Jackson eager to see fans' reaction to final Rings instalment

2.00pm - By CATHY ARONSON


Peter Jackson says he is looking forward to seeing the audience's reaction to his third and final film in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Return of the King, which has its premiere this evening in Wellington.

The director was inundated with questions about the film and his future during a packed press conference at Te Papa museum this morning.

At one point he was asked whether he had any plans to run for Prime Minister of New Zealand.

"No, I'm very happy with the job I've got," he said.

Jackson said he was nervous about the premiere but was looking forward to it.

"The pressure of being the centre of so much attention is a bit scary and stressful. But I'm very happy to do my bit of waving and smiling and signing autographs."

Co-writer Philippa Boyens said Peter Jackson had once told her it would be great to get hypnotised to forget the making of the film and enjoy the experience of a normal movie-goer.

Boyens also paid respect to Jackson's partner and The Lord of the Rings writer and producer Fran Walsh who shuns the media spotlight and will not make a public appearance until the premiere.

"If Peter was the heart of these movies then Fran was definitely the soul."

When Jackson was asked if he had tried to draw the limelight away from Hollywood he said "I'm doing it for no other reason than I'm doing what I love."

And when the inevitable question of prospects for Oscar nominations came up Jackson said it was up to other people to decide that and "it's not the reason why I make movies."

The stars all spoke of their fondness for Peter Jackson, the movie and the country and said they were looking forward to the premiere.

Sir Ian McKellen said he thought New Zealand should have a permanent memorial statue or living museum as a tribute to the film and the country that supported it.

He said he was overwhelmed by the "sweetness of the fans".

"I have never known anything like it and I don't really want this day to end."

The party starts at 3.30pm when the cast and crew parade through the streets from Parliament to the red carpet at the Embassy Theatre.

Parade route

Herald Feature: Lord of the Rings