
J.R.R. Tolkien was a genius, no doubt. But even geniuses have their what were you thinking? moments. Case in point: he once considered making The Lord of the Rings‘ most dangerous artifact a casual birthday present. Yeah, imagine Sauron’s all-powerful Ring of Doom getting wrapped up with a bow.
J.R.R Tolkien released The Lord of the Rings book series in three volumes starting with The Fellowship of the Ting | Credits: New Line Cinema
But if that sounds wild, wait till you hear the name he almost gave Gandalf. Spoiler: it wouldn’t have carried the same wise, mystical grandpa energy.
Tolkien’s original scrapped Gandalf name and the One Ring’s birthday gift twist Ian McKellan as Gandalf in a still from The Lord of the Rings trilogy | Credits: New Line Cinema
Jrr Tolkien’s drafts are full of wild surprises, and not just for the fans. His son,...
J.R.R Tolkien released The Lord of the Rings book series in three volumes starting with The Fellowship of the Ting | Credits: New Line Cinema
But if that sounds wild, wait till you hear the name he almost gave Gandalf. Spoiler: it wouldn’t have carried the same wise, mystical grandpa energy.
Tolkien’s original scrapped Gandalf name and the One Ring’s birthday gift twist Ian McKellan as Gandalf in a still from The Lord of the Rings trilogy | Credits: New Line Cinema
Jrr Tolkien’s drafts are full of wild surprises, and not just for the fans. His son,...
- 2/18/2025
- by Heena Singh
- FandomWire

The Lord of the Rings has become a timeless tale with characters that are as iconic as the story itself. But what if the characters we know and love were actually very different in their early drafts? J.R.R. Tolkien’s process of shaping the story was an evolving one, and many key characters underwent major changes before becoming the figures we recognize today.
From Aragorn’s humble beginnings to Boromir’s betrayal taking a much darker turn, the early drafts of The Lord of the Rings were full of surprises.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King | Credits: New Line Cinema
Even Treebeard, a central figure in the story, almost ended up as an enemy instead of the wise Ent we admire. These shifts played a major role in shaping the epic saga we now treasure.
How different would The Lord of the Rings be if J.
From Aragorn’s humble beginnings to Boromir’s betrayal taking a much darker turn, the early drafts of The Lord of the Rings were full of surprises.
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King | Credits: New Line Cinema
Even Treebeard, a central figure in the story, almost ended up as an enemy instead of the wise Ent we admire. These shifts played a major role in shaping the epic saga we now treasure.
How different would The Lord of the Rings be if J.
- 2/18/2025
- by Sakshi Singh
- FandomWire

Being an actor is a wonderful job, for it allows actors to become a variety of different persons and take up roles that allow them to do all sorts of things and get experiences that a normal human being cannot, even with an unimaginable amount of money. Hollywood star Huge Weaving probably knows how it feels, seeing the range of characters and roles he has taken in his decades-long and very prolific career.
Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith in a still from The Matrix | Credit: Warner Bros.
From being part of The Matrix films to The Lord of the Rings and voicing several animated characters, Weaving has received widespread acclaim for his acting chops. Yet, before he became the sinister Agent Smith or Elrond, the actor’s best role was as a drag queen.
Before Agent Smith, Hugo Weaving was known best for playing a Drag Queen Hugo Weaving as...
Hugo Weaving as Agent Smith in a still from The Matrix | Credit: Warner Bros.
From being part of The Matrix films to The Lord of the Rings and voicing several animated characters, Weaving has received widespread acclaim for his acting chops. Yet, before he became the sinister Agent Smith or Elrond, the actor’s best role was as a drag queen.
Before Agent Smith, Hugo Weaving was known best for playing a Drag Queen Hugo Weaving as...
- 2/18/2025
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire

Shout! Studios has acquired North American distribution rights to family adventure feature “Pet Investigators” from indie European distributor Plaion Pictures.
The deal was negotiated by Shout! Studios’ executive VP Melissa Boag, Mark Balsam, Bruce Eisen of Eisen Law, and Steven Katz, Shout’s VP of business affairs, and film writer and producer Werner Kienberger of Plaion. Sola Media is selling remaining territories at Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM).
The family-oriented mystery, directed by Brent Ryan Green from a script by Sebastian Brummer, Werner Kienberger and B. Dave Walters, follows three teens and their canine companion as they investigate a series of neighborhood pet disappearances, ultimately uncovering a bumbling crime ring of animal thieves.
Rising talents Gabriella Sophia Terrero (“The Truth About Santa Claus”), Peyton Jackson (“Best Foot Forward”) and Joseph Lee (“An-de-lu”) lead the cast, with support from television veterans David Faustino (“Entourage”), Corin Nemec (“Parker Lewis Can’t...
The deal was negotiated by Shout! Studios’ executive VP Melissa Boag, Mark Balsam, Bruce Eisen of Eisen Law, and Steven Katz, Shout’s VP of business affairs, and film writer and producer Werner Kienberger of Plaion. Sola Media is selling remaining territories at Berlin’s European Film Market (EFM).
The family-oriented mystery, directed by Brent Ryan Green from a script by Sebastian Brummer, Werner Kienberger and B. Dave Walters, follows three teens and their canine companion as they investigate a series of neighborhood pet disappearances, ultimately uncovering a bumbling crime ring of animal thieves.
Rising talents Gabriella Sophia Terrero (“The Truth About Santa Claus”), Peyton Jackson (“Best Foot Forward”) and Joseph Lee (“An-de-lu”) lead the cast, with support from television veterans David Faustino (“Entourage”), Corin Nemec (“Parker Lewis Can’t...
- 2/18/2025
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV


As the format continues to gain traction, here’s our regularly-updated list of upcoming 4K Ultra HD disc releases in the UK.
Sitting alongside our list of upcoming DVD and Blu-ray releases (that you can find here), we’re also keeping a calendar for those who support the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc format. As we learn of new UK releases, we’ll add them to this list.
We have started adding shopping links too. We’d be obliged if you clicked on them, as it really helps us in our quest to make the Film Stories project of magazines, website and podcast profitable. We’re a 100% independent publisher, and we quite like drinking coffee. It’d be lovely to afford some more.
Without further ado, here are the titles we know about…
Out now
3rd February: Red Dawn (1984)
3rd February: Red Dawn
3rd February: Last Voyage Of The Demeter...
Sitting alongside our list of upcoming DVD and Blu-ray releases (that you can find here), we’re also keeping a calendar for those who support the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc format. As we learn of new UK releases, we’ll add them to this list.
We have started adding shopping links too. We’d be obliged if you clicked on them, as it really helps us in our quest to make the Film Stories project of magazines, website and podcast profitable. We’re a 100% independent publisher, and we quite like drinking coffee. It’d be lovely to afford some more.
Without further ado, here are the titles we know about…
Out now
3rd February: Red Dawn (1984)
3rd February: Red Dawn
3rd February: Last Voyage Of The Demeter...
- 2/18/2025
- by Simon Brew
- Film Stories

While George R.R. Martin has been quite vocal about his admiration for J.R.R Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series, with A Song of Ice and Fire, he didn’t exactly set out to imitate the English author’s template. Although both IPs kickstarted two of the most notable fantasy franchises on the big screen and television, considering one is an antithesis of the classical fantasy tropes, the two are incomparable for the most part.
The Lord of the Rings | Credits: New Line Cinema
But this isn’t the case with Stephen King’s The Dark Tower, which can be perceived as America’s answer to Tolkien’s tales of Middle Earth, as the parallels between the two are quite noticeable.
Stephen King’s dark fantasy novel has many parallels with Lotr
Opposed to the celebration of English mythology in Tolkien’s Lotr, Stephen King blends several genres, including dark fantasy,...
The Lord of the Rings | Credits: New Line Cinema
But this isn’t the case with Stephen King’s The Dark Tower, which can be perceived as America’s answer to Tolkien’s tales of Middle Earth, as the parallels between the two are quite noticeable.
Stephen King’s dark fantasy novel has many parallels with Lotr
Opposed to the celebration of English mythology in Tolkien’s Lotr, Stephen King blends several genres, including dark fantasy,...
- 2/17/2025
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire

