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Ivanova in LORD OF THE RINGS'

Verrry Interesting by Alessan	Jun 13th, 1999 12:17:22 AM
Eowyn? No, she's too old and not blonde enough. Arwen? No, the commander may be many things, but ethereal she ain't. That leaves one female character - Galadriel. Very, very interesting, PJ. I've considered Mira Furlen for the role, but Christian might just do the job. She certainly has the strength of character for it. I know, her character was very tough, even abrasive (in a loveable way) but think about her rare shots with her hair down. think how stunning she was. And think about that heartbreaking narration she had at the beginning of season 3 and the end of seasons 2 and 5. People, it's crazy but it just might work.
Blondes by Alessan	Jun 13th, 1999 12:43:11 AM
My friend, blonde is a personality trait. Claudia is the furthest thing possible from blonde. And I mean that as a compliment. Also, by age I mean maturity, weariness. Remember, Eowyn is still a bit of a girl. She only fully grows up after thr Witch-King. Christian's strength is in her maturity, in the fact that she can hold her own against any man she meets.
Eowyn ='s Claudia by hayt43	Jun 13th, 1999 01:23:06 AM
Ok if PJ writes it so Eowyn is in the Story more which is possible, Claudia Christian would actually be PERFECT! The first thing I pictured when I read this is seeing Claudia as Eowyn standing tall and proud-hair blowing magesticaly watching the Grey Company go off towards The Paths of The Dead....Claudia Christian prooved in B5 that she can perform the emotional range of the character...both she and Mira Furlan for that matter...were amazingly expressive. Eowyn was a very strong female character even back then, when that sort of thing was rare....Imagine her with a little updating...I can Picture very easily, Claudia as a Shield Maiden of the Mark....
Enough with the Eowyn by Alessan	Jun 13th, 1999 01:42:45 AM
Hell, maybe CC will play Rose Cotton - ever think of that? but seriously, folks - Eowyn's is a coming-of-age story. She falls helplessly in love with an older man, finds only kindness in return, does something rash (perhaps in the hope of ending her life), saves the day, and finally surprises herself by falling in love with a man she thought she dislikes, a man who loves her back. That's not a story for a thirtysomething; in fact, I'd be surprised if Eowyn was intended to be over 23 years old. Bottom line - do you see Ivanova stricken with a case of puppy-love?
Read the Rumor Boys by belegel	Jun 13th, 1999 06:12:49 AM
Hey, fanboys and geeks! The rumor is that she's in ALL THREE LOTR movies. See, this is a clue. Eowyn is only in the last two movies, barring major plot changes. Galadriel is in the first and the last movies, barring major changes. Arwen is in the first and the last movies, barring major changes. So, unless PJ has figured out how to put Eowyn in Fellowship, or put Arwen and Galadriel in Two Towers, I have no idea how CC could be in all three movies. But remember, in the 20 Q's, PJAX said he was trying to figure out how to increase Arwen's role? Maybe that's it....
Eowyn IS in all 3 films by DV	Jun 13th, 1999 07:51:55 AM
Although I wouldn't care to see her cast in LOTR at all and especially not as Eowyn; I suppose it's possible that Christian might have the role and indeed be appearing in all three films, as the casting summary for the character states that "Eowyn is a key supporting role, with a brief appearance in Part One, followed by a larger role in Parts Two & Three." It also states that an actress in the age range of 18-30 is being sought and, frankly, Claudia Christian seems too mature a woman for the coming-of-age Eowyn that Tolkien seemed to have had in mind.
Remember this... by KULA	Jun 13th, 1999 08:07:50 AM
While I'm sure everyone is having a ball figuring out just WHO Claudia Christian will be playing in the upcoming films (which should be GREAT), keep in mind that the woman can't act. PERIOD. I loved B5, but that was a great show despite her, not because of her. I simply hope the studio sprung for some acting classes for Claudia - it would be money well spent.
