there and back again
I'll post full details of my audition on Monday (short version: I had fun, and made them laugh a whole bunch, but I don't know if I'm what they are looking for), but I just saw something in the Mysterious Future at Slashdot, and this is too insanely cool to wait:
Peter Jackson Will Direct "The Hobbit"!!!111one one one bang one
According to this news item, there's some question about who will distribute the film, but Peter Jackson has the rights to direct it, and wants to make it feel just like the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
NEW YORK (AP) - Peter Jackson won't be returning to the Shire any time soon. The Oscar-winning director is planning to film "The Hobbit," the prequel to "The Lord of the Rings," trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien, but two studios must first fight over legal rights to the film.Jackson said New Line Cinema has the rights to make the movie, but MGM has the rights to distribute it.
"I guess MGM's lawyers and New Line's lawyers are going to have a huge amount of fun over the next few years trying to work it all out," he told reporters recently in Los Angeles, according to AP Radio. "I'm obviously busy for a couple of years on 'King Kong' so those lawyers can just go at it for a long time."
Here is my first Open Letter to Peter Jackson, written with tongue planted firmly in cheek:
Dear Mr. Jackson,
Please let me be part of "The Hobbit."
Please. Please. Please. Please. I will totally be your best friend.
Sincerely,
Wil Wheaton
PS- Please please please please. Thank you.
Comments
Good luck on the audition Wil, you might not get this part but they will remember you for other projects.
And ask Peter Jackson to let me be your stunt double on The Hobbit. Please.
P.S. Please
Posted by: Andres | March 6, 2004 4:02 PM
and you can tell 'em: "i'm not very tall...so you won't have to film me in a trench".
Posted by: d. burr | March 6, 2004 4:04 PM
Me too, PJ, me too! Please, please, please!
Posted by: Eva | March 6, 2004 4:11 PM
I can see you cast as an Elf. Definately. I could see you as Bilbo as well. But would have a problem seeing you as a Dwarf.
Posted by: Merlene | March 6, 2004 4:15 PM
...and you would just LOVE New Zealand Wil....I really wish he could do Hobbit now...that way we could all watch the whole lot in one sitting.
Posted by: Narna | March 6, 2004 4:17 PM
Wil, what's with this film stuff? Git back to your books.
Posted by: synchronicity | March 6, 2004 4:17 PM
Open Note to Wil Wheaton:
Please let me be a part of you being a part of 'The Hobbit'! I can carry your luggage...tie your shoes...apply your sunscreen...I'm versatile.
Posted by: Abby | March 6, 2004 4:22 PM
Hey Wil, even if you don't get it, it dosen't mean anything. Pilot season is just begenning.
Posted by: angry penguin | March 6, 2004 4:39 PM
Please Mr. Jackson, please please please please let Wil play in the Shire. PLEASE...
Does that help Wil?
Posted by: Kirwan Queren | March 6, 2004 4:46 PM
Forget The Hobbit, as Jackson won't be working on it (as you quoted) for a couple of years. You should spend your time now groveling to Joss Whedon for a part in Serenity.
Posted by: Dori Smith | March 6, 2004 4:55 PM
I know you don't know me, but if they need someone to play a rock or assorted shrubbery in "The Hobbit"...drop my name if you get the part.
Posted by: Sebastian | March 6, 2004 4:57 PM
Dear Mr Jackson:
In reference to Mr. Wil Wheaton's open letter, please, please, please cast him in The Hobbit!
Afterall, if he can fly a starship, he can certainly take on Smaug!
Posted by: Sarcastic Cheese | March 6, 2004 5:02 PM
Wil, why not find out Peter Jackson's email address and email that request to him instead of it being an open letter?
I introduced some people to your blog this week. They really like your writing style, as do I. Um, I sound sucky. Keep it up man.
Posted by: Russell Codd | March 6, 2004 5:03 PM
Hmmm...you know Sean...Sean knows Peter...
Hmmm...
Just kidding.
Can't wait to read about your audition!
Of course you made them laugh!
