When asked in an interview with Empire John Rhys-Davies stated that he wouldn’t be up for another run playing a dwarf in the upcoming Hobbit movies. He does bring up a good point stating that being 1 of 1 is nothing like being 1 of 13. In addition in his closing remarks he makes a statement that really makes you think: How will Del Toro and Peter Jackson make the Hobbit do for the dwarves what the Lord of the Rings did for hobbits? In the Lord of the Rings movies, dwarves are not given much respect and “The Hobbit” will be the time for them to shine.
“I’ve already been asked and to be honest with you, I wouldn’t. I have already completely ruled it out. There’s a sentimental part of me that would love to be involved again. Really I am not sure my face can take that sort of punishment any more.”
So not even a small cameo?
“Why would you want to do it if it was just a couple of shots? When you’ve been 1 of 1, why would you want to be 1 of 13?”
But the production did ask if he’d be interested in returning.
“It was just a gentle “What would you feel about putting it on again?” But no. I’d be interested in trying to create a different type of persona within… the thing. That is challenging as an actor. I’d really prefer to play something quite different. Maybe an Elf. They’ve got a different set of problems with The Hobbit because you’ve got 13 dwarves, a whole band of them… You’re trying to represent a whole race… You’re trying to do for dwarves what The Lord of the Rings did for hobbits. “
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Comments:
Freek:
Well as Gimli wasn't in the Hobbit, I don't see how they would have included him in the first place. The same goes for elijah wood for example.
zach:
He wasn't even born at the time of the hobbit I believe. This was for the role of one of the thirteen dwarves or as a regular dwarf in the battle of the five armies. It would make no sense for him to be one of the thirteen dwarves as non-fans would call him Gimli not the dwarves correct name.
Ilaras of The Dunedain:
Yeah... Everyone would be like "omg its Gimli!" He wouldn't have a purpose.
zach:
Yea my thoughts exactly. It would do more harm than good.
Edheldae:
Well he could have played Gloin with slightly different prosthetics. But yeah, I tend to agree. It would have been funny to have an Orlando Bloom Prince Legolas capture a Rhys-Davies dwarf character in Mirkwood.
From watching the making-of material from PJ LOTR Rhys-Davies had terrible allerghies to the prosthetics he had to wear as Gimli. It took a lot of determination for him to finish the role.
Dante:
Who needs him? Just get some younger, healthy vessels to play the role of dwarves.
Mithrandir7:
You need someone who can come across as very gruff. Hugh Laurie could be a good choice :P
Despite his excellent portrayal of Gimli, he wouldn't serve a purpose in The Hobbit. Nor do I think any sane person would want to go through the grueling task of becoming a dwarf after 3 movies :P
zach:
Yes its a very reasonable and logical decision on his part. I will miss him though, although it is much better for an actor who doesn't have a part to not come back. If Gandalf had been replaced it would have been weird, IMO.
Balin38:
I really will be interested to see how they make the 13 dwarves work. I think people, myself included, won't be able to tell who is who so most of the movie will be dealing with three main characters: Gandalf, Bilbo and "the dwarves" as a collective entity.
Mithrandir7:
I don't think that they will deal with the dwarves as a collective entity, as each of them has character development that would detract from the story if it was not there. You are right though, getting people to remember who is who will be a critical task of the developers.
Freek:
I could imagine them leaving out some of the minor dwarven characters from the Hobbit.
blackkfox:
Like others have said, he wouldn't really have a place in it, right? And isn't he like 70? Lol
Edheldae:
Well the hoods are color coded anyway...
James Cosmo would be top of my list for an actor to portray a Tolkien dwarf.
MirkwoodArcher:
I think the prosthetics would definitely turn me off. :P Apparently, John had such bad reactions to them---he would itch really badly and have a terrible time while shooting was in progress. I can see why he wouldn't want to do another round.