Frodo Baggins or Elijah Wood as he is known by in this world, spoke to MTV this week and stated who he would like to play Bilbo in the upcoming adaptation of The Hobbit. His choice being Scottish actor and star of The Last King of Scotland and Atonement, James McAvoy.

But surely director Guillermo del Toro and executive producer Peter Jackson have a shortlist of actors they think could play the role? Whether they do or don’t have a list, it’s certainly not something the pair would brandish around the InterWeb willy-nilly.

So with that in mind, here is Pearl & Dean’s shortlist/predictions on which British actors we think could play Bilbo Baggins (if they want to of course!) and hopefully to a standard the late J. R. R. Tolkien would be proud of.

Martin Freeman

Martin Freeman is probably best known for playing Tim in the BBC TV series The Office. But Freeman has appeared in a number of movies over the years including The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Hot Fuzz and Nativity! amongst others, but The Hobbit could be the perfect chance to propel Freeman into deserved Hollywood stardom?

Verdict: Would be a great choice and merited opportunity in the spotlight but would he be on the radar of Guillermo del Toro with his lack of big budget movies?

Simon Pegg

Behind James McAvoy, Simon Pegg is second favourite in our eyes. Experience with big budget Hollywood movies, including Star Trek, How to Lose Friends and Alienate People and the soon to be released Tintin movie from director Steven Spielberg. These all definitely adds to his credibility. We hope this is seen as a compliment but Pegg looks the most like Ian Holm from our shortlist ;-)

Verdict: Is the most likely actor to be given the role other than McAvoy, and we reckon it would be a popular choice too.



James McAvoy

We've said it before so might as well say it again, James McAvoy is now the firm favourite to be handed the role because of recent web rumours and the Elijah Wood interview. His past experience playing Mr. Tumnus in The Chronicles of Narnia give him the edge over all the other actors in our shortlist. His acting ability showcased via the likes of The Last King of Scotland and Atonement demonstrates that the Scottish born actor could deliver the performance needed.

Verdict: Deserved favourite, has all the attributes and acting experience required for such a high profile role, is it just a matter of time before an announcement?

Michael Sheen

Michael Sheen is another British actor that has made a real name for himself on the movie scene with a number of high profile releases. Teen favourite New Moon, football drama The Damned United and Oscar nominated Frost/Nixon has put Sheen on the map. It seems the Welsh actor is another popular choice with even Facebook groups being setup asking for Guillermo del Toro to cast Sheen as Bilbo!

Verdict: Maybe he's the joint-second favourite with Pegg, due to his versatility and knock out performances over the years. Whenever Michael Sheen appears on the big screen he always seems to deliver, and we reckon he could do the same as Bilbo.

Ricky Gervais 

Ok so even rank outsider is probably too high an odds rating for Ricky Gervais to be offered the role of Bilbo. But ask yourself could it work? Well it would certainly be a role that Gervais hasn't really come close to performing as in the past. It would be interesting to see how he comes across in a non-comedic role.

Verdict: Not really much of a chance Ricky Gervais being announced as Bilbo, but you can't argue that it wouldn't be fascinating!




So who do you think will get the role?

Are we missing anyone in our shortlist?

Comment below:

Bilbo Baggins Cast Guillermo del Toro James McAvoy Martin Freeman Michael Sheen Peter Jackson Ricky Gervais Simon Pegg The Hobbit

8:10:00 AM

Disney and more Californian readers will be happy to learn that an exhibition of Walt Peregoy paintings will begin at The Chocolate Bar, 17312-A Ventura Blvd, Encino on February 1st and the artist's reception will be Saturday, February 6, in the evening. This exhibit will highlight Walt Peregoy’s more than 70 years of personal works and showcase his unique style and color technique. Walt Peregoy has been acclaimed for his avant-garde style. and in 2008 his dedication, creativity and outstanding contributions to animation for the Walt Disney Company earned him the honor of being named a Disney Legend!