I have a baaad feeling about this.... by Ilvenshang	Jun 13th, 1999 08:13:00 AM
OK, I like Claudia better than I do just about any other B5 performer. From me, that's VERY faint praise. She's actually attractive enough for (this I discovered from Space Rangers, where she once guested). But she's just too MODERN, dammit. Like Clint Eastwood, she'd seem anachronistic in any film universe set before the invention of the Colt 44. She'd be as bad as Kevin Costner in Robin Hood. Course, she may be playing one of the orcs :-)
By all the gods, noooooo! by JohnYama	Jun 13th, 1999 08:25:19 AM
First, Claudia Christian is a horrendously bad actress... she has the emotional range of shrimp. Second, her name is Claudia Christian; She only played Ivanova on TV. And you wonder why celebs get tired of dealing with fanboys...
Arwen by Synner	Jun 13th, 1999 08:35:42 AM
Jennifer Connelly should be cast as Arwen.
I think Eowyn is fine... by Prankster	Jun 13th, 1999 09:19:52 AM
Here's the thing. I have only a vague familiarity with B5, but I think I can picture Claudia Christian. And I think all the "she's not right for Eowyn because she's not blonde" posts are silly. If she can't act, then that's a legitimate concern, but as for her tone...well, look at it this way. The person who said Cate Blanchett was right for Eowyn had it backwards, Blanchett would be a great Galadriel (or Arwen), since she's Elf-like. Galadriel especially--we know she can pull off Queenly dignity, right? But I think we need to create a distinct separation between the elves and the humans, and as such, I think Christian would make a fine Eowyn. Yes, Eowyn is young, and does foolish things for love. But she's also a warrior, and a damn good one--she does manage to defeat the Witch-king, doesn't she? Furthermore, as I mentioned, I think she looks "human-like". She's not an ethereal beauty like Blanchett or most of the names that get bandied around. Don't forget, legendary tale or not, LOTR still portrays a very rough, violent, savage world, and it's not hard to believe that even the young would look old before their time. The elves are immortal, of course, but the humans live lives that are "nasty, brutish, and short." I'll have to watch some more B5 to decide, but for right now I think she'd be fine as Eowyn.
Claudia by Rickno	Jun 13th, 1999 10:08:41 AM
Off course, maybe PJ has decided that a female is needed in the fellowship. The obvious (though horrific) choice would be to make Boromir a female! Claudia=Boromira! PLEASE let me be wrong, but this sounds just like the type of thing that Hollywood would do to "increase the demographics" of the film.
Actors by Ragge	Jun 13th, 1999 10:59:56 AM
I dont think she will play Arwen thoug I believe that part will go to Isabella Scorupco And I have a few suggestion on other great Swedish actors who could have some parts in the movie Stellan Skarsg
There is no female in the fellowship by DV	Jun 13th, 1999 11:06:09 AM
From the information that has already been published on the casting requirements, there are NO changes to the fellowship, all the characters are intact and there is no change to, or addition of a female role (Boromir for example is to be "30-45 years old, strong, tall and thick-set). As has been said quite a few times already, I would love to see Kate Winslet as Eowyn.
Narration by Alessan	Jun 13th, 1999 11:42:10 AM
One very likey solution to the "female deographic problem" (a concept I find oddly patronizing) is to have a female voice-over narrating the movie. Remeber, some sort of narration is probably necessary, considering the huge scale of the story, narrativly, geographically and historically. And who better to narrate than Arwen? Remember, the sole romantic aspect of the story is between a hero and a character we hardly see. This way, we'll grow to love her (people generally sympathize with a narrator) and understand Aragorn's choice. We'll also get to hear a female voice to offset the predominately male cast, and more importantly - we'll get to hear as much as possible of Tolkiens beautiful descriptions.
