The Hobbit:DOS Promotion – So Far, So Good for Thorin Oakenshield

First Publicized Photo of TH:AUJ cast.
Source: NZ Dominion:Stuff

Will Richard Armitage move to the back during DOS promotion?

As British TV detectives say once in every episode, “[i]t’s early says yet,” and so it is for the latest Hobbit film promotion. Despite voiced concern that fans may see less of Richard Armitage than some other cast members during the promotion period, the early signs don’t read that way to Perry.

Granted, I’m a  fan and blogger who probably knows the least about The Hobbit than most others, and that includes the doings surrounding the first promotion for AUJ, more of which was learned about from Katharine D’s detailed chronology and analysis in Promoting Thorin   on Me and Richard, but so far, it appears to me that if Thorin isn’t front and center,  he’s side by side with other characters.

First, there’s the newest trailer in theaters and TV.  In the two and a half minute length, Richard Armitage as Thorin is seen and heard just about one minute in total, possibly more – and more frequently than any other character.  He’s seen speaking with Thranduil, Dwalin, Balin, Bilbo and Bard, all in separate snippets. There are a number of additional action shots, including the spectacular leap out of the mountain and away from Smaug’s flames.  Then there’s the beauty shot,

Source: RANet.com

So, the trailer, which is what millions will be seeing in their local theaters and on TV between now and opening, places Thorin at the center of the story -OK- along with Bilbo.

Richard Armitage has been interviewed for 5 publications that we know of so far. We don’t know what representatives of other publications were at at the same interviews if these were part of a press junket, and this doesn’t include interviews that haven’t been publicized. Some of the same interviewers spoke to Orlando Bloom, Lee Pace and Evie Lilly. (These included the interviews by @LeenaNZ).

In London, we know Richard was interviewed by Clickonline and probably other outlets during a press junket. Stephen Fry and Lee Pace were interviewed around the same time.  No doubt, interviews are continuing of all cast- but what we know is that Richard Armitage is in the mix.

In addition, promos for the trailer were filmed by all major cast members ( I haven’t found one for Evie Lilly). Lee Pace and Luke Evans filmed together, as did Orlando Bloom and Ian McKellen.  Armitage, Freeman and Fry filmed solo.

There’s also some indication from a vague tweet over the summer that Richard Armitage might have an Esquire UK fashion shoot or interview spread coming out.  It probably won’t be in the November issue, which will feature Idris Elba on the cover.  But December or January makes even more sense if it’s to be tied to  The Hobbit promotion.

The New York Moves Magazine interview is scheduled for the mag’s Power Issue,This is billed as as MM -Lifestyle for City Men, and previous issues featured Christoph Waltz and Ethan Hawke on the covers. ( On the down side,  the feature on Richard Armitage may not  highlight The Hobbit, on the upside, it tags him as a New Yorker at least for now, and may be timely for announcing what was hinted at – a new project or two.) I’ll take that over saturated DOS promotion any day.

Therefore, as promotion ramps up slowly for the release of the film, so far it looks as though Thorin is getting  at least equal exposure to other characters.

Will things change in the days ahead? I can’t know, but I think in the same way that Gandalf and Legolas have their  fans who want to hear from them again and again, Thorin does also. And I think Peter Jackson knows it, which is why he was so prominently featured in the most widely viewed trailer.

And, of course, once the film opens, a lot may depend on how well his performance was received by fans and critics alike.

Anyway, what fan, after reading what Katharine D. recounted about the brutal schedule Richard Armitage endured last year, wouldn’t want it to go a little easier for him this year?