The Hobbit's Luke Evans talks Bard the Bowman heroics and pointy hats

WALES ON LINE
Dec 03, 2014 13:00 By Kathryn Williams


Luke Evans as Bard the Bowman in The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies

The role of Bard the Bowman was a career changing performance for Aberbargoed actor Luke Evans, who hasn’t been off our screens in months, it seems.

With film and television roles in Dracula: Untold, The Raven, Clash of the Titans, The Three Musketeers and The Great Train Robbery, Evans’ face is now instantly recognisable thanks to Peter Jackson’s latest JRR Tolkien trilogy, The Hobbit.

At the international press conference at Claridge’s, Evans – who was voted Wales’ Sexiest Man 2014 last month, revealed that it was four years since he shot the dramatic action scenes which saved his character’s hometown from dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch).

“I knew what Bard was capable of and knew what he ends up doing in the three movies, but when I started playing him he was a father of three without a wife who had a long journey ahead of him.

“It was very strange last night (at the premiere) to see the full sequence of me on the tower (trying to kill Smaug), which was one of the first things I shot.

“Peter had me up on wires for hours! That was four years ago - so I’ve waited a long time to see that!”

Asked whether he would have preferred to have the role of a Hobbit or wizard instead of a human in the movie, he replied: “I would’ve liked a pointy hat!

“I knew what role I was going for before I went in so I knew I was going to be one of the very few humans in the trilogy.

“Actually, I felt quite lucky not to have to spend hours in the make-up chair.”

In the past Evans has revealed that director Peter Jackson requested he read for the part with his Welsh accent.

“I think they realised then that it sounded good, and that it could potentially be a valid accent for Bard,” explained Evans, to fansite theonering.net back in July.

READ MORE HERE: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/film-news/hobbits-luke-evans-talks-bard-8218891

Luke Evans interview: 'I'm not Robert Pattinson'

THE TELEGRAPH
By Celia Walden
11:30AM BST 22 Sep 2014



In the expert tones of a master sommelier, Luke Evans is describing what fake blood tastes like. ‘Most of it is very sweet and glucosey. Earlier this year I drank one with a very strong liquorice flavour. Then last year I drank some which was a mixture of cherry juice and beetroot juice. Now I’m filming a new movie where I’m covered in blood again,’ he grins, ‘and I can’t even remember seeing that in the script.’

In the past five years the 35-year-old Welshman has starred in such gore-fests as Clash of the Titans, Robin Hood and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – and in doing so has become, in the words of one US casting director, ‘the go-to period-action guy’ – a niche that will be further confirmed when his new film, Dracula Untold, in which Evans plays Vlad the Impaler, is released next month.

Set within a historical rather than a fantastical context, Dracula Untold strives to explain Vlad III’s beginnings in the early 1400s, before going on to chart his bloodthirsty rule in the old Romanian state of Walachia. ‘The film is about the transition Vlad made on a human level, after being taken captive by the Ottoman court and reared as a child by his father’s enemy, the first sultan,’ Evans says. ‘There he trained as a Turkish warrior, and learnt the gruesome torture techniques he went on to use against them as an adult.’

The nickname ‘Tepes’, or ‘Impaler’ – coined after Vlad’s favourite method of execution – was only attached posthumously, he explains. ‘And actually I don’t think he was born evil. So the idea is to make him if not likeable then at least understandable.’

READ MORE HERE: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/starsandstories/11109078/Luke-Evans-interview-Im-not-Robert-Pattinson.html

Luke Evans: Luke who’s a train robber (THE SUN)

CLASH Of The Titans’ Luke Evans is to star as Great Train Robber Bruce Reynolds in a BBC drama about the famous heist.

A Robber’s Tale – the first of two episodes – also stars Line of Duty actor Martin Compston, Jack Roth, Neil Maskell, Paul Anderson and Jack Gordon as the thief’s accomplices.

The film shows how leader Reynolds, who died aged 81 last week, led his gang to target the August Bank Holiday 1963 mail train from Glasgow.


Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/tv/4826586/Luke-Evans-to-play-Great-Train-Robber-in-BBC-drama.html#ixzz2MiwOFngp

Luke Evans: How to get BAFTA worthy black tie with Jeremy Hackett & Luke Evans By Nick Carvell Photos by Michael Gray 08 February 13 (GQ)

"I'm more of a single-breasted man," Luke Evans tells GQ as he browses the dinner suits hanging from the rails in Hackett's elegant three-storey store on London's Sloane Street. Having starred in Hollywood blockbusters such as Immortals and Clash of the Titans, as well as well-received Brit flick Tamara Drewe, Evans isn't exactly a first timer when it comes to premiere-standard black tie. For the BAFTAs on Sunday night, the English tailor has not only been selected by the 33 year old Welsh actor, but also by the Academy as the sole menswear sponsor for the event. Here go behind the scenes at Luke Evans' BAFTA fitting, accompanied by expert recommendations from Jeremy Hackett…

READ MORE:http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/style/articles/2013-02/08/black-tie-dinner-suit-guide-with-jeremy-hackett-and-luke-evans

Nicholas Hoult & Hugh Grant became car hunting buddies on About a Boy set

Former child star NICHOLAS HOULT became good friends with HUGH GRANT on the set of ABOUT A BOY - the actor taught his young pal how to play golf and the 11 year old helped the bachelor find his dream car.

Now grown up, Hoult admits he has many fond memories of working with Grant, who bought him a golf club set as a wrap present.

He says, "He was great... He was trying to find a new car at the time so I would go in with car magazines and be like, 'Wow, this guy's got money to buy cars, I'm gonna find him a cool car.'"

Hoult admits he did help Grant pick out the perfect motor, adding, "It was an Aston Martin."

READ MORE: http://www.theindychannel.com/entertainment/nicholas-hoult-hugh-grant-became-car-hunting-buddies-on-about-a-boy-set_25754199

Liam Neeson to take his seat at pupils' tribute movie Red carpet treatment for Hollywood star as Ballymena salutes local hero (BELFAST TELEGRAPH)

By Chris Kilpatrick
Thursday, 24 January 2013

He's no stranger to film premieres. But Hollywood A-lister Liam Neeson will settle into his seat for a very different movie screening in the coming days.

Pupils from his old school in Ballymena, along with students from a nearby college, have put together a special production documenting Neeson’s life which will be screened at a red carpet ceremony marking his freedom of the Co Antrim town.

The teenagers from St Patrick’s College and Northern Regional College teamed up to produce, direct and star in a film tribute to the Oscar-nominated actor.

The short film documents Neeson’s rise to stardom, from taking part in school plays at St Patrick’s College to becoming one of the best-known actors in the world.

It includes interviews with those who knew him as a child, fellow actors from the Slemish Players drama group and old sparring partners from All Saints Boxing Club where Neeson showed considerable promise as a teenager.



Read more: http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/film-tv/news/liam-neeson-to-take-his-seat-at-pupilsrsquo-tribute-movie-16264980.html#ixzz2IuQvNcF9

LIAM NEESON WILL KILL EVERYONE IN ‘THE ALL NIGHTER’ by Jacob Hall Yesterday (SCREEN CRUSH)

At this point in his career, Liam Neeson is practically the patron saint of killing as many bad guys as it takes to protect your family, so it makes perfect sense that he’s in negotiations to star in ‘The All Nighter.’ Boiled down to its basic elements, the film sounds like another entry in the “older badass kills countless people after they threaten his family” subgenre. Throw in a few tense cell phone conversations and you have classic Neeson.

To be fair, ‘The All Nighter’ differs from the ‘Taken’ films in two immediately distinct ways. First, it will take place over the course of one long night. Secondly, Neeson will not play a mercenary, but a retired hitman, making this the first Neeson action movie to cast him on the wrong side of the law. Here’s a plot synopsis, courtesy of The Wrap:

The story follows an aging hit man who, in order to protect his wife and son, must take on his former boss in a single night. He then winds up on the run from the mob and the authorities with his estranged son.

READ MORE: http://screencrush.com/liam-neeson-the-all-nighter/

Liam Neeson to receive Freedom of the Borough award (BBC NEWS)

Ballymena actor Liam Neeson is set to receive the freedom of his home town.

