff” on the Dwarvish versus Elvish languages created by Tolkien–and how it gets misrepresented sometimes:
http://www.theonering.net/torwp/2012/12/06/66694-say-it-right-middle-earth-language-usage/
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12/06/12–Thanks to Jo and Jeannie for sharing this rocking vid link of an “electric” Hobbit Misty Mountains and other melodies:
“EMG – Eric “EROCK” Calderone “The Hobbit Meets Metal” a vid by EMGpickupsTV
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12/06/12–Thanks to Kathleen for labeling this photo as being one from Richard Armitage’s Wall Street Journal interview with Barbara Chair. I saw Ms. Chai’s tweet of this pix yesterday, but it was not labeled as being the WSJ interview:
/large
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12/06/12–RANet tweeted the link to an article about Richard Armitage’s Thorin facial prosthetics:
“Which Hobbit Star Didn’t Recognize Himself On The First Day In The Makeup Chair?” by Katey Rich
http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Which-Hobbit-Star-Didn-t-Recognize-Himself-First-Day-Makeup-Chair-34420.html
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12/06/12–Just a reminder: As we are all ooing and ahing over the lovely Hobbit and Richard Armitage pictures, press, and premieres, don’t forget about the RA fan based suggestion that we do something “tangible” to honor Richard Armitage–by making a donation to one of his chosen charities.
There are four charities you may choose from–Childline, Barnados, The Salvation Army, and Shelter. And remember that even small donations add up and make a difference when all of our small donations are put together to help someone in need.
I will put the main giving link here (and it is also in my sidebar with my graphic I made of a blue Thorin in a circle border saying Hobbit Gift Bomb for Charity), and then the post links for Servetus and Judiang below that describe what this is about.
http://www.justgiving.com/user/18578864
Oh and part of the fun is with you adding the word “rubbish” in your gift message–referring to RA saying the fan signs were rubbish. So, “Just another Rubbish Gift Bomb to Honor Richard Armitage” etc.
With Rubbish used, your gift will be logged as being a part of this grassroots campaign. No amounts will be known, or who gave them. Just a general sense of the outpouring of love from the RAN fan community.
Here is Judiang’s post link about the “Rubbish Gift Bomb” initiative: http://www.jagrant.com/watcher/fan-drive-the-hobbit-gift-bomb-of-congratulations/
And here is Servetus’ post link for her idea for the fan drive: http://meandrichard.wordpress.com/2012/11/25/spread-the-richard-armitage-euphoria/
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12/06/12–Some great snapshots of RA on the Dec 5 TODAY appearance–interview and him leaving the building after are now on the Getty Images site:
http://www.gettyimages.fi/editorial/richard-armitage-pictures
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Just – thanks for all the info!
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You’re welcome! I’m basically “bookmarking” what I run across and like and share it here. My list of links is not exhaustive. So people should be sure to check at RANet at
http://www.RichardArmitageNet.com
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12/06/12–I found a 25 minute vid continuously looping video/audio of the “Misty Mountains Song”:
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12/06/12–Video of Richard Armitage answering fan questions Dec. 5th at the end of his WSJ (Wall Street Journal interview with Barbara Chai, retweeted by Seb. Thanks!
Here is the video’s YouTube link:
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12/06/12–RANet News Links for:
Dec. 5th: http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/news.html#dec05
Dec. 6th: http://www.richardarmitagenet.com/news.html#dec06
Lots of rich information, media, and links here! Brava!
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12/06/12–Here is a Richard Armitage interview with City TV in Toronto link shared by RANet today
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12/06/12–RAFrenzy has a video of RA arriving at the NYC Hobbit Premiere on her blog:
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Smithylass tweeted that Richard Armitage’s NYC Premiere suit of elegant gray plaid was actually:
If you google it, it’s a traditional weave that is used a lot here. Also called Glen Urquhart plaid. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glen_plaid
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12/06/12–A pix of the Ziegfeld Theatre where The Hobbit NYC Premiere is taking place tonight was tweeted earlier by @TheHobbitMovie
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12/06/12–Here is a picture link for a nice shot of Sir Ian McKellen:
http://ow.ly/i/1dlNc
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Gratiana Lovelace @GratianaL
@TheHobbitMovie @woodelijah @IanMcKellen Finally! #RichardArmitage with his Hobbit film colleagues!
Thank you!
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