Andy Serkis to read the entirety of The Hobbit online for charity

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Throughout the production of Peter Jackson's LORD OF THE RINGS and THE HOBBIT trilogies, Andy Serkis has spent years immersed in the world of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth, so it's only natural that he would return to that fantasy world for a COVID-19 fundraiser. Serkis has announced that he will live-stream himself reading J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" from start to finish, which he expects will take him somewhere in the realm of 12 hours. Going to need a plate or two of Lembas to get through that.

"Hi everyone, Andy Serkis here. I want to invite you to come with me on an Adventure," the actor said via his GoFundMe page. "So many of us are struggling in isolation during the lockdown. While times are tough, I want to take you on one of the greatest fantasy adventures ever written, a 12 hour armchair marathon across Middle Earth whilst raising money for two amazing charities which are doing extraordinary work right now to help those most in need in the UK: Best Beginnings and NHS Charities Together." Serkis continued:

Starting at 10am on Friday 8th May BST (5am EST, 2am PST), I’ll be embarking on a marathon reading of The Hobbit – from cover to cover, there and back again. The entire book. A Hobbitathon! From an unexpected party to the last stage, join Bilbo and me on this tale of high adventure. Together we’ll face the might of the trolls, journey to the magical Rivendell, encounter the giant spiders in the labyrinths of Mirkwood, and the evil goblins living among the roots of the Misty Mountains, until we meet the dragon Smaug, and see the Battle of the Five Armies.

As far as the two charities goes, "Best Beginnings is working tirelessly during the #COVID19 pandemic to support babies, toddlers, pregnant families and new parents and reduce inequalities. The charity empowers and informs parents of all backgrounds through their NHS accredited pregnancy and parenting app, Baby Buddy App," while NHS Charities Together is "the umbrella organization that brings together all the official charities of the NHS." Serkis is seeking to raise £100,000, and as I write this, he's already reached over £75,000. Good man, Mr. Serkis. "The Hobbit" remains one of my favourite novels, and when I'm going traveling, I always make sure to pack a copy; there's something comforting about reading a familiar story in an unfamiliar place.

Once again, Andy Serkis will kick off his live-reading of "The Hobbit" on May 8th at 5am EST.