Yesterday was very busy for the Richard Armitage community with the appearance of cast members from The Hobbit at the San Diego Comic-Con. Were you surprised he kept the beard?
For your convenience, I have some interviews with just the Richard Armitage bits below with their transcripts and closed-captioning. While others may have posted these already, I have captured, edited, and boosted the sound in addition to captioning and transcribing them. We are a team and your corrections and additions are most graciously welcome! 🙂
Here is a very short clip from Entertainment Weekly with the just the introduction and the Richard Armitage segment:
Transcript:
Host: Hi this is Anthony Breznican with EW.COM. We are here at Comic-Con with the gang from The Hobbit, our recent cover boys. Thank you very much for being here with Richard Armitage, Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Phillipa Boyens, co-writer producer, of course Mr. Peter Jackson, the ringleader of this circus and Andy Serkis, an actual “Serkis.”
Host: Tell us about Thorin Oakenshield. Who is he? What do we need to know? What are his vitals?
Richard Armitage: He’s the exiled dwarf king from Erebor and he’s taking his people really back on a journey to reclaim the gold and effectively the homeland.
Here is an interview of Richard Armitage done by “Quickbeam” on TheOneRing.Net:
Transcript:
Quickbeam: Hello there, Richard. How’re you doing, sir?
Richard Armitage: How are you?
Quickbeam: Good to see you.
Richard Armitage: Good to see you, too.
Quickbeam: You spent some time with our friend Larry Curtis.
Richard Armitage: I did.
Quickbeam: When he was visiting. It was a little while ago.
Richard Armitage: Yes.
Quickbeam: Actually I was there myself 3 or 4 weeks ago and you were very very busy.
Richard Armitage: Was I? Oh no, I did say hi to you.
Quickbeam: Well you were very “in mode.”
Richard Armitage: Was I in crazy mode?
Quickbeam: Actually you were in “Robert DeNiro mode.” You were very focused. It was fantastic. And I had a nice talk with Mana, your double. He’s an old friend of mine.
Richard Armitage: I so love that with my stunt double.
Quickbeam: Isn’t he great?
Richard Armitage: I watched footage and thought it was me. And it’s nice when you don’t recognize yourself. That’s when you know your stunt double is amazing.
Quickbeam: He’s a tall drink of water, that guy.
Richard Armitage: Yeah, I want to take his number. I want to work with him every time.
Quickbeam: He’s very very cool. I’ve heard from listening to the conversations you had that you read the books when you were very young.
Richard Armitage: Yeah.
Quickbeam: Which fills my heart with joy. And the fans as well would like to know you have an organic connection to the story. We’re really looking forward to seeing the films and it makes all the difference that you know the story.
Richard Armitage: Well I think that when you grow up with characters like this, they change as you get older, they evolve. Going back, I’m 40 years old and they were read to me when I was 7. And it feels different. These characters feel different. And then actually putting the costume on and trying to make that character live and breathe and walk and talk. It’s like you’re given this responsibility to every other person who’s read them, who’s just reading the books for the first time or who has read it when they were 7. That’s the responsibility and you have to own that for everyone. And I’ve tried to take that on, but I’ve only got my own imagination to work with. It’s served me well in the past so I think it will do again.
Quickbeam: I believe it will. From what I’ve witnessed, it’s served you quite well. I was very impressed with everything the team was doing on the set. But let me ask you something about the staying power of myth. Why do these stories have such a holding power on us?
Richard Armitage: That was one of Tolkien’s great achievements. He didn’t really create myths, he created legends. And that’s what his full intention was, to create something that felt like it was of this earth, not somewhere else in the same way C.S. Lewis did. If you read any of the early histories of the evolution series it comes through, you realize that you’re looking for something much deeper, much more English actually.
Quickbeam: Yes.
Richard Armitage: He wants to create a universe that you think may have existed. He created a religion of languages.
Quickbeam: Seventeen original languages Tolkien invented. Which is crazy.
Richard Armitage: And I think his passion for language and the way he used Nordic mythology is why the books feel so real and sustain over a long period of time. And will do. I would be very surprised if any of these stories get remade again. But I think Tolkien will be visualized on film. Maybe Silmarillion or something like that. I mean that would be a great honor to see that come to life.
Quickbeam: It would.
Richard Armitage: And it would be a tragedy if it didn’t.
Quickbeam: Indeed. Well, Richard, thank you for your time.
Richard Armitage: Nice to talk to you.
Quickbeam: Congratulations on all your good work.
Richard Armitage: Thank you.