The Oscar-nominated actor is best known for his starring roles in the Star Wars film The Phantom Menace, Schindler's List and Michael Collins.

Mayor of Ballymena PJ McAvoy will propose that Neeson is offered the Freedom of the Borough at a council meeting on 5 November.

It is the highest accolade the council can give.

Mr McAvoy's SDLP colleague councillor Declan O'Loan said he expected that it would receive cross-party support.

"It is entirely appropriate that this award is made to Liam Neeson," he said.

"He is a very distinguished son of Ballymena and is identified with the town in a way no other prominent individual is.


READ MORE: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20168472

Idris Elba, Tom Hardy And Michael Fassbender Fight It Out To Be Favourite For Next James Bond Odds slashed on a black Bond (E.)

Daniel Craig may have another two Bond movies left in him after 'Skyfall', but the speculation has already started as to who'll replace him.

And bookmaker Paddy Power think that we could get a black Bond as they've slashed the odds on Londoner Idris Elba becoming the next 007,making him a new favourite.

It's believed to be due to the fact that current bond girl Naomie Harris' claimed that Elba was being lined up to become Bond. She told the Huffington Post:  "I didn't realise that there was this talk and then I did a film with Idris and he said that he met Barbara Broccoli and that it does seem like there is a possibility in the future that there could very well be a black James Bond."

Elba's 'Prometheus' co-star Michael Fassbender is next in the betting at 5s along with 'Clash of The Titans' star Sam Worthington, with Tom Hardy next at 6s.

READ MORE: http://www.entertainmentwise.com/news/92334/Idris-Elba-Tom-Hardy-And-Michael-Fassbender-Fight-It-Out-To-Be-Favourite-For-Next-James-Bond-

Liam Neeson hits the red carpet in Seoul for premiere of 'Taken 2' TAKEN 2SEPTEMBER 17, 2012BY: KAY SHACKLETON (THE EXAMINER)

Monday September 17, “Taken 2” had its premiere at the Yongsan CGV in Seoul, South Korea. The film was directed by Olivier Megaton and stars Liam Neeson, Famke Janssen and Maggie Grace.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpP38JZSLOg
Liam Neeson at Moscow Premiere "Taken 2"


“Taken 2” is set in Istanbul. Retired CIA operative Bryan Mills and his wife are taken hostage by the father of a kidnapper Mills killed while rescuing his daughter in the previous film "Taken."

"Taken 2" debuted at the Deauville American Film Festival in the South of France on September 7. It is scheduled to reach theaters in the U.S. in a wide release on Friday, October 5. The film will battle for box office dollars that weekend with the animated film “Frankenweenie,” the horror flick “Sinister,” and comedy starring Anna Kendrick “Pitch Perfect.”


READ MORE: http://www.examiner.com/article/liam-neeson-hits-the-red-carpet-seoul-for-premiere-of-taken-2

The Awesomeness of Liam Neeson by Chris Starr on August 30, 2012 (HECKLER SPRAY)

Remember Taken, the movie about the kidnapping of Liam Neeson’s daughter and him struggling to get her back? That was a good movie. Evidently, other people agreed, because somehow they’ve decided to produce a sequel. Taken 2 (or, as I like to call it, ‘Taken Again – Oh Shit How Could I Allow This To Happen Twice To My Family?!?!?!’) will be out shortly in cinemas.

Now, I liked Taken, and in all honesty the Taken 2 trailer looks pretty sweet. So this isn’t going to be one of those posts which sarcastically slags off a Hollywood star. In fact, it’s a celebration of the awesomeness of Liam Neeson. Because he’s one of those actors who you’ve seen in about a million things but don’t realise.

It’s only once you look back that you realise he has been the coolest character in every badass film there is out there. And it’s all under your nose! Without you realising, Liam Neeson has become the main man that you want to be in movies.

