Today IGN posted an interview with Christopher Lee which included a section regarding aChristopher Lee and The Hobbit films. Its a pretty good read, but its sad that all the stars of the Lord of the Rings films are getting so old.
IGN: Will you be reprising your role as Saruman in The Hobbit or the follow-up film that links it to Lord of the Rings?
Lee: I’ve heard Ian McKellen has agreed to play Gandalf again in The Hobbit. But my character doesn’t appear [in the book] at all. But then again you never know. They might suddenly put in the council of the wizards. I have no idea. Nobody has approached me and as for this mysterious other film, is it supposed to take place before The Hobbit, after The Hobbit, before Lord of the Rings?
IGN: It’s supposed to link the events of The Hobbit with those of Lord of the Rings. As a Tolkien expert you might be a good person to have on set…
Lee: Well, yes, because you have to remember that they’re thousands of years old these wizards. It might be the time when Saruman the White was the head of the council and was a decent, noble, marvellous person. They might show him in that light because it was never explained why he suddenly turns.
IGN: Would you be willing to reprise the role?
Lee: In the spirit very much so. But I’ve reached an age now [86] where going to New Zealand again would be a very considerable effort. It would not be easy because it’s an exhausting journey. Even with a break I’m not sure I could do it.
IGN: If they could film your part in London, would you be interested?
Lee: Oh yes, of course. I’d be delighted.
To read the full interview proceed to IGN.
Poll
Loading ...
Comments:
LegolasGreenleaf:
what about the other actors who played a role in the trilogy such as orlado bloom as Legolas etc.????
zach:
Well Del Toro has stated that pre-production is well underway now. They will begin casting 'soon' so I bet we will see some announcements later.
LOTR PO:
is there going to be 1 movie about The Hobbit and 1 movie about something else who will lead up to the trilogy and have nothing to do with the hobbit or will it be 2 films about the hobbit?
krapyl:
It will be a film in the hobbit. And another movie that follows Aragorn between the hobbit and the fellowship of the ring.
zach:
we dont know the Aragorn part for sure... All we know is that is will be a bridge between the Hobbit and the Lotr.
krapyl:
Ohhh....i tought this was announced :P
Cheeky Hobbit:
The Aragorn-driven plot, as zach correctly points out, isn't confirmed. All we know is that it will "bridge the gap" between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
I really hope that all the actors reprise their roles. Well, except perhaps Sir Ian Holm (Bilbo). At his age, I don't think he'd play a convincing young(er) Bilbo, so perhaps someone new should be casted. I kinda hope that the James McAvoy rumours come true.
zach:
Well Christopher Lee is getting old too, thus why he stated that he doesn't want to travel to New Zealand.
Cheeky Hobbit:
Well yeah, but it's not certain if he'll even be required.
zach:
Well I would LOVE to see the White Council, in that case he would be pretty much required...
sacrilege83:
Lee says Tolkien never explained why Saruman suddenly turned, but he did in the Silmarillion. In the chapter "Of the Rings of Power" which it shows the history of the magic rings and the coming of the wizards. Saruman was initially good but after much travelling to the east (which is mostly corrupted) and studying of the magic rings, Saruman became obsessed and greedy for power and control and stayed in Orthanc Isengard thereafter. He wanted to be the new Lord of Middle-Earth just before the White Council was created. At the creation of the White Council, Galadriel wanted Gandalf to be leader but Saruman was egotistical and wanted to be head and in control where at the sametime Gandalf didn't want the power.
The White Council's function was disrupted by Saruman twice against Gandalf's advice. First the council wanted to search for the Ring, but Saruman said that it probably washed down the Anduin river and out to sea never to be found again while secretly looking for the Ring himself. Gandalf wanted to investigate more the Mirkwood fortress of Dol Goldur suspecting Sauron alive, but Saruman waylaid that plan saying no because he knew that by Sauron growing in power the Ring will come searching and will come out from hiding. Saruman then respected Sauron as a rival competitor rather than an enemy. He only agreed to attack Sauron's fortress later because Sauron began looking for the Ring, impeding Saruman's progress. After the assault on Dol Goldur, Saruman left the White Council and went on his own way.
This shows that Saruman wasn't Good in heart and mind for a long time and his allies, but Galadriel, didn't suspect him of evil. And during The Lord of the Rings Saruman was only pretending to be allied with Sauron for his own benefit for finding the Ring and keeping it for himself. In the movies they hint at this when Gandalf says to Saruman "There is only one Lord of the Rings, only one that can bend IT to his will, and HE doesn't share power."
zach:
He wasn't referring to Tolkien he was referring to the Lord of the Rings movies.
Freek:
I've read somewhere the Christopher Lee might be signed on to voice Smaug though.
zach:
Yea thats one of the rumors if they dont need him/allow him to film in europe.
Ilaras of The Dunedain:
86!:o
Christopher Lee was an awesome Saruman. Tis' delightful to know he might be in the next film.
Florisz:
It would be so cool if he would play Saruman, but man, he is old! He is older then my grandma that passed away last autumn, and he seems his mind is like that of a much younger person!
m@tt:
PJ and whatisname should do all they can to use Lee if Saruman is involved. I'd hate to see any of the major characters recast.
zach:
I agree, and i really want to see the White Council, thus they better film Christopher Lee in Europe!!
Balin38:
For a very long time I didn't know Christopher Lee was the bad guy in 'The Man with the Golden Gun'. It wasn't til I saw the credits... I was like :O
He's a great actor, but I don't think Saruman has any major role in The Hobbit. He does have a brilliant voice though so if he does voice Smaug as someone said might happen, that would be a very good choice.
zach:
He's a great actor, but I don't think Saruman has any major role in The Hobbit. He does have a brilliant voice though so if he does voice Smaug as someone said might happen, that would be a very good choice.
Khranashil:
Phew, Ian is going to play Gandalf ^^. Hope that Saruman(Christopher Lee) will join too
LegolasGreenleaf:
I want to see all the actors of the trilogy reacting in these 2 new movies...Because they were good at acting their chars...At least i hope so...
DYonch:
I've read somewhere the Christopher Lee might be signed on to voice Smaug though.