Posted by: reallylikesj | March 6, 2004 5:05 PM
DOOD! whats Jackson's email? Lets bombard that bastich with requests! WIL FOR PRESIDENT!!
Posted by: VTSquire | March 6, 2004 5:28 PM
I'm surprised he didn't mention it, but everyone remember to check out uncle willy on Teen Titans tonight at 9pm EST!
Posted by: Dave | March 6, 2004 5:36 PM
Better get on the phone to Sean Astin afterall. And I'm not kidding. Hollywood is all about who ya know. To not take advantage of that would kind of dumb.
What part do you want to play, Wil?
Posted by: Brian | March 6, 2004 5:40 PM
If you get to play a Hobbit, could I come along and play Smaug?? I don't care if he dies in the end, I just want to breathe fire. That would be cool. PLEASE!!!!
Posted by: Rick | March 6, 2004 5:45 PM
hehehehe, I live in New Zealand so you should all come down and crash at my place and we'll head down to Wellington and stand outside Pete's house and yodel till he comes out and tells us to bugger off and then we can push Wil forward and he can stammer out our "Mr Jackson sir, we want to be in your movie and we don't care what we do" line.
How about it? I figure we can get 40-50 people easy and we'll be away.
You guys are with me, right?
Posted by: Audent | March 6, 2004 5:54 PM
Peter Jackson also said this right after the Academy Awards when he was talking to one of the E! reporters. I say it again, did you call to congratulate Sean?
Posted by: loretta652 | March 6, 2004 5:56 PM
I saw this! I actually cried "w00t!" when I read it!
Then I blushed with shame.
Posted by: Cheryl | March 6, 2004 6:28 PM
you should so absolutely be Bard (am I getting the name right?) God, I should be shot for not being sure of the name of the guy who shoots Smaug. But you are so him. Do what Elijah did, make a clip of yourself in the role and send it to him. Can't really do more than that.
Posted by: sarah b. | March 6, 2004 6:57 PM
Wil,
I think you'd do a great job in the role of the hobbit, but aren't you a little too tall and thin for the part? I mean, I know you're not TALL or anything but you're not short either. I think you'd make a better elf! Anyway, hope you hear good news on your current audition...
Posted by: Chuck | March 6, 2004 7:07 PM
Bard the Bowman. You should play Bard the Bowman.
Posted by: Xopher | March 6, 2004 7:13 PM
Others have made an excellent point...call up Sean! And while you're at it, put in a good word for Keith Coogan too.
Posted by: Abby | March 6, 2004 7:41 PM
Great email! It's gotta impress him. Glad you made them laugh at the audition!
Posted by: Sarah | March 6, 2004 8:04 PM
This entry made me LMAO. On any other blog the request'd be ridiculous and childish, but on this one it fits too damn well.
Maybe there's some justice in Hollywood. Just a little? Please?
Posted by: ben | March 6, 2004 8:26 PM
Dear Mr. Jackson,
Please please please, please please let Wil be a Hobbit. He'd be a great addition to the Shire.
Please please please
Thank you for your time
Posted by: moonkiss | March 6, 2004 8:33 PM
You got my vote, Wil!
Posted by: MaggieSt | March 6, 2004 8:54 PM
Wil-
Your open letter made me laugh out loud - a lot, which is something I sorely needed this week.
Best of luck to you on the audition.
Posted by: Andrew | March 6, 2004 8:59 PM
Wil! You have to NOT want the part in order to get it. Don't let the bastards p\/\/n U.
Posted by: patinhisrightmind | March 6, 2004 9:06 PM
Oh man, now how are you going to casually give Sean Astin a ring? He'll think you're trying to get your nasty little fingers in the LOTR empire.
Oh and by the way, pun heaveily intended.
Posted by: Sarah | March 6, 2004 9:09 PM
Dear Mr. Jackson (via Mr. W. Wheaton): Please oh please let me audition for the hobbit. I played Bilbo at the tender age of 15, and, although very, very much older now, I feel I really, really have what it takes to play Mr. Baggins now. Sure, I'm 42 now and a girl, but hey, what's an actor if not versatile? Do hope you will consider my humble request (and, of course, this is not a reflection on Wil's excellent website etc.). Am just desperate to relive the glory of days gone by. (By the way, we had a really hot guy playing Gollum, do you want his number?). Sorry, make that, do you have his number?