Born in Los Angeles in 1925, Walt Peregoy spent his early childhood on a small island in San Francisco Bay. He was nine years old when he began his formal art training, attending Saturday classes at the California College of Arts and Crafts in Berkeley. When he was 12 years old, Peregoy's family returned to Los Angeles, where he enrolled in Chouinard Art Institute's life drawing classes. At age 17, he dropped out of high school and went to work for Disney as an in-betweener. I

n 1942, he joined the Coast Guard, and served for three years. After World War II, he continued his art education, studying at the University de Belles Artes, San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico, and with Fernand Leger in Paris.

In 1951, with a young family in tow, Peregoy returned to the United States, and resumed his career with The Walt Disney Studios. Initially, he served as a designer and animator on Peter Pan (1952) and Lady and the Tramp (1955).



Above: Walt Peregoy at the Disney Studios in the 1950's.

Although skilled with these more conventional projects, Peregoy's personal style began to surface. "I always asked myself, how come their idea of realism is completely contradictory to a duck or a mouse or a baboon talking? That's not realism. It's freedom… so, why does a flower have to be put next to an airbrushed rock?"



Above: Walt Peregoy with other Disney Animators in the 1950's. Walt Peregoy is the second from the right, with the white shirt.

Peregoy's unique style meshed well with that of his contemporary, stylist Eyvind Earle, and their work on the Academy Award®-nominated short Paul Bunyan (1958) was a departure for Disney. "My style was unusual for Walt Disney, but he tolerated me," Peregoy says. Although, since he was "tolerated" for 14 years, the artist sheepishly admits, "I had to be doing something right."



Above: Walt Peregoy color keys for Disney's 101 Dalmatians.

Peregoy was lead background painter on Sleeping Beauty (1959) before embarking on his most ambitious, intelligent, and personal effort. "To this day, Walt Peregoy's color styling in 101 Dalmatians (1961) remains a fine example of how color can be used creatively in animation while serving more than a merely decorative function," says modern animation authority Amid Amidi.



Above: a rare picture shoot during the 101 Dalmatiand production. Walt Peregoy is second from the left.

Peregoy continued at Disney on the features The Sword in the Stone (1963), Mary Poppins (1964), and The Jungle Book (1967), after which he spent several years with Hanna-Barbera. He returned to Disney in 1977, contributing his unique view to the design of Epcot, where his work included architectural facades, sculptures, and murals for The Land and Journey Into Imagination pavilions.



Above: "Railroad Non-Objective", one of Walt Peregoy's paintings.

Today, Peregoy works mostly in oil pastels, and his work has been shown at the National Gallery, the Library of Congress, and the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. The same muses that drove his innovative work at Disney are still speaking. "I listen for what should be there," Peregoy reflects. "If you really love to express yourself visually, it's a shame if you don't do it. If you keep ignoring the muse, it disappears."



Above: "A Car I Never Had", another one of Walt Peregoy's paintings that will be display at the exhibit.

The Walt Peregoy's exhibition at the Chocolate Bar in Encino will last until February 27 and it's a rare chance to see great personal work from a Disney Legend, so don't miss it!

Edited: The Walt Peregoy exhibit at the Chocolate Bar is now installed and opening officially tomorrow Feb 1st. Here is an exclusive picture of Walt shot yesterday!




Thanks to leave a comment or discuss this article on D&M english forum on Mice Chat

Pictures: copyright Disney and Walt Peregoy

disney legend Walt Peregoy Walt Peregoy exhibit

4:27:00 AM

Disney and more Californian readers will be happy to learn that an exhibition of Walt Peregoy paintings will begin at The Chocolate Bar, 17312-A Ventura Blvd, Encino on February 1st and the artist's reception will be Saturday, February 6, in the evening. This exhibit will highlight Walt Peregoy’s more than 70 years of personal works and showcase his unique style and color technique. Walt Peregoy has been acclaimed for his avant-garde style. and in 2008 his dedication, creativity and outstanding contributions to animation for the Walt Disney Company earned him the honor of being named a Disney Legend!



Born in Los Angeles in 1925, Walt Peregoy spent his early childhood on a small island in San Francisco Bay. He was nine years old when he began his formal art training, attending Saturday classes at the California College of Arts and Crafts in Berkeley. When he was 12 years old, Peregoy's family returned to Los Angeles, where he enrolled in Chouinard Art Institute's life drawing classes. At age 17, he dropped out of high school and went to work for Disney as an in-betweener. I

n 1942, he joined the Coast Guard, and served for three years. After World War II, he continued his art education, studying at the University de Belles Artes, San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato, Mexico, and with Fernand Leger in Paris.

