From the same team who brought fans The Hobbit: Chronicles books comes a new companion volume detailing the creation of Smaug, from early concept designs to the digital creature fans got to see on the big screen. Weta Workshop has confirmed today that the book’s foreward will be written by Benedict Cumberbatch, the man behind the mighty dragon.
Credit: WETA
From Weta’s website:
Smaug is possibly the most memorable character in JRR Tolkien’s The Hobbit: a huge, malevolent, fire-breathing, talking dragon! But while he makes quite an impact in the book, in Peter Jackson’s film adaptation he is definitely the most spectacular creature ever to appear on screen.
So how did the filmmakers manage to take the dragon that has lived in millions of readers’ imaginations and turn him into a totally unique and unforgettable living, breathing character?
The answer can be found in Smaug: Unleashing the Dragon. Packed with stunning, exclusive new images, it reveals how he grew out of thousands of detailed and fantastical concept designs into the beast that is unleashed in awesome digital glory.
Compiled by the Academy Award™-winning teams at Weta Digital and Weta Workshop, who provide fascinating insights telling the story of the dragon’s creation, this is the perfect companion for every fan who was blown away by Smaug, the Magnificent!
While the cover art is not yet available, Smaug: Unleashing the Dragon will be released on April 1; you can pre-order the book now through Weta or Amazon.
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