Nailing down the casting... by Prankster	Jun 13th, 1999 11:54:09 AM
I don't see Kate Winslet for Eowyn for the same reason I don't see Leo as Anakin--too wimpy. I know it feels right to have Winslet on board, since she's from NZ and has worked with Jackson before, but...she doesn't really fit ANY of the roles in LOTR. Well, MAYBE Arwen. OK, yes, if Winslet was Arwen I wouldn't complain. However, it sounds like Anabella Scorupco (sp?) already has the role. So, if Claudia Christian is Eowyn, then that leaves Galadriel. As I mentioned above, I think Cate Blanchett would be great, she's an Ozzie, she's played a queen before, and she sure looks elfin. OK...so if Elijah Wood is Frodo...we need a Samwise. I really think a great choice for Sam would be Oliver Platt. Theman looks like a hobbit, and he's a good, slightly comic actor (for what is, after all, probably the most funny-tragic role in the trilogy, and probably the most plum role for an actor). Merry and Pippin should be unknowns, Gandalf still has a million suggestions (not Connery, please!) and Strider...should be an unknown too, I think (not Keanu, please God!). I said this before, as random fanboy speculation that's never going to happen, but if Strider's going to be a big star, how about Mel Gibson? He's done a big medieval epic...he's exactly the right age (Strider's supposed to be a supernaturally well-preserved 50 or 60) and again, he's an Ozzie. And obviously it would allay any fears about bigname casting. Anyway, it'll never happen, not with their budget, but still.
Gibson by Alessan	Jun 13th, 1999 12:03:29 PM
Mel Gibson as Aragorn? Interesting idea. He's one of the best actors around, and physically he's perfect (albeit too short). Still, it won't work. Mel Gibson's best moments are always when he's angry; nay, furious. Look at his work in Lethal Weapon, Mad max and braveheart. His weakest roles, like Maverick and Conspiracy theory, had him restrain his violent impulses. As far as I remember, Aragorn never looses his cool. Basically, Gibson would be good as a restrained Aragorn, but he still would be wasted, and we'd all be left with a feeling that we're missing something, that he's holding something back.
Eowyn by helion	Jun 13th, 1999 02:19:21 PM
After checking out Ms Christians stunning looks on some sites, I still think there are other tv talents that would be better suited for Eowyn's part- for example consider the girl (also an Australian AFAIK) playing la femme Nikita (Peta something?)- slender,icy and blonde,tough, but with a vulnerability showing through sometimes. Just picture her in a long clinging medievalish gown, or dressed as a soldier following Aragorn. Oh, and while I'm at it, I'd love to see Rutger Hower somewhere in the film- maybe as Elrond, since he can convey majesty and authority well- and it's been a long time since we saw him in something worthy of his talent (remember Bladerunner?).
..... by nenya	Jun 13th, 1999 02:22:40 PM
I think this grl from b5 would just suck for any of the roles kate blanchett would be sooooooo great for galadriel but a movie with kate winslet would just not be credible( she is just too titanic) i would be realy happy if they would cast totally unknown actors
Narrator Addendum... by Prankster	Jun 13th, 1999 03:21:02 PM
Whoever mentioned the idea of one of the female characters being the narrator is onto something, but I don't think it should be Arwen...it should be GALADRIEL! After all, she's the "highest-ranking" person in the trilogy, the one in the best position to make sense of all the ongoing events for us. And she does have that magic mirror, which is practically a narrative device in and of itself. But here's another idea. How about, instead of simply filming a continuoous three-act story, there's some factor that makes each installment unique? Some aspect of the emotional relationships that could be pushed to the fore in each one? For instance, the story is probably going to start with SOME kind of exposition, to get everything explained for us. I always thought a good opening for FELLOWSHIP would be to show the battle of the Last Alliance between Elves and Men, wherein Sauron lost his finger and Isildur got hold of the ring. Then we could see him get killed and drop the ring in the river, and we watch it sink into the depths as the opening credits roll. Then we get into the events of the story. ****** Next, for TOWERS, since this is where Gollum becomes a factor, We start the movie by showing Bilbo's riddling contest, and how he got a hold of the ring. Then we pick up wherever we left off last time. Finally, the opening of RETURN could show us the first part of the story of Aragorn and Arwen, be narrated by Arwen, and then we could see the conclusion of their tale. Think of how the X-Files works every week...they often use the pre-credits sequence to explain backstory, or to put a new spin on the events that are to come...LOTR could do that!
