The four actors who portrayed hobbits in Peter Jackson's 'Lord of the Rings' trilogy delivered an unforgettable performance at the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Elijah Wood, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, and Sean Astin, known for playing Frodo, Merry, Pippin, and Samwise, respectively, celebrated the 25th anniversary of the iconic films with a lively and humorous panel titled 'An Evening with the Hobbits.'
A Night of Madcap Antics
The event, held at the BMO Centre's Champions Ballroom, was standing-room only, with attendees purchasing separate tickets for the exclusive reunion. The hobbits wasted no time in entertaining the crowd, arriving on stage wearing Calgary Flames jerseys. They engaged in a dance-off that devolved into widespread twerking, much to the audience's delight.
One of the highlights was a reenactment of a Quidditch scene from the 'Harry Potter' series. Wood played Harry Potter, Boyd portrayed Draco Malfoy, Astin narrated, and Monaghan donned a bright golden jumpsuit with wings to act as the Golden Snitch. The trio chased each other around the stage while Astin provided a play-by-play commentary.
Canadian-Themed Games and Discussions
The actors also played charades with audience participation, guessing Canadian-themed words such as moose, ice hockey, and bull riding. A lengthy and enthusiastic discussion about Alberta being a rat-free province ensued, showcasing the group's camaraderie and humor.
Reflections on the Trilogy
The four actors shared memories of the demanding production, which began in New Zealand in 1999. The three films became Oscar-winning blockbusters, with 'The Fellowship of the Ring' receiving 13 Academy Award nominations and winning four. The actors bonded despite age differences—Wood was 18, Boyd was 31—and enjoyed an analog existence on set, reading books, playing PlayStation, and listening to CDs.
Monaghan noted that this project is the one he consistently reflects on. 'I tend not to look back at things that much. This is one of the few projects we have to consistently be looking back on,' he said.
A Well-Rehearsed Reunion
The hobbits have performed similar reunions at other conventions, reenacting scenes from 'Pirates of the Caribbean' and 'Star Wars.' Their chemistry and willingness to embrace absurdity have made them a staple at fan conventions, ensuring the enduring legacy of the 'Lord of the Rings' franchise.