P.S. Loved your films. Did any of you question why no actors from LOTR were nominated for Oscars? just asking...cause I think they should have been.
Love,
A fan.
Posted by: Deborah | March 6, 2004 9:11 PM
Oh...and please make Wil a hobbit, too, obviously.
Posted by: Deborah | March 6, 2004 9:20 PM
Do a video of yourself playing the part (as previously suggested). But the trick is that you put the video on an iPod Mini and send THAT to Mr. Pete with a note that your video is on board.
How about the part of the king of the wood elves in Mirkwood?
Posted by: patrick | March 6, 2004 9:24 PM
Dave: Wil did mention his Teen Titans appearance a couple of days ago. I had to hunt for it on Cartoon Network (it's really weird - our cable system seems to get the West Coast feed of Cartoon Network, but TV Guide and the TV Guide Channel think we get the East Coast feed, so the times are off by three hours), but I found it. Only one line for Aqualad (Wil), but that line sounded so perfectly like Wil, I had to laugh.
Yes, Wil should be in The Hobbit. But as who? It would seem that the best option would be as one of the company of dwarves, since the role of Bilbo seems to be already sewn up, and there aren't any other hobbits of note in the book. The Elven-King might also be a good choice, but they'd probably want guys that look more buff for Beorn or Bard. And I wouldn't want to see him playing a bad guy, like one of the orcs, or the money-grubbing Master of Lake-Town. Ah well, hopefully Peter Jackson will think of something!
Posted by: Erbo | March 6, 2004 9:39 PM
Wil,
You have had luck before and you may get it again. Your auditions will be fine.
FG
Posted by: Fabian | March 6, 2004 9:56 PM
Thranduil, king of the woodelves. Perfect for wil; let me know if you need help with the video of you as Thranduil you are going to send to PJ.
BTW, you should have kicked speedies butt. just my 2 cents.
Posted by: Rich T. | March 6, 2004 10:13 PM
begging is unbecoming and unprofessional. just saying.
Posted by: no one of any real consequence | March 6, 2004 10:35 PM
I will totally be your best friend too, and I do ALOT for best friends. Oh and anything to help out Wil. So please, please please, let Will have a part.
Posted by: Teresa Armolt | March 6, 2004 10:52 PM
Hmmm I think Wil playing a bad guy would be rather interesting...
Posted by: Dark Yoda | March 6, 2004 11:03 PM
Here's an idea... Wil could be the young, spry wizard Radagast the Brown! With the plot somewhat rewritten of course to allow him to be Gandalf's apprentice. I mean, if he had Gandalf's back in Moria in Fellowship, he coulda pulled some kind of mad polarity reversal and blown that Balrog away.
...right? :)
Posted by: Bruce | March 6, 2004 11:11 PM
Just a bit of advice, never, and I mean never, let them see you beg. For anything. Ever.
Write a letter telling him why you would be the best for a role in that film. And then challenge him to a fight if if disagrees.
Posted by: Chet | March 7, 2004 12:06 AM
Boo, only like one line for Aqualad. Until Wil rightfully appears in The Hobbit as the Beornings, Dale, Smaug, and three of the dwarves ('cause when you got wil, who else do you need?), we need to petition CN for more Aqualad! Woo!
Posted by: Dave | March 7, 2004 12:28 AM
What part would you want, Wil?
Posted by: Angelwwolf | March 7, 2004 12:30 AM
In your open letter to Peter Jackson, could you also mention that I said he kicks ass for the Lord? That would be keen.
Posted by: UglyGerbil | March 7, 2004 12:57 AM
How about you as the voice of William Huggins?
Nah, we need you in a visual role. How about Bard? That'd be a good Wheaton-ish role, I'd think...
And speaking of Tolkien, did you call Sean yet? Heck, if you and Sean still hit it off, maybe he could put in a good word for you with Jackson about casting for The Hobbit...