Quickbeam: Cheers. Well-done. Ladies and gentlemen, that was Richard Armitage. Thorin Oakenshield himself right here on TheOneRing.Net. You guys got to talk to him before anybody else. And look at that. A few yards away from us is Sir Ian McKellen.
Thanks in advance for any help on the transcriptions! 😀 See you soon.
You are the best! This interview had a lot of background noise so having a transcript has made it perfect.
@phoebe: Thanks for your kind words! The initial purpose of this blog was to simply post interviews but it diversified during the drought season, LOL!
BCC, i second that, thank you for the videos and the transcripts. I totally missed the big event yesterday, so am getting to catch up only today. Thank you for this, about time we saw him 😉 and he still has the beard, I know one person who must have been thrilled to see that 😉
@PV: You’re most welcome! The beard surprised me, but it looked gReAt!
No! I think he should lose the beard!!! I think it was much nicer when we could see his gorgeous face!!! maybe a bit of stubble but not the beard!!! But thats just my opinion!!! xx 😉
@Mymycherrypie: You’re not alone in your opinion. I happen to like the beard though. Have to admit, I won’t mind when it’s shaved off either.
“…not somewhere else in the same way C.S.Lewis did…” I think that’s who Richard referred to.
Thanks for your editing B, always appreciated. After all, the RA bits are the most important ones!
I wasn’t surprised he kept the beard. I think it creates a link with the first press conference and the character, plus they still have more filming to do. That could be tricky if the tornado people want him cleanshaven!
That should be “tornado movie people.” 🙂
@Mezz: Thanks for sharing your sharp ears! For some reason I kept hearing “T.S. Elliot” and I knew that couldn’t be right. 😉 I have since changed the transcript and captioning.
I’m now curious to know if the whirlwind tornado will blow off RA’s beard too. *giggle*
Ah thank you, Bccmee! My first language is not English, so I did not understand it well enough. Your transcript is very helpful to me.
@Pospíšková Irena: Thank you for taking the time to comment! I’m glad you are able to enjoy this transcript. 😀 As you know, I live in New York City, which is the greatest — and most international — city in the world! 😀
Thank you very much Bccmee for the interviews and the transcripts. I’m not really surprised that he kept the beard . There is so long time that we see him with this beard that it’s as he have had it since always. I like him without beard and like that too.
I’m more surprised that he don’t take hollydays after The hobbit and that he is abble to work right now in another project (after so long time spent to be Thorin , it must be difficult to be another character so quickly).
@Lady Prisca: Have to admit surprise at the beard, especially since RA has another role coming straight away. I’m excited about both roles for different reasons. 😀
what role is that???!!!
oh, tornado?
@Mymycherrypie: Yes, I was referring to both the roles in The Hobbit and the tornado movie. 🙂
Thanks Bcc,
I was waiting with hopes your transcription, since there are some parts that I did not understand!
@Ana Cris: You’re most welcome! 😀
I really don’t like the beard! Was at first disappointed to see that he had still got it but he did say that they still had some filming to do so presumably that’s the reason – but does that mean he will have a beard in the tornado movie?? There’s not much time before he starts filming on that. I thought he would have had a break before embarking on a new project. Little bit disappointed to be honest with you. I would have liked him to do some theatre next – in London, of course.
Thanks Bcc – you always come up trumps!
Lizzie x
@Lizzie: Good question as to the reasoning behind the beard. Perhaps he figured he’d leave it on to be more recognizable as his Thorin character. I would be surprised if he wears the beard for his next role in the tornado movie. I wonder if and when he will return to the stage.
I’m asking myself the same question Bccmee. I would love to see him on stage in London. 🙂
I will admit to not being surprised that he kept the beard. Maybe he likes it. And think it would be great if he took a break but over time it seems that what he really wants to do is stay busy. He has done two TV series at the same time twice. He is always doing voice overs for adverts and documentaries and recorded audio books. Maybe he will have a chance to make a non-acting contribution that he has not been able to do before with the tornado movie and that is why he has signed on so early.
@Kathleen: Yes, he is a workaholic. Now Hollywood will be beckoning!
Thanks for the transcript. There were some things I couldn’t make out during the interview. I’m surprised he kept the beard. I thought the moment they said “Cut!” after filming the last scene, that beard was gone. I’m kind of glad he kept it, but it may not be for much longer if his next part requires him to be clean shaven. Which isn’t a bad thing either. He looks good with and without the beard. He’s probably used to it by now. I thought he looked tired, like he could use a twelve hour nap or something. Not surprising since it wasn’t all that long ago he was in New Zealand and now he’s in California. Probably still getting over the jet lag.
