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

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Mythmakers is the podcast for fantasy fans and creatives, brought to you by the Oxford Centre for Fantasy. In each episode, we embark on an exploration of the world of fantasy—both classic and contemporary. From the stories behind your favourite series to expert tips for aspiring writers, we dive into books, films, TV shows, and the creative process behind them.

Brought to you from the heart of Oxford—home to literary greats like J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Lewis Carroll—we continue the storytelling tradition in the very city where Narnia, Middle-earth, and even Wonderland took shape drawing on the city’s magical blend of ancient buildings, labyrinthine libraries, and gentle river meadows.

Ready to step into the Wardrobe with us into your next big adventure? Visit https://oxfordcentreforfantasy.org/ to learn more!