Posted by: Eric | March 7, 2004 2:08 AM
hey wil,
good luck for your auditions, i hope they liked you! and, as many people have said, of course you made them laugh! you are a comic genius!!!
I think you would be great in the Hobbit...i would love to be a part of the movie, or any other movie to be honest, but unfortunately, it will only ever be a dream! but oh, what a good dream.
take care wil,
hope things go well for you
Posted by: rach | March 7, 2004 2:26 AM
Not to rain on anyone's parade, but isn't anyone else slightly worried about Jackson doing the Hobbit? I mean, I loved the LotR movies, but I was a bit put off by the portrayal of Gimli as the short-legged comic relief of the party. Multiply that by 13 and the Hobbit is likely to turn into some kind of slapstick story (I can easily picture Thorin whacking Bombur over the head in a 'Three Stooges' manner).
Still, Wil should be in it. (It's not like this would end up as bad as Python did.) The addition of Wheaton (tm) is guaranteed to improve any movie.
Posted by: Daniel | March 7, 2004 2:59 AM
Yeah Mr. Jackson! Please, please, please, please!!!!
Posted by: Nadia | March 7, 2004 3:14 AM
Aren't you a little tall for a stormtroo^W hobbit?
Posted by: Hyler | March 7, 2004 3:30 AM
Yeah! I heard about that and the first words out of my mouth were: "Fscking sjweet!" I can't wait 'til it's released. Should be as great as the book was :-)
And if you were in it, that'd be cool too. :3
Posted by: Grace S | March 7, 2004 3:30 AM
{Chet}
Just a bit of advice, never, and I mean never, let them see you beg. For anything. Ever.
{Bill in Bethlehem}
Revised Letter...
Dear Mr. Jackson,
Thank you for your generous offer of the role of Bard in your upcoming project The Hobbit.
Unfortunately, I suspect that other artistic commitments will make it difficult or impossible for me to be available for the shoot.
Still, with a little luck in scheduling, it might be possible for my agent to work something out.
We'll be in touch.
Warmest regards,
Wil :-)
Posted by: Bill Bekkenhuis | March 7, 2004 3:38 AM
Wil, 'Wil' is actually Cherokee for 'Bilbo Baggins of the Shire'!!! No joke!!! You're in like sin!!!
Posted by: Dan | March 7, 2004 4:45 AM
Oh my God. Man, I would be one happy hobbit lover if you were in that movie. The kick ass person that you are and the great actor that you are in The Hobbit? I would DIE! Peter Jackson and the LOTR trilogy are what keep me interested in being in film. And you are totally cool And yeah. I'm a nerd and I've proved it another countless time.
:-D
Posted by: Jenny M. Finster | March 7, 2004 4:57 AM
Wil, WHERE'S THAT PAYPAL?!
I guess I'm not alone in still being waiting for a way to sponsor you for your worthy cause. As soon as it's possible I'll donate, but I still can't.
Good luck for the outcome of the audition.
And good luck in blagging a roll in The Hobbit!
Posted by: reno | March 7, 2004 7:26 AM
This is the most exciting news I've read since Lucasfilm announced that the original SW trilogy would be released on DVD in September, I'm totally thrilled, and so glad I heard it from you first! Hey, if PJ likes your letter, be sure to tell him you know of a really cool 19 yr. old theatre/film student who'd make an excellent elf ;-)
ps - congrats on your audition!
Posted by: Alice | March 7, 2004 7:49 AM
Ummm.... guys? The only time any of the Hobbits outside of Bilbo are around in "The Hobbit" are *way* at the end when Bilbo is trying to convince them all he's still alive.
Besides, most of the actors that have ever played Hobbits are between 5'5" and 5'8".
Might be better to pitch Uncle Willy as an Elf instead?
How tall are you nowadays, Wil?
Posted by: ShelaghC | March 7, 2004 8:18 AM
Just to clarify, this Open Letter is written with tongue planted firmly in cheek.
But this isn't about me. It's about the exciting news that we're finally going to get to see more Middle Earth on the big screen!