I heard in another interview(and like others said in their posts) they’re not actually “done” with The Hobbit just yet so that’s probably why he still has the beard. If he wanted to keep it I wouldn’t object.
@Holliday: You and I were both surprised by the appearance of the beard at Comic-Con. I thought it may be in a Hobbit museum already. 😉 He was so well-spoken at all the interviews. I wonder if any more will materialize.
THANK YOU very much for the transcription. It’s so kind of you!!! Usually I have some problems to understand English, but in this case the sound is really bad and makes it almost impossible for me to understand the dialogue!!
And no, I wasn’t surprised that he still kept the beard, but confess that I wish he had got rid of it!!
@Luciana: You’re very welcome! When will he get rid of the beard I wonder?
Bccmee, you are fabulous to take the time to do this. I just love everything about him. Everything I tell, everything.
@gracie: This was my favorite interview of them all. ♥ Thanks for your kind comment.
Hey, thank you for transcribing the 2nd interview. That was probably a broadcast mic they were using for onering, which is why we hear the background noise — it probably was clear as a bell if you were listening to it on onering’s site. I need to see if they have it up there. It might be a different sound quality.
Thanks for catching that interview! It was the only one I hadn’t seen yet.
In general it looks like RA is fit and sassy and ready for the next big role. Terrific stuff!
@lovemrthornton: He looked and sounded lovely. *sigh* Very glad I was able to catch up with the events. Thanks for your comment. 😀
Thank you so much!! I’m so grateful especially for the second one.
Richard impressed that Tolkien geek completely, didn’t he! He’s so intelligent!♥
grendel’s mum
@grendel’s mum: RA was so articulate and the interviewer was intelligent and enthusiastic. A perfect match! 😀
Hi bccmee!
Love the videos and the transcripts! I’ve shared this link on my blog post today.
Cheers! Grati ;->
@Gratiana: Thanks for linking! Great job on your resource blogpost. 😀
You rock my friend! If you’d like, imagine me bowing down to your awesomeness. 😉 Seriously though, I zoned out part way through the TORn interview because I was having such a hard time making out the conversation, so this transcript made all the difference.
@jasrangoon: I’m very visual so I need to see words to remember them. Glad to have helped! Thanks so much for your comment. 😀
You are amazing Bccmee! Thank you for the transcription!
Richard is realy so intelligent!
@mariana: Totally agree. RA’s intelligence shone through more than ever! ♥
Thanks B! Checking all the news at the mo..
@jacqui_coinyard: You’re most welcome!
Have you seen this
@jacqui_coinyard: Thanks for the link. It’s still working too! 😀
Thank you so much for making the transcriptions, bccmee! It would’ve been impossible to understand some parts of the interview without them.
I’m not surprised that he still has the beard. I like him most with his stubble, but I must admit the beard suits him well. Looks like he is usen to it (and seems like I am too…) I’m very proud of him and happy for what’s happening to him in his career.
@cristine: I too am thrilled for RA’s success. His hard work and talent are paying off. He looked quite stunning to my eyes. 😀
Thanks so much for the transcripts Bcc. It’s very thoughtful. Yes, I was disappointed to see the beard, but it was good to see him after so long.
@judiang: You and the beard. I wonder how close your hate comes to love deep down under the surface. 😉
When I first watched the Quickbeam interview on TORn I couldn’t really make out what they were saying due to the background noise. The transcript is very useful, thank you! You really are fantastic, bcc!!! 🙂
@Judit: You’re welcome! Glad you were able to enjoy this interview. One of RA’s best in my opinion based on the questions and answers.
No I wasn’t surprised he kept the beard at all. I agree with Mezz, he had to stay in “Thorin mode” for Comic Con! 🙂 I love love love the guy with or without beard, he’s just the sexiest man I’ve ever laid eyes on. 🙂
Amen, Judit. We are in complete agreement.
@Judit: He looked quite gorgeous, I agree! ♥
Thank you Bccmee , thank you very much for transcription. I watched the interview on TheOneRing at night, but unfortunately the sound disappeared from time to time, so thank you very much for improving the sound.
@Ania: You’re so welcome!
Thank you so very much Bccmee for the interviews and the transcripts!
I’m so happy to see him, to hear his voice again!
I’m very proud of him too. He deserves all the very best.
I really can’t wait for “The Hobbit”!
@PoliCBA: We’re in for a lot of treats between now and December, I think! I’m very excited about this film too. 😀
You´re the best,Bcc.Thank you very much for the transcriptions .It helped a lot. I wasn´t surprised him kept the beard, but I`d wish he without it or justly a stubble.I thought him with a very tired expression. He is needing a good and long break ! Thanks God his hair is growing!I
@Tereza: Have to admit I was surprised at the appearance of the beard. Now we should make predictions about whether or not he’ll wear the beard in the tornado film, LOL!