J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings has long been regarded as a cornerstone of modern fantasy literature, inspiring generations of writers, including Game of Thrones creator George R.R. Martin. However, while Martin holds deep admiration for Tolkien’s work, he has never shied away from voicing his criticisms, particularly regarding the political and ethical implications of Middle-earth’s ending.
A still from the Game of Thrones. | HBO
In his view, The Lord of the Rings lacks crucial realism in governance, taxation, and even moral ambiguity surrounding the fate of the Orcs. Martin suggested that unlike Tolkien’s body of work, his own writing in Game of Thrones is more grounded in realism, and asks the more practical questions.
George R.R. Martin has an issue with the politics in Lotr! Peter Jackson adapted J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings | Credit: New Line Cinema
George R.
A still from the Game of Thrones. | HBO
In his view, The Lord of the Rings lacks crucial realism in governance, taxation, and even moral ambiguity surrounding the fate of the Orcs. Martin suggested that unlike Tolkien’s body of work, his own writing in Game of Thrones is more grounded in realism, and asks the more practical questions.
George R.R. Martin has an issue with the politics in Lotr! Peter Jackson adapted J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings | Credit: New Line Cinema
George R.
- 2/17/2025
- by Rishabh Bhatnagar
- FandomWire

Note: This story contains spoilers from “Family Guy” Season 23, Episode 1.
The Season 23 premiere of “Family Guy” saw Peter, Lois and the rest of the Griffin family head to flight school in a parody of the Tom Cruise-led film franchise “Top Gun.” The episode marks a new wave of Hollywood spoofs ahead for the beloved Fox animated comedy.
Sunday’s episode, aptly named “Fat Gun,” chronicled Maverick’s (Peter) relationship with Charlie (Lois) as he copes with the death of Goose (Joe) and a new relationship with his son Rooster (Chris). It also featured a cameo appearance from tiny Tom Cruise, a miniature version of the actor who’s appeared in previous seasons voiced by Sean Kenin.
“We did an episode a couple of seasons ago where Stewie is shopping in the little kids section for all these reasons, and he pulls an article of clothing and you see another...
The Season 23 premiere of “Family Guy” saw Peter, Lois and the rest of the Griffin family head to flight school in a parody of the Tom Cruise-led film franchise “Top Gun.” The episode marks a new wave of Hollywood spoofs ahead for the beloved Fox animated comedy.
Sunday’s episode, aptly named “Fat Gun,” chronicled Maverick’s (Peter) relationship with Charlie (Lois) as he copes with the death of Goose (Joe) and a new relationship with his son Rooster (Chris). It also featured a cameo appearance from tiny Tom Cruise, a miniature version of the actor who’s appeared in previous seasons voiced by Sean Kenin.
“We did an episode a couple of seasons ago where Stewie is shopping in the little kids section for all these reasons, and he pulls an article of clothing and you see another...
- 2/17/2025
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap

The papal drama “Conclave” has been named the best film of 2024 at the Ee BAFTA Film Awards, which took place on Sunday in London.
Voters from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts spread the wealth, giving “Conclave” and “The Brutalist” four awards each and giving two to “Dune: Part Two,” “Wicked,” “Emilia Perez,” “A Real Pain,” “Anora” and “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.”
The win for “Conclave” is the most significant for the film in a season in which “Anora” has been winning most of the major awards. It also gave director Edward Berger two BAFTA Best Film wins in the last three years, following his first for “All Quiet on the Western Front” two years ago.
The only other directors to have two films win the top BAFTA award in a span of three years are Mike Nichols (“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “The Graduate...
Voters from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts spread the wealth, giving “Conclave” and “The Brutalist” four awards each and giving two to “Dune: Part Two,” “Wicked,” “Emilia Perez,” “A Real Pain,” “Anora” and “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl.”
The win for “Conclave” is the most significant for the film in a season in which “Anora” has been winning most of the major awards. It also gave director Edward Berger two BAFTA Best Film wins in the last three years, following his first for “All Quiet on the Western Front” two years ago.
The only other directors to have two films win the top BAFTA award in a span of three years are Mike Nichols (“Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “The Graduate...
- 2/16/2025
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap

One does not simply walk into "The Lord of the Rings" movies. Wait, that's not the right quote -- or is it? The point is Peter Jackson's trilogy was a big deal around the turn of the millennium, and everyone wanted to be a part of Middle-earth. Well, almost everybody, since a number of actors turned down "The Lord of the Rings" franchise.
It's always a good time to look back at the casting process of major movies and consider the big what-ifs. More often than not, these films go through significant changes to reach their final form, and not every actor envisioned for a role lands up in the part. Look at the risky move replacing Stuart Townsend as Aragorn behind the scenes of "The Lord of the Rings," even though production had already commenced. It paid off in the end, since Viggo Mortensen's Aragorn is arguably...
It's always a good time to look back at the casting process of major movies and consider the big what-ifs. More often than not, these films go through significant changes to reach their final form, and not every actor envisioned for a role lands up in the part. Look at the risky move replacing Stuart Townsend as Aragorn behind the scenes of "The Lord of the Rings," even though production had already commenced. It paid off in the end, since Viggo Mortensen's Aragorn is arguably...
- 2/16/2025
- by Sergio Pereira
- Slash Film

Chinese box office phenom Ne Zha 2 begins with a helpful recap for new viewers, and those already familiar with the franchise, to keep track of the elaborate tale. The animated sequel, which has been on a record-breaking spree since releasing in China during the Lunar New Year holiday and reaches North America today, expands on the characters and mythology of the 2019 hit film.
Demon Orb Ne Zha (voiced by Joseph) and Spirit Orb Aobing (Mo Han) died at the end of the previous Ne Zha, or at least their physical bodies did. As the sequel begins, Master Immortal Taiyi (Jiaming Zhang) constructs new bodies for them out of the Sacred Lotus. Unfortunately, Aobing’s perishes before his soul can settle in, but Taiyi has an idea: Both Ne Zha and Aobing can share Ne Zha’s body for seven days. If they can complete Master Wuliang’s (Deshun Wang) ascension trials,...
Demon Orb Ne Zha (voiced by Joseph) and Spirit Orb Aobing (Mo Han) died at the end of the previous Ne Zha, or at least their physical bodies did. As the sequel begins, Master Immortal Taiyi (Jiaming Zhang) constructs new bodies for them out of the Sacred Lotus. Unfortunately, Aobing’s perishes before his soul can settle in, but Taiyi has an idea: Both Ne Zha and Aobing can share Ne Zha’s body for seven days. If they can complete Master Wuliang’s (Deshun Wang) ascension trials,...
- 2/14/2025
- by Fred Topel
- Deadline Film + TV

It may sound like a boy who cried wolf scenario, but it seems "The Goonies 2" is really, truly, actually happening. No, seriously this time! This is a film that has been talked about for literal decades now, with nothing having materialized up to this point. Back to 2014, the late Richard Donner (who directed the original "Goonies") said "Goonies" co-writer and producer Steven Spielberg had written a story for the sequel. Well, now Warner Bros. is getting serious about the project and has hired a new writer to tackle another adventure with Mikey, Chunk, and the rest of the gang. Presumably.
According to Deadline, Potsy Ponciroli has officially come on board to pen "The Goonies 2." Ponciroli is known best as the writer-director of the 2021 Western "Old Henry" starring Tim Blake Nelson. Some of the filmmaker's other credits include the TV series "Still the King" and last year's crime flick "Greedy People.
According to Deadline, Potsy Ponciroli has officially come on board to pen "The Goonies 2." Ponciroli is known best as the writer-director of the 2021 Western "Old Henry" starring Tim Blake Nelson. Some of the filmmaker's other credits include the TV series "Still the King" and last year's crime flick "Greedy People.
- 2/14/2025
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film