Gibson as Aragorn by JMoody	Jun 13th, 1999 03:23:44 PM
Well maybe I can see this. And Aragorn does come close to losing his cool a couple of times. Remember when he met Eomer for the first time and gets pissed off and draws Anduril and cries: "Here is the Sword that was broken! Will you aid me or thwart me? Choose swiftly!" I can see Gibson pulling that off perfectly ...
Blah Blah by Blergy	Jun 13th, 1999 05:15:44 PM
I'm not sure the split-up exposition would really come off, but starting the whole thing with Isildur is a great idea. That's actually how I've wanted the movies to start for a long time. Actually, I wouldn't start with the battle itself, but with Isildur and his men running from the orcs, the ring slipping off, and Isildur getting killed. I think that would be a nice dramatic mysterious hook. Sure beats starting it with the party. p.s. Tom Baker for Gandalf.
This shows bad things for Peter Jackson's proj. by Dextarin	Jun 13th, 1999 05:29:47 PM
Claudia Christian has been in many movies. All of them of B movies at that. She seems to have worked a lot in films using special fx, but she has never acted well against them. If it is true that she is in all three, then these movies are starting to smack of very low caliber.
The Matrix 2 by ricky	Jun 13th, 1999 05:33:07 PM
This doesn't have anything to do with Lord of the Rings, no really, it doesn't. It's just that I just saw "The Matrix" and I was looking for info on the sequel, so I wrote www.thematrix2.com, and a page appeared, it is nothing but a black screen, there is absolutely nothing there, but the page does exist. Maybe it has nothing to do with the film, but still, pretty cool if it does.
Maybe she's not playing a girl by Colleen	Jun 13th, 1999 07:11:47 PM
Merry or Pippin in drag?
Pippin in Drag by lindzee	Jun 13th, 1999 07:22:19 PM
Acutally I liked Ivanova on B5, but I just can't see her as any of the characters in the LOTR. But, ya know, I'll suspend judgement until the movies come out. Could be she's great for it. (And really, Eowyn WAS as crabby as Susan Ivanova. Glaring at all the guys as they rode off and all that. Playing hard-to-get with Faramir.) But the idea of her as Pippin just cracked me up....("There is one rule here in Middle Earth. Pippin is God. Repeat after me, Pippin is God. Looks up Sorry about that.") LOL. It WOULD mean Claudia'd be in all three movies.
nothing by ricky	Jun 13th, 1999 08:32:42 PM
that matrix 2 webpage, it's just an entrance to the original the matrix site.
I agree with Belegel but not Peter's choice by morpheus	Jun 13th, 1999 09:09:39 PM
If she's in all the three films,then she most probably will be Arwen.If peter Jackson's script is faithful to the book,then Galadriel will only be in the first and third while Eowyn the final book.As Peter has said the role for Arwen shall be expanded....But themn again,I point to Jim Carrey in the Truman Show..
