Rock star reception for Hobbit cast
NEW ZEALAND: Director Peter Jackson and the cast of The Hobbit
received a rock star reception at the Tolkien epic's world premiere in
Wellington on Wednesday, cheered on by 100,000 screaming fans.
Crowds wearing crooked wizard hats and pointed elf ears packed the
New Zealand capital's entertainment strip, jostling for position on
balconies and rooftops for a glimpse of stars such as Cate Blanchett and
Hugo Weaving.
After a flyover by an Air New Zealand Boeing 777 decked out in
Hobbit-themed livery, a huge roar erupted as the cast slowly made their
way down the red carpet.
Carrying signs such as "I bags Bilbo" and "Team Smeagol", spectators
chanted the names of characters from the movie, a three-part prequel to
the hugely successful The Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Statues of cave trolls and dwarves specially erected for the occasion
added to the Middle Earth flavour, combining with the costumed hordes to
create an atmosphere which actor Elijah Wood described as "surreal".
The loudest cheers were for hometown favourite Jackson, who has been
credited with single-handedly turning the New Zealand film industry into
a multi-billion dollar success.
The normally reclusive director, sporting his trademark tousled hair
and beard, appeared more than a little Hobbit-like even in his
premiere-night suit, admitting he felt slightly overwhelmed as he signed
autographs and shook hands.
Jackson said it was a relief finally to present the first instalment
of his latest saga to fans after a troubled shoot marred by lengthy
delays.
"It's emotional and very humbling to see all these people in my
hometown who've turned out," he told reporters.
"It's been two years with this narrow focus on the film where we're
trying to keep everybody out. You have security, you don't want people
to know what you're doing.
"Then you get to that moment where filming's over and 100,000 people
come along to the premiere, it's kind of like the whole world has turned
upside down."
Mia Ramsden, who travelled from Melbourne in Australia for the
premiere, camped overnight dressed as the elf queen Arwen to claim a
prime position to view the stars.
She said Tolkien fans were a breed apart, determined to mark a new
instalment in their favourite movie franchise in style after a hiatus of
almost a decade since the last "Rings" film.
AFP |