Exclusive: Elijah Wood signs with Gersh for representation.
Wood is best known for playing the beloved hobbit Frodo Baggins in the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy of films The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. He will next be seen in Season 3 of the hit series Yellowjackets, which premieres tomorrow on Showtime. He will also appear in Osgood Perkins’ next film The Monkey for Black Bear and Neon releasing in theaters next weekend.
With a career spanning 30 years, Wood has continuously evolved his body of work with notable films including the Academy Award winning Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Sin City, The Faculty the Damien Chazelle penned Grand Piano, Celeste and Jesse Forever opposite Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg, Green Street Hooligans, Macon Blair’s The Toxic Avenger opposite Taylour Paige,...
Wood is best known for playing the beloved hobbit Frodo Baggins in the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy of films The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. He will next be seen in Season 3 of the hit series Yellowjackets, which premieres tomorrow on Showtime. He will also appear in Osgood Perkins’ next film The Monkey for Black Bear and Neon releasing in theaters next weekend.
With a career spanning 30 years, Wood has continuously evolved his body of work with notable films including the Academy Award winning Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Sin City, The Faculty the Damien Chazelle penned Grand Piano, Celeste and Jesse Forever opposite Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg, Green Street Hooligans, Macon Blair’s The Toxic Avenger opposite Taylour Paige,...
- 2/13/2025
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV

[Warning: The following contains Major spoilers for The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 and book plot.] The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power has crossed the one-billion minutes watched mark on Prime Video, according to the Nielsen streaming charts for the week of August 24-September 1. Based on forward-looking statements from the cast and creators after the Season 2 finale in October, it’s been presumed that the series would be getting a third season. On February 13, Prime Video confirmed that The Rings of Power has been renewed for Season 3. They’re already in pre-production in the UK, and they’re planning a huge time jump to a time in the books that even those with casual knowledge of Lord of the Rings will recall. Here’s everything there is to know so far about The Rings of Power Season 3. Is The Rings of Power renewed? Yes, and Prime Video confirmed that Season...
- 2/13/2025
- TV Insider

The long, unexpected journey of "The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power" is set to receive another chapter. The streaming series first debuted in 2022 to somewhat divisive reactions. However, for my money, "The Rings of Power" Season 2 used a darker, bolder, and more complex story to show us what the series was truly capable of. The show's strong viewership numbers and consistent quality has finally led to what was all but inevitable: an official renewal for Season 3. And it comes with a fascinating wrinkle, too.
The Hollywood Reporter dropped the news, with Prime Video confirming that "The Rings of Power" Season 3 will begin filming in just a few months in the UK. But that's not even the biggest development for fans of author J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy adventures set in Middle-earth. The report also reveals that, after the first two seasons basically compressed centuries of source material into...
The Hollywood Reporter dropped the news, with Prime Video confirming that "The Rings of Power" Season 3 will begin filming in just a few months in the UK. But that's not even the biggest development for fans of author J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy adventures set in Middle-earth. The report also reveals that, after the first two seasons basically compressed centuries of source material into...
- 2/13/2025
- by Jeremy Mathai
- Slash Film


Prime Video’s journey through Middle-earth isn’t ending anytime soon. The streaming service has renewed The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power for a third season, with plans to begin filming this spring, TVLine has learned.
The renewal comes four months after The Rings of Power dropped its sophomore finale in October 2024. (Read our full recap of the episode here.)
More from TVLineLegally Blonde Prequel Series Finds Its Teenage Elle Woods - Watch Reese Witherspoon Make the AnnouncementViola Davis Is a U.S. President Ready to Save the Day in Trailer for Prime Video's G20 MovieThe Wheel of Time...
The renewal comes four months after The Rings of Power dropped its sophomore finale in October 2024. (Read our full recap of the episode here.)
More from TVLineLegally Blonde Prequel Series Finds Its Teenage Elle Woods - Watch Reese Witherspoon Make the AnnouncementViola Davis Is a U.S. President Ready to Save the Day in Trailer for Prime Video's G20 MovieThe Wheel of Time...
- 2/13/2025
- by Rebecca Luther
- TVLine.com

“The Rings of Power” will return for Season 3 at Prime Video, with pre-production currently underway and plans to begin filming this spring at Shepperton Studios in the UK.
The “Lord of the Rings” prequel’s latest installment will see multiple episodes directed by Charlotte Brändström, Sanaa Hamri and Stefan Schwartz, with Brändström also serving as an executive producer. Brändström previously served as a co-executive producer and directed multiple episodes in Seasons 1 and 2, and Hamri helmed several episodes in season two. Schwartz’s credits include “The Boys” (Prime Video), “The Walking Dead” (AMC), “Luther” (BBC), and “The Americans” (FX).
The series has attracted over 170 million viewers worldwide, with Amazon touting it as one of the “strongest drivers for new Prime membership sign-ups.”
“‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and we’re thrilled that a third season is underway. The creative team has an...
The “Lord of the Rings” prequel’s latest installment will see multiple episodes directed by Charlotte Brändström, Sanaa Hamri and Stefan Schwartz, with Brändström also serving as an executive producer. Brändström previously served as a co-executive producer and directed multiple episodes in Seasons 1 and 2, and Hamri helmed several episodes in season two. Schwartz’s credits include “The Boys” (Prime Video), “The Walking Dead” (AMC), “Luther” (BBC), and “The Americans” (FX).
The series has attracted over 170 million viewers worldwide, with Amazon touting it as one of the “strongest drivers for new Prime membership sign-ups.”
“‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ continues to captivate audiences worldwide, and we’re thrilled that a third season is underway. The creative team has an...
- 2/13/2025
- by Jacob Bryant, Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap

Following her divorce from Murray Hone in 2004, Evangeline Lilly found her match in ABC’s Lost, the show that propelled her to stardom. Dominic Monaghan, who played the role of a former rockstar and drug addict Charlie Pace in Lost, began dating the Ant-Man star after crossing paths in the hit show, which would go on to last for three years.
Dominic Monaghan and Evangeline Lilly in Lost | Credit: ABC
However, the conclusion to their story was far from fairytale-esque, as Monaghan’s struggle with partying eventually contributed to their growing rift, which led to a devasting break-up.
Dominic Monaghan was devasted after learning the fate of his bond with Evangeline Lilly Lost | Credit: ABC
For years, the duo remained tight-lipped about their abrupt breakup. Although Dominic Monaghan did hint at a potential infidelity on the Ant-Man star’s part in 2013, the actor finally spilled the beans on Anna Faris’ Unqualified podcast.
Dominic Monaghan and Evangeline Lilly in Lost | Credit: ABC
However, the conclusion to their story was far from fairytale-esque, as Monaghan’s struggle with partying eventually contributed to their growing rift, which led to a devasting break-up.
Dominic Monaghan was devasted after learning the fate of his bond with Evangeline Lilly Lost | Credit: ABC
For years, the duo remained tight-lipped about their abrupt breakup. Although Dominic Monaghan did hint at a potential infidelity on the Ant-Man star’s part in 2013, the actor finally spilled the beans on Anna Faris’ Unqualified podcast.
- 2/12/2025
- by Santanu Roy
- FandomWire

Oz Perkins has been kicking around Hollywood for some time now, starting out as an actor before pivoting to directing with movies like "Gretel & Hansel" and "The Blackcoat's Daughter" to his name. But Perkins elevated himself to the next level last year with the release of "Longlegs," which became the biggest indie horror hit in more than a decade. Neon then looked very smart, as the company had already partnered with Perkins for his next film, an adaptation of Stephen King's short story "The Monkey." So, with a red-hot director and horror's greatest author teaming up, can this movie become an even bigger hit?
"The Monkey" is currently eyeing an opening weekend between $17 and $25 million, per Box Office Theory. That is stellar news as the film is said to carry a budget in the $11 million range. Mind you, this was already mostly filmed by the time "Longlegs" became an unexpectedly huge hit.
"The Monkey" is currently eyeing an opening weekend between $17 and $25 million, per Box Office Theory. That is stellar news as the film is said to carry a budget in the $11 million range. Mind you, this was already mostly filmed by the time "Longlegs" became an unexpectedly huge hit.
- 2/12/2025
- by Ryan Scott
- Slash Film