Posted by: wil | March 7, 2004 10:23 AM
Your best chance of getting in The Hobbit is to be left handed and/or live in the bottom half of the South Island.
Richard Taylor has spoken.
Posted by: Matt | March 7, 2004 10:39 AM
Dear Mr. Jackson,
I had a huge crush on Wil when I was 12. His poster took up a special spot on my wall. Wil was a part of many of my first fantasies.
I also liked to watch The Hobbit animated movie. Dragons continue to be a favorite fantasy animal of mine.
The connection is obvious.
Sincerely,
Marlena
P.S: If it isn't obvious, then what I mean is "please, please, please, please put Wil in the movie."
Posted by: fallenmuse | March 7, 2004 10:49 AM
Since we all seem to be voting here...I could see you as an elf to Wil...heh, better start growing you hair out right now...you know just to be more authentic!! LOL
g
Posted by: Gayla | March 7, 2004 10:57 AM
Rich T.-
Thranduil as in Legolas' pop?
Bwhahaaaa...
My vote is for Wil to be Radagast the Brown.
MKF
Posted by: Miss Kitty Fantastico | March 7, 2004 11:17 AM
Haha, I love the open letter.
I sincerely hope that the pilot comes through for you; I would love to see you on television again, especially in such a role so far from your heart. Those are, after all, often the best roles to play.
So good luck!
Posted by: Adelaide | March 7, 2004 12:25 PM
Hmmm... Exactly which part of the hobbit do you want to be?
Dale
Posted by: Dale Emery | March 7, 2004 1:53 PM
Wilsesssss in The Hobbitsssss.......?
Yesssssss!!!!!
G!!
Posted by: Lindsay | March 7, 2004 2:34 PM
No offense Wil but you aren't a good enough actor to be in such a big time production, you need to realize your limitations.
Posted by: Medikit | March 7, 2004 3:37 PM
Wil wearing those prosthetic Hobbit feet... there's something worthy of a photo blog of its own! BTW, saw Teen Titans- Aqualad had only one line in that particular episode... are there more episodes in which he/you'll be guest starring? I ask because Cartoon Network made me feel cheated. :( And since I'm yakking about old news- the idea of 'Deputy Mayor Wil Wheaton' in Family Guy sounds entertaining- you and Adam West in charge of Quahog... I smell a sitcom!!! (okay, seriously- I'm done.)
Posted by: Gavin | March 7, 2004 3:55 PM
Ooh, That would be cool! I wonder what kind of character you could play in The Hobbit. Maybe an elf? You look kindof elfish. And I mean that in a good way!
Hey, maybe Sean Astin can hook you up with Peter Jackson. It could be a good experience just to meet someone who is a good friend of Sean's even if not for career advancement. I bet you'd get along quite well with Peter.
Ooh...Thranduil. I could see you as Thranduil. Hey! Someone photoshop a picture of Wil with the blonde hair, ears, and blue eyes! You can do this serene thing and exude wisdom in a way that I think you could pull off being an elf. You have that quality to your voice... Know what I mean.
Don't listen to anyone who says you're "not good enough". That's BS! Have faith in yourself and your abilities.
I know its years away, but I would love to see The Hobbit (with or without you-- although it would be much sweeter with you). :-)
Posted by: Su | March 7, 2004 4:24 PM
What up with Medikit? Who peed on his corn flakes?
I'm very excited about the fact that The Hobbit is getting closer to realization. It would be great if Wil could get a role in it. As for casting, PJ seems to suit the actor's personality to the Middle Earth race. Wouldn't that make our joyful, loving, family-oriented Wil a hobbit? Just pointing it out....
Posted by: CmdrSue | March 7, 2004 4:35 PM
Sir Ian McKellen in an interview said that as soon as the rights mess is over and done with, he will sit down with Peter Jackson to talk about the movie, so he's really excited about doing it!!!
*Ana
Posted by: Ana | March 7, 2004 4:50 PM
Qo loved you in star trek
you rock wil
Posted by: Qo | March 7, 2004 6:25 PM
No.
Posted by: Peter Jackson | March 7, 2004 7:48 PM
You in The Hobbit -- that would totally rock.