LOTHR accents and dialects by tritium	Jun 13th, 1999 09:17:40 PM
I know, this isn't a direct "talk back" to the CC casting rumors, however, after reading a bunch of these TB's I thought I'd add a few details on language dialects and accents. There is a rather well respected and accepted theory in linguistics, called Colonial Lag (or something like that )that goes something like this: Accents and speech patterns change more slowly in a colony that is detached from the Mother Tongue. The startling conclusion to this theory is that accents in the New World (specifically New England and perhaps Maryland and parts of Virginia) in modern times (1999) may actually more closely resemble the original speech patterns and accents of the British circa 1600-1700's. In fact, modern day English accents have evolved radically from what they must have been 300 years ago, much less in middle and old English periods. Bottom line...with everyone's insistence on having British (or people speaking with English accents) for LOTHR, it really is quite a moot point, as we DON'T know how they sounded back in Elizabethan times ("Shakespeare in Love" was not how folks sounded back than, this much there is no argument) much less earlier Anglo-Saxon periods. I realize Hollywood is not keen on linguistic accuracy, however, I thought this might be an interesting bit of info., especially for those who simply accept that Robin Hood sounded like modern day brits, or King Richard sounded like Laurence Olivier--not true. No, don't read into this thay I'm advocating Kevin Costner for any of the parts. In fact, its just the opposite, I have come to accept (however technically inaccurate it may be) that only a modern English accent (and perhaps a very good theatre and stage training) will be able to deliver the dialogue in TLOTR with any authority...because, let's face it, that's what we are expecting to hear in our mind's ear when we read the wonderful piece of literature Tolkein gave us in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
MY GAWD!!actual tolkien recording!!! by morpheus	Jun 13th, 1999 09:58:36 PM
How about this people?Tolkien's very OWN voice for narrating parts of the LOTR movie!I'm sure they can fix up digital Tolkien voice at WETA from the recordings!GawdWow!This beats Jurassic Park clean off!Make it happen pJ....
Languages / dialects by celt	Jun 14th, 1999 01:54:56 AM
A note to Tritium: if you want to hear the genuine languages of the british Isles and Ireland that Tolkien based his own languages on you should listen to Spoken Welsh and Irish, and of course Scottish. English is a mixture of Teutonic and French languages, introduced after the many invasions across the Channel. As for the movie, Tolkien wrote LotR THIS CENTURY, not three hundred years ago so modern English accent is hardly inappropriate. But for certain characters, I don't see why other accents shouldn't be used, including American and New Zealand and Australian. So far as I know it is really only the Hobbits that are archetypal English in their habbits (fish and chips, mushrooms and pipes and the likes).
Eowyn is NOT in all 3... by Achilles	Jun 14th, 1999 05:23:48 AM
Eowyn is NOT in all three films. Hell, the Rohirrim are scarcely mentioned in the first book. They show up at the very start of the second. I'm sure that Jackson would not mess with the timing, it works perfectly as is. And remember that Jackson is faced with the problem of having to cut a hell of a lot out of the first book to make the movie. He is not going to add scenes just so the actors playing Eowyn, Eomer, Theoden and Faramir can say they are in all three films. And let me say I think that B5's Ivanova is a lousy choice for Eowyn. Yes, she is a tough lady, but she is too old, not nearly pretty enough, and incapable of playing the softer side of Eowyn in my honest opinion. I would be supremely disappointed if she got the best female role of the entire series. With so few female roles, we should hope that Jackson would get truly great actresses, not washed up hacks who have already been spit out the back end of cable series television.
Eowyn in Three Movies by celt	Jun 14th, 1999 05:45:19 AM
Did PJ say in his Q&A that he was going to go into detail with Gandalf's escape from Saruman? If this is so, then perhaps Eowyn might make a brief appearance in the first film - doesn't Gandalf go to Theoden's court and take Shadowfax for the first time during his flight from Orthanc? Just a thought.
by Julie	Jun 14th, 1999 12:47:00 PM
i went to the official web site of that girl of b5 the first thing i read was that: "Most of you already know that I've done a photo shoot for Playboy Magazine which I am very excited about. The issue should be coming out late in "99 and it looks like I may even be on the cover as well!!!!" do u think she would be credible as eowyn ,a coureageous but innocent virgin? wake up that claudia is a a playboy model!