READ MORE OF THIS BLOG ADORATION OF LIAM: http://www.hecklerspray.com/awesomeness-liam-neeson/201277298.php

Raven star Luke Evans says rise to fame is like 'winning the lottery' By Robin Turner, Wales Online May 18 2012

The former Bedwellty Comprehensive School pupil, who grew up in Aberbargoed in the Rhymney Valley, admitted his friends from home are still “in shock” about his string of top roles.

The 33-year-old was speaking in the Philippines where he is promoting his latest film The Raven, a stylish, gothic thriller centred on the life of US horror writer Edgar Allan Poe.

The 33-year-old actor has become a familiar face on the big screen in films including The Three Musketeers, Immortals, Clash of the Titans and Tamara Drewe.


And he is due to star in the forthcoming two-part fantasy film and prequel to Lord of The Rings The Hobbit as Bard the Bowman.

The Welshman has also followed in the footsteps of fashion icons George Clooney, David Beckham and Bruce Willis by signing up as ambassador for Italian lifestyle brand Police, fronting all campaigns for the brand, including watches and jewellery, throughout 2012.

Asked about his success, Evans said: “It was never really part of my plan to be in films, it was really sort of a dream.

“When it happened and the ball dropped and started rolling very fast, it took a few jobs before I took a breather and sort of put everything into perspective.

“It has been an incredible last few years of my life.

“My friends back at home are still in shock as to where I am and what I’m doing and that it actually is happening to me and not somebody else.



Read More http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2012/05/18/raven-star-says-rise-to-fame-is-like-winning-the-lottery-91466-30999691/

Newcomer Luke Evans talks about having ‘best job in the planet’ Details Published on Thursday, 17 May 2012 00:00 (MAYALA BUSINESS)

Rising Welsh actor Luke Evans (“Clash of the Titans,” the upcoming “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”) stars opposite John Cusack in Intrepid Pictures’ new stylish, gothic thriller “The Raven.” The film will be shown exclusively at Ayala Malls Cinemas (Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 3 and Trinoma) starting May 23.

When a madman begins committing horrific murders inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s darkest works, young Baltimore detective Emmett Fields (Evans) joins forces with Poe (Cusack) in a quest to get inside the killer’s mind in order to stop him from making every one of Poe’s brutal stories a blood chilling reality. A deadly game of cat and mouse ensues, which escalates when Poe’s love (Alice Eve) becomes the next target.

Evans talks about “The Raven” in the following interview:

When you’re playing in the world of Edgar Allan Poe, did you feel the need to do a lot of research and learning about the period?

Luke Evans: Well what’s great about when you do something that has an essence of history or factual evidence or anything like that, which this movie does, even though it’s a fictionalized story of the last five days of his life, they are talking about a real person. There is so much information and fantastic biographies out there on Poe, and obviously his work. So I had plenty of reference.

Talk a little bit about working with John Cusack. Did you guys develop a rapport off set? Were you able to enjoy hanging out?

Evans: John’s such a versatile actor, he’s worked on everything. He does comedy, drama, thrillers; he can turn his hand to any sort of genre. When he took on the role of Poe, you can see from his performance in the film that he really did his work and he did a huge amount of research on the character of Poe and his personality and in the way he spoke and all the idiosyncracies that made up Edgar Allen Poe. And as an actor—I still think of myself as new to this film business, it’s only been like 3 and a half years, maybe 4 years—to be able to work opposite somebody like John is a gift. It’s just a gift. It’s like sitting in a Master class and watching how slight nuances in their performance can change the whole scene. So for me it was a real pleasure to work with him. The guy is great on and off the screen. We had great dinners when we weren’t working, good chats. He’s a real great guy. I hope we get to work together again one day.

One of the things I admire about the film is there is some blood and guts, especially with the fact the Poe wrote a lot of pulp, he was a blood and guts guy. Are you happy that the rating is an R and that they are not shying away from blood in the film?

Evans: I think it’s absolutely essential, out of respect for Poe’s work, that this fictionalized story of those murders were told in the graphic portrayal that they have been. I think that it would have been such a—it would have been dishonorable if we had done anything but make it an R and allow people to squirm in their seats.

