Tolkien star Nicholas Hoult says he 'hopes' author's family will like biopic as he joins Lily Collins at London premiere

The film about the late author hits screens next month
Natasha Sporn30 April 2019
The Weekender

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Tolkien star Nicholas Hoult said that he "hopes" the late author’s family will like the film as he joined stars in London for the premiere of the biopic.

Hoult, who plays J.R.R Tolkien in the upcoming film, told ITV London that he could only be “respectful and honourable” when making the film, adding that he “hoped” it would be well-received by his family and estate.

His comments come after the family of the British writer distanced themselves from the feature.

They issued a statement which read: "The family and the Estate wish to make clear that they did not approve of, authorise or participate in the making of this film.

"They do not endorse it or its content in any way."

Tolkien - UK film premiere - In pictures

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Hoult said on Monday: “You do the best performance you can and be respectful and honourable.

“I think his great-grandson is coming tonight so I hope they like it when they see it.”

Lead stars: Lily Collins and Nicholas Hoult
Ian West/PA Wire

“When they sent me the script and I learnt about his life I was blown away by everything he endured,” the About a Boy star explained.

“There were all these wonderful things I didn’t know about him. We’ve made a very emotional film. I hope he would be proud.”

Hoult was joined by co-star Lily Collins, who plays Edith, on the red carpet at the Curzon in Mayfair, London on Monday.

Collins, who wore a striking white floral gown, told ITV that it was a “pleasure to dive in” and get to grips with the “romance” in the film, telling the story of Tolkien and her character Edith Bratt.

The film, which also stars Craig Roberts, Genevieve O’Reilly and Derek Jacobi, details Tolkien’s formative years and his friendships before World War I breaks out and “threatens to tear the fellowship apart”.

Producer Kris Thykier posed for pictures on the carpet alongside Strictly Come Dancing presenter wife Claudia Winkleman while former Doctor Who star David Tennant joined his son Ty – who plays a young Christopher Wiseman – in front of the cameras.

Nicholas Hoult in Tolkien

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Tolkien will be released on May 10.

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