In 1951, with a young family in tow, Peregoy returned to the United States, and resumed his career with The Walt Disney Studios. Initially, he served as a designer and animator on Peter Pan (1952) and Lady and the Tramp (1955).



Above: Walt Peregoy at the Disney Studios in the 1950's.

Although skilled with these more conventional projects, Peregoy's personal style began to surface. "I always asked myself, how come their idea of realism is completely contradictory to a duck or a mouse or a baboon talking? That's not realism. It's freedom… so, why does a flower have to be put next to an airbrushed rock?"



Above: Walt Peregoy with other Disney Animators in the 1950's. Walt Peregoy is the second from the right, with the white shirt.

Peregoy's unique style meshed well with that of his contemporary, stylist Eyvind Earle, and their work on the Academy Award®-nominated short Paul Bunyan (1958) was a departure for Disney. "My style was unusual for Walt Disney, but he tolerated me," Peregoy says. Although, since he was "tolerated" for 14 years, the artist sheepishly admits, "I had to be doing something right."



Above: Walt Peregoy color keys for Disney's 101 Dalmatians.

Peregoy was lead background painter on Sleeping Beauty (1959) before embarking on his most ambitious, intelligent, and personal effort. "To this day, Walt Peregoy's color styling in 101 Dalmatians (1961) remains a fine example of how color can be used creatively in animation while serving more than a merely decorative function," says modern animation authority Amid Amidi.



Above: a rare picture shoot during the 101 Dalmatiand production. Walt Peregoy is second from the left.

Peregoy continued at Disney on the features The Sword in the Stone (1963), Mary Poppins (1964), and The Jungle Book (1967), after which he spent several years with Hanna-Barbera. He returned to Disney in 1977, contributing his unique view to the design of Epcot, where his work included architectural facades, sculptures, and murals for The Land and Journey Into Imagination pavilions.



Above: "Railroad Non-Objective", one of Walt Peregoy's paintings.

Today, Peregoy works mostly in oil pastels, and his work has been shown at the National Gallery, the Library of Congress, and the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. The same muses that drove his innovative work at Disney are still speaking. "I listen for what should be there," Peregoy reflects. "If you really love to express yourself visually, it's a shame if you don't do it. If you keep ignoring the muse, it disappears."



Above: "A Car I Never Had", another one of Walt Peregoy's paintings that will be display at the exhibit.

The Walt Peregoy's exhibition at the Chocolate Bar in Encino will last until February 27 and it's a rare chance to see great personal work from a Disney Legend, so don't miss it!

Edited: The Walt Peregoy exhibit at the Chocolate Bar is now installed and opening officially tomorrow Feb 1st. Here is an exclusive picture of Walt shot yesterday!




Thanks to leave a comment or discuss this article on D&M english forum on Mice Chat

Pictures: copyright Disney and Walt Peregoy

disney legend Walt Peregoy Walt Peregoy exhibit

4:27:00 AM

The quirky new comedy starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor, I Love You Phillip Morris, is released in UK cinemas on March 19th 2010 and the official UK trailer has just been released.

I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS is the improbable but true story of a spectacular charismatic conman’s journey from small-town businessman to flamboyant white-collar criminal, who repeatedly finds himself in trouble with the law and on the lam, brilliantly escaping from the Texas prison system on four separate occasions – all in the name of love.

Ewan McGregor I Love You Phillip Morris Jim Carrey Quad Poster Release Date Trailer UK Quad Poster UK Trailer

1:32:00 AM

Let's end the day with a bit of magic (more magical than the new Apple IPad, see my article below!). USA Today released today a map of the awaited Harry Potter land at Islands of Adventure. The good idea is that the map is in fact a support for augmented reality, i.e that once you have print it, just put it in front of your webcam and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will appear magically in 3D on your computer screen!

And the good news, specially for my non U.S residents readers is that you don't need to buy USA Today as the map that you need is just in front of you, at the top of this article! Just click on the picture to get it in big size, then print it. Once it's done, go to www.harrypotter3d.com/ and follow the instructions. Very simple.

