Scots Hobbit star Graham McTavish told an audience in Edinburgh that fans of his films are so convincing in their costumes, they could walk straight on to a film set.
McTavish, 64, played dwarf Dwalin in the Hobbit trilogy of films alongside stars like Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins and Ian McKellen as Gandalf.
He is still invited to conventions where fans of the fantasy adventures go to incredible lengths to appear as their favourite characters.
McTavish was among the film and TV stars who attended the tenth Capital Sci-Fi Con at the O2 in Edinburgh earlier this month, organised by the charity Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).
He said: “I didn’t know about conventions at all until I did The Hobbit. It’s almost like a secret world.
“Some of the dedication they have to their costumes is absolutely incredible. They could walk onto a set and they would be ready to go.”
McTavish starred in the Hobbit trilogy released between 2012-14. He said his other shows, including Outlander and Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, also had fanatical fans.
He added: “I’ve seen amazing Outlander costumes, Game of Thrones, anything that I’ve been involved in. It’s real craftsmanship, they’re good enough to go on stage.”
McTavish said starring in The Hobbit was “surreal” because he’d been such a fan of the original Lord of the Rings films.
The annual Sci-Fi convention in Edinburgh has raised over £430,000 for CHAS since 2016.
Laura Campbell, Head of Community Fundraising and Retail at CHAS, said: “We’re delighted to have welcomed Peter Davison, Graham McTavish and all the other stars to our special tenth anniversary Capital Sci-Fi Con at the O2.
“It is a hugely popular event which helps CHAS raise vital funds to support children with life-shortening conditions and their families right across Scotland. Thank you to everyone for their amazing support.”