Hi Bcc, my comment above was showed up as anonymus.It´s me Tereza Tassuett.I don´t know why it is happening lately.
B you are a star.Brilliant transcripts it makes the interviews much easier to follow because the background noise is very loud! Thanks so much for taking the trouble to do it.
@titianminx: Aw, thanks for taking the time to leave your thoughtful comment! 🙂
Hi justwnted to say thanks for the transcriptsI neverherwell atthe best of timebut this week on topofy deafness I have an ear infection which makes wearing my hearing aid impossible so you are a life saver
@kate: You’re very welcome. Bummer about your ear infection. 😦 Hope you recover quickly!
Thank you so much for these videos and the transcripts! You are always there when we need you!
@Carolyn: It’s a real pleasure to listen to RA interviews in order to transcribe them. Thanks so much for your kind support! 🙂
Wow! I’m so glad you put this interview up, with the transcript–great job, and thanks for all your hard work. Now I understand why Quickbeam referred to Richard as a “gentleman and a scholar” — RA really knows his stuff.
Where did you read that saraleee?
Yes, I loved when he said that about Richard 🙂
Where can I find that quote Fabo? Please?
I saw it live on Stickam, Quickbeam made those comments after the interview when he was waiting for the next one (he also I believe said RA was tall, dark, and handsome LOL) Don’t know if they’ll replay what was on the livecam at some point., they should if they’ve recorded it, I hope. Here is the link to the page:
http://www.theonering.net/live/comiccon/hobbit/
Fabo’s right–it was part of Quickbeam’s commentary after the interview with RA, which was on Stickam yesterday.
Thanks Faboamanto! How did I miss that bit? 😦 Well, the sound was pretty bad and the picture kept breaking up. Anyway, I’m glad you were able to catch that nice comment! Confirms what we already knew! 🙂
@saraleee: Delighted you enjoyed it. Yes, RA is quite the researcher and clearly he has a lifelong passion for Tolkien. 😀
You provide such an essential service – thank you ! Lots of great photos and clips showing up. Is it December yet????
@Elaine: Getting there is half the fun! 😀
Haha, the moment I saw him I thought, “He kept the beard?” Maybe his next movie is not about a tornado, but a biography of a better looking, sexier Zach Galifianakis – so kidding around here. So, yes I was surprised, but a nice one. The transcripts really helped a ton! Thank you!
@love4ot: LOL re: Zach Galifianakis! I’ve adored him since his stand-up comedy days and had the pleasure of meeting him. Thanks for your comment! 😀
Thanks Bccmee, watched it again, and again….oh you get it!
I love it that he knocks the interviewer’s socks off with his quick and articulate replies.
@mersguy: I watched it a few times myself, LOL! RA was stupendous on this interview. 😀
This is wonderful!! Thank you so much …. there is so much I would have missed if you hadn’t written this transcript, and I truly wanted to find out the research he has done for the character. Brilliant!!
(yep, I’m in total geek heaven atm) 🙂
@Mulubinba: It seems his research began at age 7, LOL! 😀 Yeah I’m geeking out a bit too.
Thanks you for the transcript.
@Rosa: You’re most welcome. 🙂
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You are a star! Thanks so much for doing the transcript. 🙂
@phylly3: You’re so welcome!
You perform a Public Service, Bcc Mee! Thank you. 🙂
I rather liked seeing RA with the auburny hair colour, which is probably his natural colour. Considering eyebrows, forearm hair etc. (Though he is wonderful with black, too.)
@fitzg: He looked scrumptious to me! I loved the hair and the beard, yummy. Yes, I’m shallow. Thanks for your comment! 😀
“gentelman and a scholar”..*sigh*… Thank you very much,Bccmee!:)
@Joanna: RA really did a wonderful job on the one-on-one interviews. ♥ Thanks so much for your comment! 🙂
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You’re awesome, Bccmee! Thanks a lot! It’s very kind of you to share all this videos and transcriptions with us! So many interviews with RA… this is so exciting! 😀 And this is just the beginning! 🙂
@Thais: Yes, the drought is over and now it’s time to revel in the promotions, woohoo!
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Thanks a lot for the links Bccmee. 🙂
And great work for the transcription. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Reblogged this on April's violet and commented:
Thanks to Bccmee for the videos links and the great work she has done for the transcription.
Thanks for the reblog! 🙂
You’re welcome. 😉