READ MORE:  http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/entertainment/3615-newcomer-luke-evans-talks-about-having-best-job-in-the-planet

Schindler’s List, my most memorable film: Liam Neeson Serena Menon, Hindustantimes.com

Liam Neeson is best remembered as Qui-Gon Jinn by Star Wars fans. For most others, he’ll always be Oskar Schindler.

The Hollywood actor has been associated with some of the iconic films in the past— be it George Lucas’s Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace (1999) or Steven Spielberg's Schindler’s List (1993).

“I love being part of epic movies. Everything about them is magnificent,” says Neeson, who’s latest, Wrath of The Titans, hit theatres last week.Unlike many others in the film industry, the actor has no trouble picking his best work till date.

When asked about his most memorable movie, he admits, “If I have to pick one, it has to be Schindler’s List.”


READ MORE:  http://www.hindustantimes.com/Entertainment/Hollywood/Schindler-s-List-my-most-memorable-film-Liam-Neeson/Article1-834280.aspx

Foreign Box Office: 'Wrath of the Titans' Opens No. 1 Overseas, Displacing 'The Hunger Games' (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER)

12:58 PM PDT 4/1/2012 by Frank Segers

"Dr. Seuss' The Lorax" finishes No. 3; "Pirates! Band of Misfits" debuts an animated No. 4.

Blanketing the foreign theatrical circuit over the weekend, Wrath of the Titans easily displaced The Hunger Games as the No. 1 box office attraction overseas, opening to an estimated $78 million at some 13,900 screens in 60 territories.

That’s especially good news for distributor Warner Bros. since the 3D action-fantasy sequel’s 2010 predecessor, Clash of the Titans, drew $332 million from overseas theaters -- more than double its comparable U.S. and Canada box office total.

The special-effects-laden extrapolation from Greek mythology with Sam Worthington returning as Perseus, Liam Neeson as Zeus and Ralph Fiennes as Hades took the No. 1 spot in 46 markets, notably in nine of the top 12 international territories including Korea, France ($3.3 million from 455 venues) and Italy ($1.7 million from 361 situations).

READ MORE:  http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/foreign-box-office-hunger-games-wrath-titans-dr-seuss-lorax-306653

Liam Neeson on 'Wrath of the Titans' godly bromance (OTRC)

Get More: Movies, Liam Neeson 03/30/2012
by OnTheRedCarpet.com Staff

Liam Neeson had big shoes to fill, portraying Zeus in "Wrath of the Titans," but the actor didn't take the task too seriously."All these fake beards and long hair and costumes and stuff - you have to have a giggle," Neeson said on the British morning show "Daybreak," where he appeared with his co-star Ralph Fiennes, who portrays Hades in the film.

"It's a romance, a Godly bromance. We go in very serious - like we're going to do this - and then we catch each other's eyes," Fiennes said of acting opposite Neeson. The 59-year-old actor didn't mind the challenge though, telling OnTheRedCarpet.com at the film's New York premiere, "He's the god of gods. It doesn't get any better than that."


READ MORE:  http://www.ontheredcarpet.com/Liam-Neeson-on-Wrath-of-the-Titans-godly-bromance/8602442

Liam Neeson Vs. Ralph Fiennes (NEXT MOVIE)

By Hillary Atkin

It’s been a couple years since they battled on screen in what became a huge blockbuster, 2010's "Clash of the Titans."

Now, real-life friends Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes are reprising their roles as Greek gods in "Wrath of the Titans." Neeson plays Zeus, king of the gods; Fiennes is Hades, his brother and god of the underworld. These two acting giants first matched wits (and handsomeness) in "Schindler’s List," which scored them a ream of awards nominations and established both as leading men to be reckoned with.

Both were born citizens of the British Empire. Each has taken a different path in film stardom of late, with Neeson known for his recent man-on-a-mission roles and Fiennes renowned for his villainous turn as Lord Voldemort in the "Harry Potter" series. You might think the 6'4" Neeson would come out on top in a matchup with the 6-foot Fiennes. But you might be surprised.


Birth in the British Isles 

Liam Neeson: He was born on June 7, 1952, in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the son of a cook and a school caretaker. He’s the third of the couple’s four children, and their only son. Liam, by the way, is the Irish version of the name William.

