Cathryn 🇺🇦

LOTR: The Return of the King – Behind the Scenes Frodo and Sam Climb Mount Doom. 🌋 During the filming of the Mount Doom approach scenes, cinematographer Andrew Lesnie and the crew shot on location at Mount Ruapehu in New Zealand’s Tongariro National Park, which is an actual volcano that had historically emitted ash close to nearby settlements. To create the look of the fiery slopes of Mount Doom, Lesnie filmed the actors in daylight with modified lighting techniques and used colored gels and smoke effects to simulate the volcanic environment. This approach allowed the mountain sequences to feel realistic, harsh, and otherworldly on screen without relying solely on CGI. In this iconic scene, Sean Astin actually carried Elijah Wood for some of the close-up shots, including the moment when Sam lifts Frodo onto his back. Elijah Wood weighed around 60–65 kg at the time, and Astin was able to carry him for short distances to capture the emotional intensity of the moment. However, the entire sequence was not done that way. For longer shots and the steep climb on Mount Doom, the production also used stunt doubles, harnesses, and blue-screen techniques to help film the scene safely and effectively. This combination of real physical acting and practical effects is part of what makes the moment feel so powerful and why it remains one of the most unforgettable scenes in the entire trilogy.

This is Nazgul. A 2-year-old Czechoslovakian Wolfdog who escaped his enclosure at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics cross-country sprint in Italy. Decided to join the racers, sprinted alongside the pros, and crossed the finish line unharmed.

Palmerston, Diplocat extraordinaire, passed away peacefully on 12 February. “Palmy” was a special member of the Government House team in Bermuda, and a much loved family member. He was a wonderful companion, with a gentle nature, and will be sorely missed.