If you’re working on the production staff for MGM+‘s upcoming Robin Hood series, don’t let Sean Bean near any spoons! He’s likely to carve your heart out. Why a spoon, cousin? Because it’s dull, you twit! It’ll hurt more! Heh, Alan Rickman quotes aside, the unkillable Sean Bean is ready to line his pockets with coin as the vile Sheriff of Nottingham for a new Robin Hood series starring Jack Patten (War Machine) as Sir Robin of Locksley.
MGM+’s Robin Hood series hails from Lionsgate TV and showrunner John Glenn. The show describes Robin Hood as “a sweeping, romantic adventure, a modern take of the classic tale that brings historical authenticity, psychological depth, and a heightened focus on the relationship between Rob and Marian.”
The synopsis continues by saying Robin Hood‘s events follow the “Norman invasion of England, Rob (Patten) – a Saxon forester’s son – and Marian,...
MGM+’s Robin Hood series hails from Lionsgate TV and showrunner John Glenn. The show describes Robin Hood as “a sweeping, romantic adventure, a modern take of the classic tale that brings historical authenticity, psychological depth, and a heightened focus on the relationship between Rob and Marian.”
The synopsis continues by saying Robin Hood‘s events follow the “Norman invasion of England, Rob (Patten) – a Saxon forester’s son – and Marian,...
- 2/11/2025
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com

Sean Bean has been tapped to star opposite Jack Patten in MGM+’s upcoming series Robin Hood.
From Lionsgate TV and showrunner John Glenn, Robin Hood is described as a sweeping, romantic adventure, a modern take of the classic tale that brings historical authenticity, psychological depth, and a heightened focus on the relationship between Rob and Marian.
In the series, following the Norman invasion of England, Rob (Patten) – a Saxon forester’s son – and Marian, the daughter of a Norman lord – fall in love and work together to fight for justice and freedom. As Rob rises as the leader of a band of rebel outlaws, Marian infiltrates the power at court, as both work together to thwart royal corruption and bring peace to the land.
Bean will play the Sheriff of Nottingham who is envisioned as a statesman, a strategist, and a builder of Nottingham itself. A loving father, a politician,...
From Lionsgate TV and showrunner John Glenn, Robin Hood is described as a sweeping, romantic adventure, a modern take of the classic tale that brings historical authenticity, psychological depth, and a heightened focus on the relationship between Rob and Marian.
In the series, following the Norman invasion of England, Rob (Patten) – a Saxon forester’s son – and Marian, the daughter of a Norman lord – fall in love and work together to fight for justice and freedom. As Rob rises as the leader of a band of rebel outlaws, Marian infiltrates the power at court, as both work together to thwart royal corruption and bring peace to the land.
Bean will play the Sheriff of Nottingham who is envisioned as a statesman, a strategist, and a builder of Nottingham itself. A loving father, a politician,...
- 2/11/2025
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV

For the most part, Game of Thrones can confidently be called an accurate adaptation of a classic work. Character intentions were fleshed out well, and several parts of the story were executed to perfection. However, when the conversation turns to more inaccurate parts of its story, things quickly turn to passionate hate.
A still from Game of Thrones | Credit: Max
Be it the inexcusable ending that the series had or certain characters that had a lot of expectations riding on them, the series is in no way perfect. One of the most frustratingly annoying plot points in the series is the Sand Snakes.
Being evidently two-dimensional, these characters lost all their complexity in their journey from page to screen. However, Nymeria Sand actress Jessica Henwick seems to have an explanation for this misdemeanor, and it is quite interesting.
Game of Thrones did not have enough time to dance with the...
A still from Game of Thrones | Credit: Max
Be it the inexcusable ending that the series had or certain characters that had a lot of expectations riding on them, the series is in no way perfect. One of the most frustratingly annoying plot points in the series is the Sand Snakes.
Being evidently two-dimensional, these characters lost all their complexity in their journey from page to screen. However, Nymeria Sand actress Jessica Henwick seems to have an explanation for this misdemeanor, and it is quite interesting.
Game of Thrones did not have enough time to dance with the...
- 2/10/2025
- by Ananya Godboley
- FandomWire

J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings has inspired countless creatives since its publishing in the 1950s and ‘60s. Published a trilogy, the story was set in Middle Earth and followed the journey of a hobbit named Frodo as he embarked on a treacherous journey to Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring as the Dark Lord Sauron regained power.
Author George R.R. Martin has often expressed his adoration for the Lord of the Rings trilogy and branded it as the greatest book he had ever read. The author of the Game of Thrones saga revealed that he was initially apprehensive about the novel before falling in love with it. He also credited a key death in Lotr as an inspiration for his own work.
George R.R. Martin revealed how a key death in Lord of the Rings inspired him George R.R. Martin | Credits: YouTube/PBS
Anyone who is familiar with George R.
Author George R.R. Martin has often expressed his adoration for the Lord of the Rings trilogy and branded it as the greatest book he had ever read. The author of the Game of Thrones saga revealed that he was initially apprehensive about the novel before falling in love with it. He also credited a key death in Lotr as an inspiration for his own work.
George R.R. Martin revealed how a key death in Lord of the Rings inspired him George R.R. Martin | Credits: YouTube/PBS
Anyone who is familiar with George R.
- 2/9/2025
- by Nishanth A
- FandomWire

Led Zeppelin, if you take in the full measure of their annihilating sunburst grandeur, are a very hard band to categorize. They’re usually thought of as the gods of metal, and few would deny that — though it’s my opinion that the DNA of classic metal owes as much to Black Sabbath’s second album, “Paranoid,” as it does to Zeppelin. That said, Led Zeppelin loomed like figures on Olympus over the entire cosmos of metal: the hard-charging thunder chords and blistering guitar solos, the long-haired priapic strutting, the vocals that scream out their omnipotence, the eroticized vandalism, the power.
Yet I also think of Zeppelin as the Beatles of heavy metal. There was a yin to their destructive yang — the songs they would do, like “Going to California” or “Thank You,” that conjured a vision of life as incandescent and romantic and glorious. The place where the hippie spirit still lived in them.
Yet I also think of Zeppelin as the Beatles of heavy metal. There was a yin to their destructive yang — the songs they would do, like “Going to California” or “Thank You,” that conjured a vision of life as incandescent and romantic and glorious. The place where the hippie spirit still lived in them.
- 2/9/2025
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV

Valentine’s Day is nearly upon us, and to celebrate, “Love Hurts” is now in theaters. And you’re definitely familiar with its cast.
The film centers on realtor Marvin Gable, who loves his job and very ordinary life. But when he suddenly gets an unexpectedly valentine from his crazy ex-girlfriend, he gets ripped back into his old life — one of violence and crime.
We won’t get into spoilers, we’re just running down the basics of the “Love Hurts” cast and where you’ve seen them before.
“Love Hurts” (Credit: Allen Fraser/Universal Pictures) Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan)
“Love Hurts” marks Ke Huy Quan’s first-ever leading role, as realtor Marvin Gable. It also marks his first film role since his Oscar-winning turn in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Of course, you might also recognize him from “The Goonies” or “Indiana Jones.”
Ariana DeBose as Rose Carlisle...
The film centers on realtor Marvin Gable, who loves his job and very ordinary life. But when he suddenly gets an unexpectedly valentine from his crazy ex-girlfriend, he gets ripped back into his old life — one of violence and crime.
We won’t get into spoilers, we’re just running down the basics of the “Love Hurts” cast and where you’ve seen them before.
“Love Hurts” (Credit: Allen Fraser/Universal Pictures) Marvin Gable (Ke Huy Quan)
“Love Hurts” marks Ke Huy Quan’s first-ever leading role, as realtor Marvin Gable. It also marks his first film role since his Oscar-winning turn in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Of course, you might also recognize him from “The Goonies” or “Indiana Jones.”
Ariana DeBose as Rose Carlisle...
- 2/7/2025
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap

Witches, demons, and the fiery wrath of the underworld stand between a brave knight and the soul of the Chosen One he seeks to rescue in the new movie A Knight's War, which comes to limited theaters beginning today and is on digital February 11th from Dread. Daily Dead had the chance to catch up with writer/director Matt Ninaber (who is also a producer and co-star in the film) to discuss the DIY approach to making A Knight's War a reality, including coming up with the idea back in high school, swapping a sword for a paint brush to create the sets in between filming, collaborating with his brother Jeremy (who plays the lead role of Bhodie), and filming in his backyard as the neighbours watched their ambitious medieval fantasy come to life!
Thank you for taking the time to answer questions for us, Matt, and congratulations on your new film A Knight’s War,...
Thank you for taking the time to answer questions for us, Matt, and congratulations on your new film A Knight’s War,...
- 2/7/2025
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead

Peter Jackson gave us an epic Lord of the Rings trilogy, but he dropped the ball on this one. Aragorn had a scene so insanely badass that it would’ve put every other moment in the movies to shame. And yet… it never made the cut. Seriously, how do you sideline something that proves the guy was basically a god among men?
Peter Jackson. | Image by: Mike Walen, Licensed under Cca-by-sa-3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Book fans know exactly what’s missing, and let’s just say, it’s a crime against Middle-earth. Jackson nailed a lot, but skipping this feels like a fumble even Sauron would laugh at. Time to talk about what could’ve been.
Peter Jackson cut Aragorn’s most heroic moment, and it proved he was a king before being crowned Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn in a still from The Lord of the Rings | Credits: New Line Cinema...
Peter Jackson. | Image by: Mike Walen, Licensed under Cca-by-sa-3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Book fans know exactly what’s missing, and let’s just say, it’s a crime against Middle-earth. Jackson nailed a lot, but skipping this feels like a fumble even Sauron would laugh at. Time to talk about what could’ve been.
Peter Jackson cut Aragorn’s most heroic moment, and it proved he was a king before being crowned Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn in a still from The Lord of the Rings | Credits: New Line Cinema...
- 2/7/2025
- by Heena Singh
- FandomWire


It appears that the rumors about Elijah Wood and his longtime love Mette-Marie Kongsved are true!
Last month the 44-year-old Lord of the Rings star sparked wedding rumors by referring to Mette-Marie as his “wife” during an interview, saying that he was “beyond grateful for my family and my kids and my wife.”
He did not confirm the rumors at the time. However, a marriage license was recently discovered.
Keep reading to find out more…
TMZ reported that they were able to find Elijah and Mette-Marie‘s marriage certificate. However, the notoriously private couple obtained a confidential license, which doesn’t include details such as the date they tied the knot.
The outlet reported that the couple exchanged vows in a New Year’s Eve wedding in Sweden. The ceremony was described as “an intimate ceremony with around 80 friends and family.”
Elijah and Mette-Marie first revealed that they were an...
Last month the 44-year-old Lord of the Rings star sparked wedding rumors by referring to Mette-Marie as his “wife” during an interview, saying that he was “beyond grateful for my family and my kids and my wife.”
He did not confirm the rumors at the time. However, a marriage license was recently discovered.
Keep reading to find out more…
TMZ reported that they were able to find Elijah and Mette-Marie‘s marriage certificate. However, the notoriously private couple obtained a confidential license, which doesn’t include details such as the date they tied the knot.
The outlet reported that the couple exchanged vows in a New Year’s Eve wedding in Sweden. The ceremony was described as “an intimate ceremony with around 80 friends and family.”
Elijah and Mette-Marie first revealed that they were an...
- 2/6/2025
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared

Legendary Entertainment and Hasbro Entertainment are teaming to create a live-action film and television universe based on Magic: The Gathering, the trading card game marking Hasbro’s first $1 billion brand.
The first project to emerge from the deal will be a film, with TV series and other content to be developed as well as the universe expands.
Created in 1993, Magic: The Gathering is recognized as the world’s first trading card game, having connected with more than 50 million fans of all ages worldwide. In the game, players take on the role of planeswalkers, powerful spellcasters who summon creatures, cast spells, and use artifacts to defeat their opponents. The game is known for its deep strategy, complex mechanics, and the ability to customize decks from a vast library of thousands of unique cards.
Since its release, Magic: The Gathering has expanded into a global phenomenon, with competitive tournaments, professional play circuits,...
The first project to emerge from the deal will be a film, with TV series and other content to be developed as well as the universe expands.
Created in 1993, Magic: The Gathering is recognized as the world’s first trading card game, having connected with more than 50 million fans of all ages worldwide. In the game, players take on the role of planeswalkers, powerful spellcasters who summon creatures, cast spells, and use artifacts to defeat their opponents. The game is known for its deep strategy, complex mechanics, and the ability to customize decks from a vast library of thousands of unique cards.
Since its release, Magic: The Gathering has expanded into a global phenomenon, with competitive tournaments, professional play circuits,...
- 2/6/2025
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV

Credit: Andrew Cooper / Netflix
The fifth and final season of Stranger Things is one of the most anticipated Netflix events of the year. After 4 brilliant seasons and countless fan theories on how the series will end, all the answers are just around the corner. Ahead of the final installment, let’s take a look at what the cast and crew have teased so far!
For the most part, much of the cast and crew have had to remain tight-lipped about the forthcoming final season of the epic show. As one of Netflix’s flagship titles, Netflix has been more tightlipped in to containing leaks and any spoilers.
Matt and Ross Duffer
Los Angeles, California – January 29: (L-r) Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer attend Next On Netflix 2025 Los Angeles at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on January 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Netflix)
During January’s Next on Netflix event,...
The fifth and final season of Stranger Things is one of the most anticipated Netflix events of the year. After 4 brilliant seasons and countless fan theories on how the series will end, all the answers are just around the corner. Ahead of the final installment, let’s take a look at what the cast and crew have teased so far!
For the most part, much of the cast and crew have had to remain tight-lipped about the forthcoming final season of the epic show. As one of Netflix’s flagship titles, Netflix has been more tightlipped in to containing leaks and any spoilers.
Matt and Ross Duffer
Los Angeles, California – January 29: (L-r) Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer attend Next On Netflix 2025 Los Angeles at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on January 29, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Netflix)
During January’s Next on Netflix event,...
- 2/6/2025
- by Ashley Hurst
- Whats-on-Netflix

The Lord of the Rings actor Sean Astin has fallen in and out of the industry’s radar ever since his debut as a child actor. He may be most famously known for playing the hobbit Samwise Gamgee in Peter Jackson’s live-action Lotr trilogy, but Astin’s career is far more enduring and remarkable than that.
Sean Astin as Samwise Gamgee in Lord of the Rings [Credit: New Line Cinema]
Despite being a child star, Astin never faded out of the industry, instead building a career that was not only impressive but sustainable as well. From playing Mikey Walsh in The Goonies (1985) to the titular character in Rudy (1993), the charming actor has resurfaced once more after his Lotr era to star in two wildly popular projects for modern fans: Stranger Things and A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter.
The many dreams and aspirations of Sean Astin Sean Astin as Bob...
Sean Astin as Samwise Gamgee in Lord of the Rings [Credit: New Line Cinema]
Despite being a child star, Astin never faded out of the industry, instead building a career that was not only impressive but sustainable as well. From playing Mikey Walsh in The Goonies (1985) to the titular character in Rudy (1993), the charming actor has resurfaced once more after his Lotr era to star in two wildly popular projects for modern fans: Stranger Things and A Nonsense Christmas With Sabrina Carpenter.
The many dreams and aspirations of Sean Astin Sean Astin as Bob...
- 2/5/2025
- by Diya Majumdar
- FandomWire