When the map will appear in 3D on your screen you can turn it to have a look at all the different sides of the land. However, note that Dragon’s Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff rides are only represented by icons on the map. But you can even make the waving banners wave faster simply by blowing into your computer microphone! Have fun!

Picture: copyright Universal Studios

islands of adventure The Wizarding world of Harry Potter universal studios florida

3:13:00 PM

Let's end the day with a bit of magic (more magical than the new Apple IPad, see my article below!). USA Today released today a map of the awaited Harry Potter land at Islands of Adventure. The good idea is that the map is in fact a support for augmented reality, i.e that once you have print it, just put it in front of your webcam and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter will appear magically in 3D on your computer screen!

And the good news, specially for my non U.S residents readers is that you don't need to buy USA Today as the map that you need is just in front of you, at the top of this article! Just click on the picture to get it in big size, then print it. Once it's done, go to www.harrypotter3d.com/ and follow the instructions. Very simple.

When the map will appear in 3D on your screen you can turn it to have a look at all the different sides of the land. However, note that Dragon’s Challenge and Flight of the Hippogriff rides are only represented by icons on the map. But you can even make the waving banners wave faster simply by blowing into your computer microphone! Have fun!

Picture: copyright Universal Studios

islands of adventure The Wizarding world of Harry Potter universal studios florida

3:13:00 PM

After months of hype and expectations Steve Jobs finally introduced yesterday the Apple IPad. Before i go further i have to say that i'm a huge Apple fan something that all faithful Disney and more reader probably know as i've told you this before. Of course i was expecting this new tablet but i think it's fair to say that my expectations were reasonable.

Now, is this new IPad simply a big IPhone? On a certain point of view, yes it is. Will you be able to do with it all you can do with a Mac Book or even a Net Book? Definitely not. Is it a problem? Well, yes and no. No, because it's a new device which don't intend to replace the laptops. And yes, because on the IPad some features are missing and as we will see it's unforgivable.

Let's talk about the good things first: great screen, undeniably, although book reading will be probably more tiring for your eyes than the eInk technology of the Amazon Kindle. Also, definitely great and elegant multi-touch interface which, just like on the Iphone, works like magic. And the IWork multi touch version looks great too (although you'll have to buy it separately for a reasonable price). Watching movies, sharing photos and playing games will be much better on the IPad, there is no doubt about that. Surfing on internet or reading/writing emails on a big screen will be highly appreciated. And the keynote feature will be fantastic for any designer/photographer/graphist, etc...to do their presentation to a client. The biggest surprise came at the end of Steve's keynote when he revealed the price: starting at $499 (wi-fi connection only) the IPad should be a success and probably a danger for the Net Books sales. Although...



And this leads me to the second part, i.e the features desperately missing. First, no USB port or no SD card reader include - you have to buy for $29 the adapter package to be able to upload your pictures/movies. $29 is not dramatic but where was the problem to include this directly in the IPad? Frankly...!?!

Also, just like on the IPhone, there's no possibility to run multiple third party apps at once, outside of the Apple apps that can work in the background, such as iPod which mean that you'll be able to type an email AND listen your music at the same time, which honestly is the least we can expect of this kind of device.

Then comes the first big mistake: although you'll have access to internet and go on any site you wish, all this on a big screen, don't expect to watch videos - like the one i can post on Disney and more or any other site - as the IPad OS don't support Flash!!! So, what's the point to have a fast internet access on a mobile device with a big screen if you can't access ALL internet? Since when internet is only about text and pictures? I don't know the reason behind this missing Flash (officially it's because the use of Flash is "eating" too much battery) but frankly, it's stupid. However, you still can go on Youtube and watch almost any Youtube videos, even high-definition videos.



And here come the missing feature which drive me crazy: there is no webcam on the IPad! And this is really an unforgivable mistake. Why? Here is why: when the first IPhone appeared, back in 2007, with his new multi touch interface, suddenly it was "the future in the present". A kind of Star Trek device which would have been teleported to the 21st century. Of course, now we don't have this feeling anymore but back three years ago this "future in the present" effect was one of the big reasons of the huge IPhone hype.

