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The Queer (Subtext) History of the Lord of the Rings

Lord of the Rings

Almost 70 years after JRR Tolkein published the first in his Lord of the Rings epic fantasy trilogy – a new vision of Middle Earth has finally arrived on our screens. And as Amazon Prime drops its highly anticipated prequel series Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power, now feels like the perfect time to look back at the queer history of the series. Of course, as with any other hugely popular fiction series, there is a rich LGBTQ+ fanbase that has lifted the subtext of the novels to create hugely popular queer readings of Middle Earth. The queer subtext … Read more

Trailer: The Rings of Power

The Rings of Power

Just saw this come across my email. :) Starts in September: An ensemble cast of characters, both familiar and new, must confront the re-emergence of evil to Middle-earth. From the darkest depths of the Misty Mountains to the majestic forests of Lindon; from the island kingdom of Númenor, to the furthest reaches of the map, these realms and characters will forge legacies that will live on long after they’re gone. See the trailer here…

FOR READERS & WRITERS: When is a “Universe” Too Big?

Star Wars

FOR READERS & WRITERS Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Scott: I’m old enough to remember when Star Wars was a single film. Now there are… well, I’ve lost count. Main films, side films, TV series, theme parks, cartoons, comics, and much more. Same with Trek, the MCU and DC to a lesser extent. Does it ever become overwhelming? Or are you always hungry for more? Writers: This is a reader/writer chat – you are welcome to share your own book/link, as long as it fits the chat, but please do so as part of a discussion about the topic. … Read more

Get Ready for a “Lord of the Rings” Reunion Sunday

Lord of the Rings films

A Lord of the Rings reunion starring Sir Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood and all the main cast members is about to bless fantasy fans. The Fellowship of the Ring will be reuniting virtually for a special lockdown episode of Josh Gad’s Reunited Apart YouTube show on Sunday. A trailer for the upcoming special saw Elijah Wood and his fellow hobbits on a video call discussing whether to bring back the cast for one last time. Full Story From Pink News

Stewart+Mckellan = TLA?

Stewart and McKellen

Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart kissed each-other on the red carpet for Star Trek: Picard and the power of their loving friendship has resorted our strength. The famously best pals greeted one another with a kiss as they arrived at the screening at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London. Dozens of cameras clicked to capture the tender moment between friends, and McKellen made it even more memorable by getting down on one knee and jokingly proposing. Full Story + Photo From Pink News

FOR WRITERS & READERS: Making the Dish

FOR WRITERS Today’s writer topic comes from QSFer Hank T. Cannon: Have you ever written or read a spec fic story where food descriptions are a significant part of the story and then tried to make the dish or an approximation? Hobbit Recipes! Writers: This is a writer and reader chat – you are welcome to share your own book/link, as long as it fits the chat, but please do so as part of a discussion about the topic. Join the chat

Scientists Find “Mordor Under the Sea”

Mordor under the sea

Today in news best suited for sneaky little Hobbitses and Shire-folk, scientists unveiled a map of a faraway volcanic realm that has a distinct look of Mordor about it. Unfortunately for any ring bearers, the molten landscape has probably been hidden underwater for millions of years. The “Tolkienesque” region of submarine volcanoes buried beneath the sea south of Australia was discovered by a team of researchers from the University of Adelaide in Australia, the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) in Australia. The team employed 3D seismic reflection, a geo-mapping technique that … Read more

TV: Lord of the Rings Prequel Series Picked Up By Amazon

Lord of the Rings

This actually happened a couple months back, but I missed it entirely: In its quest to launch a hit fantasy series of the Game of Thrones caliber, Amazon has closed a massive deal — said to be close to $250 million — to acquire global TV rights to The Lord of the Rings, based on the fantasy novels by J.R.R. Tolkien. The streaming service has given a multi-season commitment to a LOTR series in the pact, which also includes a potential spinoff series. The LOTR original series, a prequel to Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, will be produced by … Read more

ENTERTAINMENT: Gandalf Returns

Sir Ian McKellen

Sir Ian McKellen is to bring Gandalf, his most iconic film role, to the stage for a new one-man show. The veteran actor will bring the wizard to life for a nine-performance charity run at London’s Park Theatre. Funds raised will go towards the upkeep of the small 200-seat theatre in Finsbury Park. He will also resurrect other famous characters from his 50-year career, such as Macbeth. It will have an interactive element, with its star inviting the audience to ask questions and act with him. The show is called Shakespeare, Tolkien, Others & You is already sold out – although the … Read more