Ralph Fiennes: Born on December 22, 1962, in Ipswich, Suffolk, England, he came into the world as Ralph Nathaniel Twisleton Wykeham Fiennes. He’s the eldest of six, whose siblings include actor Joseph Fiennes and director Martha Fiennes.

Advantage: Fiennes. He’s the eighth cousin of the Prince of Wales.


READ THE REST OF THE ARTICLE:  http://www.nextmovie.com/blog/liam-neeson-vs-ralph-fiennes/

Liam Neeson: 'Wrath of the Titans' review: "A vast improvement on Clash" (DIGITAL SPY)

|By Ben Rawson-Jones

 Director: Jonathan Liebesman; Screenwriter: Dan Mazeau; Starring: Liam Neeson, Ralph Fiennes, Sam Worthington, Bill Nighy, Rosamund Pike;
Running time: 120 mins;
Certificate: 12A

It wouldn't take much to better the stale but profitable misfire that was 2010's Clash of the Titans remake. Yet the year's latest unwanted sequel, following in the fumes of Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance, is a vast improvement on its predecessor and contains enough epic visual scope and spectacle to merit your attention on the big screen. Preferably in IMAX and 3D.

Picking up a decade after the Kraken was sent packing to CGI Hell, Wrath of the Titans involves demi-God Perseus (Sam Worthington and mullet) plotting to rescue his father Zeus (Liam Neeson) and prevent hell from breaking loose. Their lives are in grave danger after Zeus's brother Hades (Ralph Fiennes) and other son Ares (Edgar Ramirez) turn against their relatives.

They make the Mitchell family in EastEnders look functional. So with the help of feisty Queen Andromeda (Rosamund Pike) and gormless demigod Agenor (Toby Kebbell), Perseus must venture into the Underworld, save daddy and prevent a massive fire-based bit of CGI entitled Kronos from breaking free. The group venture across breathtaking landscapes and encounter many perils such as a Cyclops and a Minotaur.

To the movie's credit, assured pacing ensures that the travellers never dwell in a location for too long and each successive set piece raises the stakes and the excitement levels.


READ MORE:  http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/review/a373750/wrath-of-the-titans-review-a-vast-improvement-on-clash.html

Luke Evans - Vogue

Theatre was his first love, cinema - a more recent passion. Born in 1979, Luke Evans belongs to a new generation of actors who was quick to win over the interest of Hollywood’s biggest names. Known to cinema-goers for his role in Clash of the Titans and The Three Musketeers, he has been quickly noticed by fashion houses which see in him the ideal image of the young, bad boy full of charm. Striped T-shirts, jeans and leather jacket are the staple pieces in his wardrobe, especially the jacket given that his secret wish was to be a biker. "I love leather jackets, I always wanted to live my life in the saddle of a motorbike but my mum wasn’t very happy with that…"


Read the rest of this article and WATCH HIS BEAUTIFUL VIDEO - CLICK HERE

Liam Neeson says 'Wrath of Titans' 10 times better than first (CITY NEWS TORONTO)

3/27/2012 | Reuters

Stars of the sequel Wrath of the Titans hit the red carpet on Monday in New York to promote their new film.

As the follow-up to the 2010 film, Clash of the Titans the new movie tells the mythical tale of Perseus, who seeks to rescue his father, Zeus from danger after he is kidnapped by his son Ares and brother Hades.

 Returning for the second outing is Liam Neeson, who plays Zeus, Ralph Fiennes as the brother Hades and Sam Worthington as Perseus, who said he made sure his character was an improvement from the first installment.

"I just feel I've got a responsibility to an audience to improve, the only reason to do a sequel is to up the ante," said Worthington. On the red carpet Neeson describe the film as being ten times better than the first.

 "You actually really care about all the characters including these pompous egotistical Gods. And the thrills and spills are all there and the 3D is quite phenomenal. I was never a fan of 3D until I saw this one - and I say that with all sincerity," Neeson said.


READ MORE:  http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/entertainment/movies/article/196214--liam-neeson-says-wrath-of-titans-10-times-better-than-first