Of all the harsh realities made clear by the gender gap, perhaps the truest is that – as of this Friday – girlfriends everywhere will be dragged reluctantly to see The Hobbit. This time, however, Peter Jackson’s journey through Middle Earth has been stripped of its eye-candy, swapping Orlando Bloom and Viggo Mortensen for a handful of dwarves, Dr. Watson and a geezer. While the movie will no doubt be epic, the real scenery will undoubtedly be just that: the actual scenery.
All of which made us consider just how many dramatic, respected and handsome leading men – prime examples of non-nerd masculinity – actually made some of their biggest breakthroughs in sci-fi, fantasy and all-around geek adventures. Read on to find out…
Many of the actors on Celebuzz’ list certainly had credits prior to their turns in fantasy films – Mortensen worked steadily as a supporting player for more than a decade before striking paydirt with the Lord of the Rings series, for example.
And although many of them have gone on to even greater glories, they first became popular in the public consciousness because of these projects. On the other hand, some of them may never surpass the success they enjoyed with these films and film series. But as cinephiles and avid filmgoers, we’re only too happy to celebrate – and maybe in a few cases, reintroduce – the sci-fi-, horror and fantasy films that helped the world fall in love with them.
Which of these hunks is your favorite — or which appeared in your favorite fantasy film? Keep the discussion going in the comments section after watching the theatrical trailer for The Hobbit below!
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Stacy Keiblerspun a wheel of chance this week in NYC and, in the process, only proved she’s hotter than the rest of us. That lucky Clooney.
Gabrielle Union, meanwhile, celebrated her 40th birthday in the Big Apple with a bash that may have required guests to be proofed — and that was just because of the appetizer and dessert. Blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol.
Want more details on these celebrity sightings – and many more? Join us as we go beyond the velvet rope – and see all the action in our photo gallery!
THE WHO: Stacy Keibler
THE WHAT: Spinning the “Our Runway” wheel – and landing on “Smokin’ Hot,” of course
THE WHERE: The NYC launch of “Our Runway,” the first online social shopping platform that allows women to rent looks based on user-generated photos of other women with similar body types
WHY WE WISH WE WERE THERE: The wheel doesn’t lie.
THE WHO: Gorgeous Gabrielle Union
THE WHAT: Celebrating the big 4-0 with a special dinner and Courvoisier Gold cocktails
THE WHERE: PH-D at Dream Downtown in NYC
WHY WE WISH WE WERE THERE: The meal included a salad and devil’s food cake that were both made with Courvoisier Gold. And frankly, we’d pour it on our morning cereal if we could.
THE WHO: ‘80s idols Matt Dillon and Fisher Stevens
THE WHAT: Having a casual but intense catch-up session while snacking on pizza and Cacio e Pepe
THE WHERE: Isola Trattoria & Crudo Bar at Mondrian Soho
WHY WE WISH WE WERE THERE: An onlooker says they were “gracious to fans and overly thankful to the staff.” And it’s always nice to see celebrities who aren’t pulling a Naomi Campbell.
THE WHO: Emma Watson, Ezra Miller and Logan Lerman
THE WHAT: Celebrating their Nylon October cover with Hello Kitty Forever
THE WHAT: Being a walking Gap billboard. She went Gap shopping with son Deacon on a Friday, then spent the weekend modeling her new fashions: the Eversoft Striped Circle Hem , the Crew Pullover, 1969 Sexy Boyfriend Cords, and the 1969 Chambray Shirtdress.
THE WHERE: L.A.
WHY WE WISH WE WERE THERE: We’ve loved the Gap ever since Sharon Stone wore it to the Oscars.
Ever wanted to get up close and personal with Avengers hottie Chris Evans or supermodel Chanel Iman? You can — and the two teamed up in Hollywood this week to explain how.
That got your attention, didn’t it?
Meanwhile, a slew of stars sampled the offerings at the New York City Wine & Food Festival.
Want more details on these celebrity sightings – and many more? Join us as we go beyond the velvet rope – and see all the action in our photo gallery!
THE WHO: Chris Evans and Chanel Iman
THE WHAT: Getting their game on
THE WHERE: The Hollywood launch of Discovered Inspired by Intel, an interactive gaming experience that lets you co-star in an action film with Chris and work the red carpet with Chanel
WHY WE WISH WE WHERE THERE: It’s the closest we’ll ever come to co-starring in an action film with Chris and working the red carpet with Chanel?
They dated briefly back in 2007, and now Minka Kellyand Chris Evans are once again stepping out together.
The duo hit the town for a dinner date at Craig’s restaurant in West Hollywood, Calif. on Monday night, sparking rumors that they’ve reignited their romance.
But the 32-year-old actress isn’t quite ready to go public with the Avengers star, 31 — she hid her face as she left the eatery out the back exit.
This isn’t the first time they’ve been spotted together recently.
The pair enjoyed each other’s company back in August, when they were seen in and around Evan’s hometown of Boston before heading to New York to catch The Book of Mormon on Broadway.
Kelly dated Yankee’s star Derek Jeter for three years before they split in August 2011; she was then reported to be dating That 70′s Show’s Wilmer Valderrama.
