[Lotrelf]

I've heard about the interview too, and hopefully they don't depart from the original story as they have already done. Not that I want Thorin dead, it's just this is how Professor wrote him and no one else has right to do anything with that- especially for money.
As for Smaug thingy, I haven't finished the book yet, so I am not sure what should I say or think, but will do it soon. I hope your fear doesn't come true.