The tale of The Lord of the Rings set the precedent for modern high fantasy. Peter Jackson’s live-action trilogy revolutionized cinematic adaptations. And Sir Ian McKellen lived up to the name and reputation of Gandalf the White. J.R.R. Tolkien’s imaginative universe never felt more realized than in the hands of Peter Jackson and his merry band of hobbits, trolls, men, and elves.
The Shire in Lord of the Rings [Credit: New Line Cinema]
However, despite the colorful and honest rendition of Tolkien’s Middle-earth, there was a somewhat troublesome aspect in Jackson’s vision of the Lotr trilogy. This not only irked the young actors in the film but Sir Ian McKellen, too, regardless of how brilliant he was in film and theater.
Sir Ian McKellen’s love-hate relationship with Lotr Sir Ian McKellen with Elijah Wood in The Lord of the Rings [Credit: New Line Cinema]
Despite having a long, enduring, and flourishing career in theater,...
The Shire in Lord of the Rings [Credit: New Line Cinema]
However, despite the colorful and honest rendition of Tolkien’s Middle-earth, there was a somewhat troublesome aspect in Jackson’s vision of the Lotr trilogy. This not only irked the young actors in the film but Sir Ian McKellen, too, regardless of how brilliant he was in film and theater.
Sir Ian McKellen’s love-hate relationship with Lotr Sir Ian McKellen with Elijah Wood in The Lord of the Rings [Credit: New Line Cinema]
Despite having a long, enduring, and flourishing career in theater,...
- 2/5/2025
- by Diya Majumdar
- FandomWire

Sir Ian McKellen has played some of the most legendary characters in his decades-long career. From theatre to film, the actor has brought several characters to life with his extraordinary acting prowess. However, one of his most famous characters will forever remain the wizard Gandalf from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and later The Hobbit.
Ian McKellen as Gandalf | Credit: New Line Cinema
While fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy world continue to love and cherish the actor’s portrayal, McKellen himself has kept iconic tokens from the franchise. Here is a glimpse into what treasures of the Middle-earth did he keep as souvenirs.
The iconic souvenirs that Sir Ian McKellen took from the Lord of the Rings set Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf | Credit: New Line Cinema
When actors wrap up filming, it is usual for them to nick pieces from the sets as a remembrance of their time spent on the project.
Ian McKellen as Gandalf | Credit: New Line Cinema
While fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy world continue to love and cherish the actor’s portrayal, McKellen himself has kept iconic tokens from the franchise. Here is a glimpse into what treasures of the Middle-earth did he keep as souvenirs.
The iconic souvenirs that Sir Ian McKellen took from the Lord of the Rings set Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf | Credit: New Line Cinema
When actors wrap up filming, it is usual for them to nick pieces from the sets as a remembrance of their time spent on the project.
- 2/5/2025
- by Maria Sultan
- FandomWire

When a popular book is adapted for the screen, how faithful to the source material is the adaptation obliged to be? Different producers give very different answers. Modern TV shows like Invincible and The Last of Us adapt their source material very faithfully, although they add and finesse things along the way. But then you look at a series like The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, which is based on the appendices to J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings books. Some of what's written there makes its way in, but most of the show is completely made up.
Then there's a series like House of the Dragon, which is based on the book Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin. While the first season of the show stayed mostly grounded in the text (with some notable exceptions), the second season started to stray very far away from that story.
Then there's a series like House of the Dragon, which is based on the book Fire & Blood by George R.R. Martin. While the first season of the show stayed mostly grounded in the text (with some notable exceptions), the second season started to stray very far away from that story.
- 2/5/2025
- by Dan Selcke
- Winter Is Coming

Kate Winslet is one of the most iconic actresses in the industry, having worked in some truly revolutionary movies. From Revolutionary Road, Eternal Sunshine, and arguably the most famous romantic movie of all time, Titanic, Winslet is a worker who has consistently been lauded for her roles.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in a still from Titanic (1997)
However, not many will know, that she was once considered for the role of Éowyn in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Following her breakout success in Titanic (1997), Winslet was at the peak of her career, and her name came up when Jackson was casting for the epic fantasy saga. However, despite her past collaboration with the director, she ultimately turned down the opportunity.
Kate Winslet turned down the role of Eowyn in The Lord of the Rings Credits: Kate Winslet in Heavenly Creatures / Miramax
Peter Jackson and Kate Winslet...
Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in a still from Titanic (1997)
However, not many will know, that she was once considered for the role of Éowyn in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Following her breakout success in Titanic (1997), Winslet was at the peak of her career, and her name came up when Jackson was casting for the epic fantasy saga. However, despite her past collaboration with the director, she ultimately turned down the opportunity.
Kate Winslet turned down the role of Eowyn in The Lord of the Rings Credits: Kate Winslet in Heavenly Creatures / Miramax
Peter Jackson and Kate Winslet...
- 2/4/2025
- by Rishabh Bhatnagar
- FandomWire

From Lord of the Rings to The Wheel of Time, the fantasy genre has seen an absolute wealth of screen adaptations, but it's one genre Disney could do more with. For a studio who has built their image on princesses, dragons, and castles, you would think the House of Mouse would have it down pat.
Although Disney did dip their toes in the water before with several fairytale adaptations and even a cinematic exploration of C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, the studio has had one series waiting in the wings for far too long, and it's time to dust off the tomes.
The Chronicles of Prydain, cauldron re-born
If there's one Disney film that has lived in infamy since the '80s, it's the infamous Black Cauldron (1985). Disney's foray into the realms of dark fantasy was such a deviation from its magical formula that it nearly killed the animation studio.
Although Disney did dip their toes in the water before with several fairytale adaptations and even a cinematic exploration of C.S. Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia, the studio has had one series waiting in the wings for far too long, and it's time to dust off the tomes.
The Chronicles of Prydain, cauldron re-born
If there's one Disney film that has lived in infamy since the '80s, it's the infamous Black Cauldron (1985). Disney's foray into the realms of dark fantasy was such a deviation from its magical formula that it nearly killed the animation studio.
- 2/3/2025
- by Zach Gass
- Along Main Street

"The Lord of the Rings" is a franchise that is beloved by critics and fans alike. Films set in Middle-earth tend to do well at the box office, gather streaming steam without trouble, and are considered top rewatching material by many. However, a recent addition to the cinematic Tolkienian canon has officially ranked on Rotten Tomatoes as a blight on the otherwise impressive "Lord of the Rings" track record.
"The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim" has set a new "Lord of the Rings" franchise record low with a 48% on the Tomatometer. This is the critical consensus, and it has a lot to say for a Warner Bros. project that had the makings of greatness but couldn't quite stick the landing.
"The War of the Rohirrim" was the first foray into the anime format for a Middle-earth film. The story takes place centuries before "The Lord of the Rings...
"The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim" has set a new "Lord of the Rings" franchise record low with a 48% on the Tomatometer. This is the critical consensus, and it has a lot to say for a Warner Bros. project that had the makings of greatness but couldn't quite stick the landing.
"The War of the Rohirrim" was the first foray into the anime format for a Middle-earth film. The story takes place centuries before "The Lord of the Rings...
- 2/2/2025
- by Jaron Pak
- Slash Film

Hugo Weaving is probably best known for his role as the creepy, scenery-chewing Agent Smith in the original three "Matrix" films, or maybe for his role as Lord Elrond in the "Lord of the Rings" movies, but it's also worth mentioning his lead role in "V for Vendetta." There, he plays the morally-questionable hero/terrorist, V. The character wears a mask throughout the film, which you might think (wrongly!) would hamper Weaving's ability to give a memorable performance.
But before Weaving could take on the role, V was played by James Purefoy, an actor best known today for his role as Mark Antony in "Rome" and Laurens Bancroft in "Altered Carbon." "V for Vendetta" was arguably a bigger project than either of those shows, so why did Purefoy back out of it after six weeks of filming? It was supposedly because he hated wearing that Guy Fawkes mask. He hasn't...
But before Weaving could take on the role, V was played by James Purefoy, an actor best known today for his role as Mark Antony in "Rome" and Laurens Bancroft in "Altered Carbon." "V for Vendetta" was arguably a bigger project than either of those shows, so why did Purefoy back out of it after six weeks of filming? It was supposedly because he hated wearing that Guy Fawkes mask. He hasn't...
- 2/2/2025
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film