I think you'd be great as Bard, or maybe as Thranduil, the Lord of the Elves (I hope I got that name right) -- heck, if Legolas was a sex symbol, his dad has to be one too, right? ;)
Missed finding Teen Titans over the weekend (stupid paper doesn't carry Cartoon Network in their listings), but did catch the last few minutes of Book of Days. Got to see that whole flick; looks like you and Joan of Arcadia could really talk shop. :)
Looking forward to the audition report...look at it this way, if you didn't get this part, you'll at least be in mind if something better comes up by the same folks!
Posted by: Roberta | March 7, 2004 7:58 PM
Laughing my ass off @ "Peter Jackson."
Giving the finger to "Medikit."
Posted by: wil | March 7, 2004 8:00 PM
I really agree with one of the posts above saying that you should make a tape of yourself in character like Elijah Wood did. When the time comes, send the tape in!
Posted by: teth | March 7, 2004 8:52 PM
I live in Wellington. I have a friend (can the everyone knows everyone in New Zealand jokes, OK?) who works for WETA. I sent him this link.
Hope it helps.
If I bump into Mr Jackson "in the street" (not that I've ever seen him on the street before) I'll kick him in the shin and give him my card with your URL on the back.
Posted by: Jim Walsh | March 8, 2004 2:05 AM
that letter is so good. I hope it works.
if I hadn't gotten a million other letter just like it, and I was Peter JAckson, man I'd let you serve the actors' coffee or something.
you really really really really want it.
PS- really really really really. Thank you.
Posted by: Ravenna | March 8, 2004 6:54 AM
Start slappin some Rogaine on your feet sport.
Posted by: Billy Reno | March 8, 2004 6:58 AM
I caught Teen Titans, btw, and i thought your voice work was excellent... the one line... and the grunts! the grunts were great. nicely done!
*A
Posted by: Ana | March 8, 2004 9:35 AM
Wil: there is one sure-fire key to getting this gig.
You must remake "The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins." Quickly, before anyone else gets the same idea.
Rest assured that you'd have your choice of backup dancers/singers from those gathered here today.
I may not be kidding.
Posted by: Halloween Jack | March 8, 2004 2:20 PM
I dont' know if I can picture you in Big Feet! Pointy ears maybe. Good luck with That. Mel
Posted by: Mel | March 9, 2004 12:24 PM
Do watchmen
Posted by: axl | March 9, 2004 7:14 PM
Good luck on it...getting into "The Hobbit" would be a definite jewel in your geek crown. Not to mention, this would open up plenty of new opportunities for fan conventions. (Insert subtle plug for The Tolkien Gathering here.)
Posted by: Glass | March 9, 2004 9:28 PM
Oh no no no.
I'm rooting for Wil as much as the next person, but I for one will not sing (or dance, or hop) backup in "The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins" to see it happen.
I'm sure most of Wil's readers have tastes far too refined to consider the job.
No really.
I'll wear a "Sam lives" button if you think it'll help....
Posted by: Claudia | March 10, 2004 2:00 PM
hey wil - send him a letter. that's how madonna got her part in Evita. she sent a letter saying how good for the part she was.
Posted by: monica | March 14, 2004 5:35 PM
You would make a great Bard.
Posted by: Steve Kozak | March 14, 2004 11:05 PM
Can you tell me how to make Legolas's Galadrim bow! Also can you tell me how to make or get legolas's Wig
Posted by: John Cothran | September 17, 2004 9:53 PM
Mr. Jackson?
Ive been wanting to ask you something,may I be part of
The Hobbit movie?Please! Im as tall as a hobbit!And I do drama classes in Brazil!Ive presented Romeo & Juliet in Florianopolis (Brazil) and have read The Hobbit 5 times.
If you make my wish come true, ill be eternally greatfull, Julia Wuestefeld P.S. Ive memorized every line in The Lord of the Rings.
Posted by: julia | September 21, 2004 4:00 PM
Yea man Chinese food rules....
--------
Posted by: that guy in a suit | October 31, 2004 5:44 PM