"We will do some intense work at the meeting in Kiruna to clarify this as fast as possible, " he said.

WSJ: Arctic Body Weighs China's Bid to Observe

Veteran actress Kiruna Stamell, who plays Mr. Davis's love interest on "Life's Too Short, " has no problem with "Lord of the Rings, " since the characters are mythical.

WSJ: Little People Wait for 'Mirror Mirror' and 'Snow White and the Huntsman'

Gao Feng, head of the Chinese delegation in Kiruna, told China's official Xinhua news agency that the council's decision to grant it observer status was a "right and wise" move.

WSJ: Arctic Council Grants Observer Status to Six Countries