Imagine this: you’re on a hot streak, having just crushed it in one of the biggest blockbuster franchises of the decade, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. You’ve tasted that sweet, sugary success and suddenly, another iconic role lands on your lap. A character so rich in depth, so soaked in honor and tragic downfall, that it could elevate your career into the stratosphere.
Well, it’s Boromir from The Lord of the Rings. The catch?
Liam Neeson | Credits: Retribution/Lionsgate.
You might be thinking, “Who would turn that down?” But, sometimes, the devil’s in the details. For Liam Neeson, the actor who was offered Boromir’s role, it wasn’t about fame or fortune; it was about shaking off a certain label!
The role Liam Neeson turned down: Why Boromir wasn’t his fate
Liam Neeson wasn’t just another actor looking for a paycheck.
Well, it’s Boromir from The Lord of the Rings. The catch?
Liam Neeson | Credits: Retribution/Lionsgate.
You might be thinking, “Who would turn that down?” But, sometimes, the devil’s in the details. For Liam Neeson, the actor who was offered Boromir’s role, it wasn’t about fame or fortune; it was about shaking off a certain label!
The role Liam Neeson turned down: Why Boromir wasn’t his fate
Liam Neeson wasn’t just another actor looking for a paycheck.
- 2/2/2025
- by Siddhika Prajapati
- FandomWire

Liv Tyler has been a part of several notable projects over the years. From starring alongside Bruce Willis in Armageddon to playing Betty Ross in The Incredible Hulk, she has certainly made a name for herself. However, none of her works have been as iconic as The Lord of the Rings.
Liv Tyler in The Lord of the Rings series | Credit: New Line Cinema
Playing the role of Arwen, she was a crucial part of the trilogy and managed to affect the masses with her performance. Considering how significant the films were for her professional life, one cannot help but wonder about her experience when she was first filming the movies.
Liv Tyler did not have the best experience working on The Lord of the Rings
Around the release of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Liv Tyler gave an interview with IGN where she answered several interesting questions about the beloved franchise.
Liv Tyler in The Lord of the Rings series | Credit: New Line Cinema
Playing the role of Arwen, she was a crucial part of the trilogy and managed to affect the masses with her performance. Considering how significant the films were for her professional life, one cannot help but wonder about her experience when she was first filming the movies.
Liv Tyler did not have the best experience working on The Lord of the Rings
Around the release of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Liv Tyler gave an interview with IGN where she answered several interesting questions about the beloved franchise.
- 2/2/2025
- by Ananya Godboley
- FandomWire

From Middle-earth to Gotham, this is why Max is a must for action fans.
When done right, action movies deliver some of the most thrilling movie-watching experiences out there. Whether it’s superheroes saving the day, heart-pounding car chases, or jaw-dropping martial arts showdowns, these films know how to keep you hooked. And it’s not all about gunfights - there’s just as much excitement in machetes, improvised weapons, and gritty, close-quarters combat. Throw in some unforgettable one-liners from the 80s and 90s, and you’ve got a genre that keeps the adrenaline pumping. If you’re wondering which streamer has the best selection of action movies, for me, it’s an easy pick: Max. Here’s why it’s my go-to for action movie fans.
Everything you need to know about the best streamer for action movies:
What action movies can you watch on Max?
What superhero action...
When done right, action movies deliver some of the most thrilling movie-watching experiences out there. Whether it’s superheroes saving the day, heart-pounding car chases, or jaw-dropping martial arts showdowns, these films know how to keep you hooked. And it’s not all about gunfights - there’s just as much excitement in machetes, improvised weapons, and gritty, close-quarters combat. Throw in some unforgettable one-liners from the 80s and 90s, and you’ve got a genre that keeps the adrenaline pumping. If you’re wondering which streamer has the best selection of action movies, for me, it’s an easy pick: Max. Here’s why it’s my go-to for action movie fans.
Everything you need to know about the best streamer for action movies:
What action movies can you watch on Max?
What superhero action...
- 2/2/2025
- by Thomas Waschenfelder
- The Streamable

Believe it or not, there was an Oscar buzz around Andy Serkis’ Gollum role in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. Serkis played the voice and motion capture for the role. He initially had doubts about the role as he was unsure whether the mo-cap performance would work in the film. However, Peter Jackson believed it to be a relevant acting performance.
Andy Serkis as Gollum in a still from The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers | Credits: New Line Cinema
Jackson compared it to John Hurt’s performance in The Elephant Man, a role that won Hurt a Best Actor nomination. Hurt had to wear heavy prosthetic makeup in the role and never showed his face, which prompted the director to believe that Serkis was eligible for an Oscar. However, he never received the recognition for The Lord of the Rings.
Peter Jackson believed...
Andy Serkis as Gollum in a still from The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers | Credits: New Line Cinema
Jackson compared it to John Hurt’s performance in The Elephant Man, a role that won Hurt a Best Actor nomination. Hurt had to wear heavy prosthetic makeup in the role and never showed his face, which prompted the director to believe that Serkis was eligible for an Oscar. However, he never received the recognition for The Lord of the Rings.
Peter Jackson believed...
- 2/2/2025
- by Hashim Asraff
- FandomWire

The "Dune" books are incredibly dense and full of rich detail, with an expansive world-building that provides context that makes Paul Atreides' rise to power fascinating and inevitable. Frank Herbert's novel was also full of insight into biology, religion, and history. On the surface, the story of the first book is an entertaining coming-of-age story of a young boy becoming a leader and overthrowing a tyrant with the help of a band of rebels. Except that is but a fraction of the story of "Dune," a story that spans tens of thousands of years.
Much like "Lord of the Rings," no single adaptation of "Dune" has truly been able to include all that made the book and universe special given how much ground there is to cover. Indeed, every adaptation has focused on something different, making every journey to Arrakis unique and worth watching. For instance, David Lynch's...
Much like "Lord of the Rings," no single adaptation of "Dune" has truly been able to include all that made the book and universe special given how much ground there is to cover. Indeed, every adaptation has focused on something different, making every journey to Arrakis unique and worth watching. For instance, David Lynch's...
- 2/1/2025
- by Rafael Motamayor
- Slash Film

The BBC didn’t need to sack Jeremy Clarkson from its hit car show Top Gear, says his former co-presenter James May.
Clarkson and May, together with Richard Hammond, were the stars of the show in its most popular era when the series drew millions of viewers in the UK and overseas, audiences drawn as much to the camaraderie between the three men as to the discussion of different vehicles.
That all came to an abrupt end in 2015 when Clarkson was fired by the BBC for assaulting a producer when his meal failed to arrive after a day’s filming. May and Hammond quit in solidarity, and the trio were swiftly scooped up by Amazon to appear in The Grand Tour, which ran for eight years and became one of the platform’s biggest shows.
Reflecting on the team’s departure from the BBC, May told The Times of London...
Clarkson and May, together with Richard Hammond, were the stars of the show in its most popular era when the series drew millions of viewers in the UK and overseas, audiences drawn as much to the camaraderie between the three men as to the discussion of different vehicles.
That all came to an abrupt end in 2015 when Clarkson was fired by the BBC for assaulting a producer when his meal failed to arrive after a day’s filming. May and Hammond quit in solidarity, and the trio were swiftly scooped up by Amazon to appear in The Grand Tour, which ran for eight years and became one of the platform’s biggest shows.
Reflecting on the team’s departure from the BBC, May told The Times of London...
- 2/1/2025
- by Caroline Frost
- Deadline Film + TV

