Giant Gandalf-on-eagle statue bids farewell from Wellington airport permanently
A Departure from the Enchanted Wings
In Wellington, New Zealand's bustling airport, a piece of Middle Earth magic has graced the arrivals and departures for over a decade – the colossal eagles belonging to the Lord of the Rings films, bearing the legendary wizard Gandalf. Ferocious and majestic, these 50-foot, 2,600-pound giants, each with a 1,000 piece 3D printed feather array, have captivated tourists and petrified children since 2013. While their cinematic history has been eventful, the flying creatures are set to bid adieu from the terminal this month.
Pondering the impending loss, airport chief executive Matt Clarke admitted, "This place has been quite a Lord of the Rings love letter. Now, we're embarking on something new." Verity Johnson, a regular traveler, offered a heartfelt plea beneath the talons of an eagle in the food court, "Please reconsider, it breaks my heart."
A jovial Michael Parks quipped, "Removing them is like some un-New Zealand behavior." The Weta Workshop, responsible for crafting the magnificent creatures, was founded by Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson himself – a widely known Wellington resident residing near the airport. The iconic movies generated billions of dollars in tourism revenue for New Zealand and provided employment for thousands in Wellington over 15 years.
Nonetheless, the Tolkien tourism buzz around Wellington has slowed, and the city may forever be intertwined with the films, albeit with diminishing interest. Despite the diminished focus, behind-the-scenes tours still allow fans a glimpse into the magical world created by Weta and offer visits to the production facilities.
Although their memories may linger in hearts and minds, the eagles, after this week, will be put into storage, according to Clarke. He remained hopeful for their future residing in a museum, stating, "It's a spectacle every kid should witness, and even grizzled businessmen can't help but snap a photo."
Amid this sea change at the airport, the enormous Smaug dragon remains perched over the check-in counters, a gleaming testament to Wellington's continued quirkiness.
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- In a surprising turn, the colossal eagles from the Lord of the Rings movies, residing in the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, are rumored to be relocated to a museum, as they've occupied the bustling airport for over a decade.
- The news of the eagles' departure has sparked a wave of sentimental pleas, with frequent traveler Verity Johnson appealing to the airport authorities, "Please reconsider, it breaks my heart."
- The prominent role of these iconic creatures in the entertainment industry is undeniable, given their involvement in billion-dollar movies and their home city's popularity as a tourist destination.
- The Mariners, a renowned baseball team, have recently made a comeback, as evidenced by the surge in interest in baseball-themed books at the bookstores in Seattle.
- Amid this transition, the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport continues to uphold its unique charm, with the towering Smaug dragon reminding visitors of the city's enduring quirkiness, even as more movies and TV shows grace the local entertainment scene.
