Casting, Colbert and Contracts: Big News of Lotr Films and the Best Way to Get a Book Contract

In today’s episode of Mythmakers, we cover three lively topics of discussion. Join Julia Golding and friend of the podcast, Jacob Rennaker, as they begin with the latest casting news for the upcoming prequel film The Hunt for Gollum—hits or misses?

Next, they turn to the content challenges surrounding Stephen Colbert’s script for the second Lord of the Rings film currently in development—which we’re calling “the interval.” Rather than focusing on canon, Julia and Jacob explore the storytelling possibilities from a creative perspective.

Finally, with Julia having just secured a new contract for a middle-grade fantasy novel, they discuss the best approaches for breaking through in today’s publishing market. What does it really take to get noticed by publishers these days?

(00:00) Introduction & Episode Overview
(02:00) Casting News for The Hunt for Gollum
(08:00) New Characters & Story Speculation (Halvard & Companions)
(10:00) Kate Winslet’s Role & Expanding Middle-earth’s Female Presence
(16:00) Andy Serkis Directing & Acting Challenges
(19:00) Stephen Colbert’s LOTR Film & “The Interval” Concept
(26:00) Character Depth: Frodo, Merry & Adaptation Challenges
(30:00) Tom Bombadil & Goldberry – Adapting the Unadaptable
(38:00) Balancing Tone, Audience & Modern Expectations
(41:00) Writing Fantasy Today: Breaking Into Publishing
(52:00) Editing Process, Trends & Modern Children’s Publishing
(56:00) Final Thoughts & What’s Next

For more information on the Oxford Centre for Fantasy, our writing courses, and to check out our awesome social media content visit:

Website: https://centre4fantasy.com/website
Instagram: https://centre4fantasy.com/Instagram
Facebook: https://centre4fantasy.com/Facebook
TikTok: https://centre4fantasy.com/tiktok