The fantasy genre has had a pretty significant come up on both the big and small screen in the last 25 years.
While there is a definite charm and nostalgia to the dark fantasy movies that influenced the ’80s, there is no denying that a lot of what makes fantasy movies has only been enhanced via modern movie magic. Swashbuckling adventure, monsters galore in slightly unfamiliar environments, romance, found family, fantasy has it all and it’s just been getting better and better for fans.
These are the best modern fantasy movies – made after 2000 – from obvious choices like “Lord of the Rings” to under-appreciated gems like “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.”
New Line Cinema The Lord of the Rings (Extended Editions)
The obvious choice.
It would have felt unfair to put each of the individual “Lord of the Rings” films on this list at the expense of cutting others so...
While there is a definite charm and nostalgia to the dark fantasy movies that influenced the ’80s, there is no denying that a lot of what makes fantasy movies has only been enhanced via modern movie magic. Swashbuckling adventure, monsters galore in slightly unfamiliar environments, romance, found family, fantasy has it all and it’s just been getting better and better for fans.
These are the best modern fantasy movies – made after 2000 – from obvious choices like “Lord of the Rings” to under-appreciated gems like “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves.”
New Line Cinema The Lord of the Rings (Extended Editions)
The obvious choice.
It would have felt unfair to put each of the individual “Lord of the Rings” films on this list at the expense of cutting others so...
- 1/31/2025
- by Jacob Bryant
- The Wrap

Once upon a time, Game of Thrones served up dragons, betrayals, and heartbreak, but it also borrowed straight from Lord of the Rings for one of its best characters. We cheered, our theories ran crazy, and then… Bam. That character got an ending so brutal, even Daenerys might’ve side-eyed the writers.
A still from Game of Thrones | Credits: HBO Entertainment
While Middle-earth inspired this fan favorite, Westeros left them with a fate worse – way worse than a bad prophecy.
Game of Thrones’ Arya’s ending was just Frodo’s, but worse Turner and Williams as Sansa and Arya Stark in Game of Thrones | Credits: HBO
Arya Stark was more than just a warrior. She was Game of Thrones’ answer to Frodo Baggins. And by “answer,” we mean an inferior imitation. The show didn’t just take inspiration from The Lord of the Rings; it straight-up copied Tolkien’s iconic ending.
A still from Game of Thrones | Credits: HBO Entertainment
While Middle-earth inspired this fan favorite, Westeros left them with a fate worse – way worse than a bad prophecy.
Game of Thrones’ Arya’s ending was just Frodo’s, but worse Turner and Williams as Sansa and Arya Stark in Game of Thrones | Credits: HBO
Arya Stark was more than just a warrior. She was Game of Thrones’ answer to Frodo Baggins. And by “answer,” we mean an inferior imitation. The show didn’t just take inspiration from The Lord of the Rings; it straight-up copied Tolkien’s iconic ending.
- 1/31/2025
- by Heena Singh
- FandomWire


Warner Bros. Discovery has partnered with rights firm Cutting Edge Group in a joint venture which will co-own the studio’s catalog of film and TV music from its blockbusters.
As part of the joint venture, Wbd will have creative and operational control of the music rights, while Cutting Edge Group will jointly manage the joint venture. The companies did not disclose the financials involved in the deal but called the creation of the joint venture “one of the largest music deals ever transacted.”
The catalog includes music from the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings franchises, DC Comics movies, as well as TV shows such as Friends, Game of Thrones, The Big Bang Theory, Two and Half Men, Succession and The White Lotus. Additional films and TV series in the scenario include Rebel Without a Cause, The Exorcist, A Star is Born, Blade Runner, Shawshank Redemption, The West Wing,...
As part of the joint venture, Wbd will have creative and operational control of the music rights, while Cutting Edge Group will jointly manage the joint venture. The companies did not disclose the financials involved in the deal but called the creation of the joint venture “one of the largest music deals ever transacted.”
The catalog includes music from the Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings franchises, DC Comics movies, as well as TV shows such as Friends, Game of Thrones, The Big Bang Theory, Two and Half Men, Succession and The White Lotus. Additional films and TV series in the scenario include Rebel Without a Cause, The Exorcist, A Star is Born, Blade Runner, Shawshank Redemption, The West Wing,...
- 1/31/2025
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News

Ben Affleck saw the writing on the wall way before superhero fatigue became Hollywood’s worst nightmare. Back in the early 2000s, when Marvel was still throwing things at the wall to see what stuck, Affleck had a gut feeling that people might eventually get tired of capes, spandex, and the same old save-the-world formula.
Ben Affleck | Image by Gage Skidmore, licensed under Cc By-sa 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Fast forward 22 years, and, Boom, his prediction is hitting harder than a third-act CGI battle. With fans tuning out and studios scrambling, his old warning feels less like an opinion and more like a spoiler.
Ben Affleck predicted superhero fatigue 22 years ago in resurfaced interview Ben Affleck in Good Will Hunting | Credits: Miramax
Ben Affleck was ahead of the curve. Over two decades ago, he had a hunch about what’d eventually come to be known as superhero fatigue — a term that...
Ben Affleck | Image by Gage Skidmore, licensed under Cc By-sa 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Fast forward 22 years, and, Boom, his prediction is hitting harder than a third-act CGI battle. With fans tuning out and studios scrambling, his old warning feels less like an opinion and more like a spoiler.
Ben Affleck predicted superhero fatigue 22 years ago in resurfaced interview Ben Affleck in Good Will Hunting | Credits: Miramax
Ben Affleck was ahead of the curve. Over two decades ago, he had a hunch about what’d eventually come to be known as superhero fatigue — a term that...
- 1/31/2025
- by Heena Singh
- FandomWire

The Comedy Store in Los Angeles has long been rumored to be haunted. Countless comedians have told stories of eerie encounters, flickering lights, and strange whispers in the night. But few stories are as terrifying or as baffling as the one told by Joe Rogan about the late comedian Carl Labove.
Joe Rogan in The Joe Rogan Experience | Credits: YouTube/ Joe Rogan
It’s a tale of supernatural aggression, a dark and silent stage, and an unseen force that quite literally dragged Labove into the unknown. But does the story really add up? It’s Joe Rogan telling us that story though. There has to be some truth to it. Right? Let’s find out.
Joe Rogan’s ghost story about Carl Labove Carl Labove at The Comedy Store | Credits: Flicker Cc By-sa 2.0
Joe Rogan invited the stand-up comedian popularly known for his Dr. Phil Live show, Adam Ray to his podcast,...
Joe Rogan in The Joe Rogan Experience | Credits: YouTube/ Joe Rogan
It’s a tale of supernatural aggression, a dark and silent stage, and an unseen force that quite literally dragged Labove into the unknown. But does the story really add up? It’s Joe Rogan telling us that story though. There has to be some truth to it. Right? Let’s find out.
Joe Rogan’s ghost story about Carl Labove Carl Labove at The Comedy Store | Credits: Flicker Cc By-sa 2.0
Joe Rogan invited the stand-up comedian popularly known for his Dr. Phil Live show, Adam Ray to his podcast,...
- 1/31/2025
- by Ojas Goel
- FandomWire

Fans are aware of how much influence J.R.R. Tolkien had on George R.R. Martin enough to notice the similarities between The Lord of the Rings and Game of Thrones. Even the series finale that we’re all disappointed with somehow mirrored certain aspects of the Middle-earth.
Emilia Clarke in Game of Thrones / Credits: HBO
The parallels between the two highly successful fantasy series are obvious from the beginning, with matters about the legitimacy of heirs, evil powers rising, and, of course, the existence of dragons. Interestingly, there’s one character from Martin’s lore that evidently had the same arc as this iconic Tolkien creature.
Similarities between Game of Thrones’ Daenerys Targaryen and The Lord of the Rings’ Gollum
Emilia Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen surpassed fans’ expectations, and no matter how tragic her character’s fate had been, we cannot deny the actress’ dedication to her role. Even...
Emilia Clarke in Game of Thrones / Credits: HBO
The parallels between the two highly successful fantasy series are obvious from the beginning, with matters about the legitimacy of heirs, evil powers rising, and, of course, the existence of dragons. Interestingly, there’s one character from Martin’s lore that evidently had the same arc as this iconic Tolkien creature.
Similarities between Game of Thrones’ Daenerys Targaryen and The Lord of the Rings’ Gollum
Emilia Clarke’s portrayal of Daenerys Targaryen surpassed fans’ expectations, and no matter how tragic her character’s fate had been, we cannot deny the actress’ dedication to her role. Even...
- 1/30/2025
- by Ariane Cruz
- FandomWire
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.