Do we have this feeling with the IPad? No we don't. And what enrages me is that it could have been the case. Think: you're sit on a bench in a park, or in a remote place 10000 miles from your home and you want to call AND see your girl/boy friend or anyone you wish. Then, instead to take out of your bag a laptop that you need to unfold, etc... what you have is something that looks, virtually, like a piece of glass. And thanks to it - and Skype! - your girl/boy friend would magically appear even if you're up in the mountain or lost in the jungle as long as there is a 3G connection. Wouldn't it be great? Do you remember the sequence in Stanley kubrick's "2001, a Space Odyssey" when the scientist on a space station use a videophone to call on Earth his little daughter for her birthday? In the movie they were in 2001 and we are in 2010! Okay, i'm kidding, but frankly what the hell was the problem to put a web cam on the top of the IPad? It would have changed everything.

If Steve has to learn a lesson in all this, it's this one: ALWAYS BRING THE FUTURE IN THE PRESENT, that the key of the success. And Steve better don't tell me that Apple don't have new innovations! Just go to the excellent PatentlyApple web site , a great site tracking all Apple new patents, and read the three parts article called The Tablet Prophecies HERE, HERE and HERE where you'll discover all the great inventions that Apple researchers created for a tablet device. Sure they'll come in the future, and sure, Apple keep some bullets for the IPad V2, but honestly i'm sick to have to wait for the next version, specially when what i am asking for - Flash support and a webcam - is so simple, so elementary...

Edited: More about all this with a good analysis on the missing features on CNN.com HERE

Let's end by something less negative with pictures of accessories that Apple developed specially for the IPad. First, this dock and wireless keyboard (virtual multitouch keyboard is of course include in the IPad) which can be helpful. Apparently the regular wireless keyboard of the IMacs will work with the IPad.



And the next one is a neoprene case which will not only protect the IPad but also reverses into a triangle to convert the tablet into either a freestanding TV orientation, or lays down to become a full screen mini-laptop. Not bad at all.



Let's end with some fun. As here at Disney and more we have the sense of humor, here is three videos of Apple products that you will never see in the future! Very funny.






This third video was released in 2007 and believe it or not, but it's all about the IPad! Well, a different kind of IPad! (I must tell you first that in America the word IPad also mean a woman personal hygiene product...)




All pictures: copyright Apple Inc

apple apple ipad Ipad steve jobs

10:57:00 AM

After months of hype and expectations Steve Jobs finally introduced yesterday the Apple IPad. Before i go further i have to say that i'm a huge Apple fan something that all faithful Disney and more reader probably know as i've told you this before. Of course i was expecting this new tablet but i think it's fair to say that my expectations were reasonable.

Now, is this new IPad simply a big IPhone? On a certain point of view, yes it is. Will you be able to do with it all you can do with a Mac Book or even a Net Book? Definitely not. Is it a problem? Well, yes and no. No, because it's a new device which don't intend to replace the laptops. And yes, because on the IPad some features are missing and as we will see it's unforgivable.

Let's talk about the good things first: great screen, undeniably, although book reading will be probably more tiring for your eyes than the eInk technology of the Amazon Kindle. Also, definitely great and elegant multi-touch interface which, just like on the Iphone, works like magic. And the IWork multi touch version looks great too (although you'll have to buy it separately for a reasonable price). Watching movies, sharing photos and playing games will be much better on the IPad, there is no doubt about that. Surfing on internet or reading/writing emails on a big screen will be highly appreciated. And the keynote feature will be fantastic for any designer/photographer/graphist, etc...to do their presentation to a client. The biggest surprise came at the end of Steve's keynote when he revealed the price: starting at $499 (wi-fi connection only) the IPad should be a success and probably a danger for the Net Books sales. Although...



And this leads me to the second part, i.e the features desperately missing. First, no USB port or no SD card reader include - you have to buy for $29 the adapter package to be able to upload your pictures/movies. $29 is not dramatic but where was the problem to include this directly in the IPad? Frankly...!?!

Also, just like on the IPhone, there's no possibility to run multiple third party apps at once, outside of the Apple apps that can work in the background, such as iPod which mean that you'll be able to type an email AND listen your music at the same time, which honestly is the least we can expect of this kind of device.

Then comes the first big mistake: although you'll have access to internet and go on any site you wish, all this on a big screen, don't expect to watch videos - like the one i can post on Disney and more or any other site - as the IPad OS don't support Flash!!! So, what's the point to have a fast internet access on a mobile device with a big screen if you can't access ALL internet? Since when internet is only about text and pictures? I don't know the reason behind this missing Flash (officially it's because the use of Flash is "eating" too much battery) but frankly, it's stupid. However, you still can go on Youtube and watch almost any Youtube videos, even high-definition videos.



And here come the missing feature which drive me crazy: there is no webcam on the IPad! And this is really an unforgivable mistake. Why? Here is why: when the first IPhone appeared, back in 2007, with his new multi touch interface, suddenly it was "the future in the present". A kind of Star Trek device which would have been teleported to the 21st century. Of course, now we don't have this feeling anymore but back three years ago this "future in the present" effect was one of the big reasons of the huge IPhone hype.

Do we have this feeling with the IPad? No we don't. And what enrages me is that it could have been the case. Think: you're sit on a bench in a park, or in a remote place 10000 miles from your home and you want to call AND see your girl/boy friend or anyone you wish. Then, instead to take out of your bag a laptop that you need to unfold, etc... what you have is something that looks, virtually, like a piece of glass. And thanks to it - and Skype! - your girl/boy friend would magically appear even if you're up in the mountain or lost in the jungle as long as there is a 3G connection. Wouldn't it be great? Do you remember the sequence in Stanley kubrick's "2001, a Space Odyssey" when the scientist on a space station use a videophone to call on Earth his little daughter for her birthday? In the movie they were in 2001 and we are in 2010! Okay, i'm kidding, but frankly what the hell was the problem to put a web cam on the top of the IPad? It would have changed everything.

If Steve has to learn a lesson in all this, it's this one: ALWAYS BRING THE FUTURE IN THE PRESENT, that the key of the success. And Steve better don't tell me that Apple don't have new innovations! Just go to the excellent PatentlyApple web site , a great site tracking all Apple new patents, and read the three parts article called The Tablet Prophecies HERE, HERE and HERE where you'll discover all the great inventions that Apple researchers created for a tablet device. Sure they'll come in the future, and sure, Apple keep some bullets for the IPad V2, but honestly i'm sick to have to wait for the next version, specially when what i am asking for - Flash support and a webcam - is so simple, so elementary...

Edited: More about all this with a good analysis on the missing features on CNN.com HERE

Let's end by something less negative with pictures of accessories that Apple developed specially for the IPad. First, this dock and wireless keyboard (virtual multitouch keyboard is of course include in the IPad) which can be helpful. Apparently the regular wireless keyboard of the IMacs will work with the IPad.



And the next one is a neoprene case which will not only protect the IPad but also reverses into a triangle to convert the tablet into either a freestanding TV orientation, or lays down to become a full screen mini-laptop. Not bad at all.



Let's end with some fun. As here at Disney and more we have the sense of humor, here is three videos of Apple products that you will never see in the future! Very funny.






This third video was released in 2007 and believe it or not, but it's all about the IPad! Well, a different kind of IPad! (I must tell you first that in America the word IPad also mean a woman personal hygiene product...)




All pictures: copyright Apple Inc

apple apple ipad Ipad steve jobs

10:57:00 AM

The official UK poster for Sex and The City 2 has been released today.

It is not a great deal different than the US version, but hey it's new nonetheless!

International trailer is also viewable on the Pearl & Dean YouTube Channel.

Poster Sex and the City Sex and The City 2 Trailer UK Trailer

6:27:00 AM

Be one of the first people in the country to experience Disney’s return to hand-drawn classic 2D animation with the highly anticipated, THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG in cinemas Feb 5.
Screenings will take place on Sunday January 31st at selected Odeon cinemas across the country.

To claim your free seats, log onto: http://www.seefilmfirst.com/ and enter the code 731737, and print off your tickets to bring with you on the day. Remember it’s first come first served, so be quick to avoid missing out!


THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG is in cinemas nationwide February 5.

To find out more about the film visit www.disney.co.uk/princess

9:19:00 AM