She's Arwen, I betcha by Hirgil	Jun 14th, 1999 12:52:00 PM
Well, I never heard of her before (I never watched B5) so I went to a website to see what she looks like. If she's really in it, I'd bet the farm she'll be Arwen. To those who say that it's too small a part and it would be a waste of her talents (and I've never seen her perform so I'll take your word that she has talent), keep in mind that if PJ does this right, he will remind us several times (maybe through flashbacks, maybe through dreams or visions) that Aragorn's engaged to her. PJ has to do that, or Aragorn comes off like a jerk when Eowyn expresses her interest. I think even Tolkien did not do that enough, and a lot of folks reading the book wake up somewhere in Volume 3 to the realization that he's about to get married! Even though Arwen's not in volume 2, all PJ has to do is add a few flashbacks or visions (say, when he receives the standard from the sons of Elrond?) and she will be--and I think he should. Oh, and to the person who suggested Mel Gibson as Aragorn--brilliant! That's the first bit of fan-suggested casting I've seen online that makes sense. My contribution (which I'm sure somebody will hate): Anthony Hopkins as Denethor. Hirgil
NOT MEL GIBSON! by Sakla	Jun 14th, 1999 12:56:12 PM
The best part about Aragorn for me was that he didn't look very good. He is supposed to be physically unattractive, isn't he? How do you cast Mel Gibson in this role? Don't you need someone who is NOT physically attractive that has a regal bearing? I can't come up with anyone who could do it. I wouldn't recommend him, but Harvey Keitel is NOT an attractive guy but has sex appeal (i.e. The Piano). I'd think Aragorn would be better cast in that direction. Don't jump on me though! I am not suggesting him specifically!
oh, good I found something to post about by creamy goodness	Jun 14th, 1999 01:42:19 PM
I haven't had anything to say on this TB yet, because I have nothing to say about the actress (I've never watched B5 - the cheezy computer animation made me laugh). But someone started talking about Aragorn... saying he was 50 or 60. Actually, a good many normal people can look fantastic at those ages (Dick Clark anyone ;) and that old actress who's making a comeback, sorry I forget her name, the 70 year old beautiful one). I have it in my head that Aragorn was in his 90's. But I also remember getting into a debate with someone who thought he was 120. I'm not sure what the outcome of that debate was, but I lean towards the 90 one (I can't check it right now, I'm at work not working). Which is cool to think that he's almost Bilbo's age. Anyway. (BTW, I don't think she looks like an elf. But I was also expecting someone younger for Eowyn.) -CG
LOTR casting by CaptainWow	Jun 14th, 1999 02:17:41 PM
I'm writing this here only because Peter Jackson has been known to visit this site. Please, please don't cast ANY well-known actors in this trilogy. The story will carry the fans into the theatre, you will create new stars by whom you cast in these roles. There are thousands of excellent, unknown actors out there, I'm certain you'll find all the beauty, talent and character you need for these roles without needing to use a single Hollywood actor. You can see on all these forums, hundreds of opinions about who or who not to use for this or that role, I even have my own opinions. But it would be far, far prefereable if they were ALL new faces. They get to 'create' the role, we get to see the character without any prejudicial attitudes. I know this will be hard to do, but it would certainly be the best thing for LOTR.
Aragorn ugly? by Prankster	Jun 14th, 1999 02:26:43 PM
Aragorn is Numenorean, ie part elf...elves=supernaturally beautiful and youthful...plus the guy has one woman fall desperately in love with him basically on sight, and he's engaged to the most beautiful woman in the world...doesn't sound unattractive to me. But let's forget the Mel thing, I was just putting his name out because I think he'd be good, but it's never going to happen.
Blah Blah - Aragorn by Sakla	Jun 14th, 1999 02:44:32 PM
I don't know about ugly, but not attractive...remember when Sam questions Frodo about trusting Strider (yes, I am a big LOTRs geek)? Frodo says something like "I'd expect the enemy to look fairer and feel fouler" to which Aragorn says, "While I look foul and feel fair? All that is gold does not glitter." That is sort of what I am operating on. Arwen falls in love with who is, not how hw looks. Eowyn falls for his regal bearing and leadership. That's how it works in my reality. Except for the lack of beard, it's one of the things I liked about Bakshi's depiction. Comments? (like I need to ask.)
Claudia is and forever will be a SKANK. by CaptainBerryman	Jun 14th, 1999 03:17:24 PM
Claudia looks like the girl who got passed around and used at prom like a joint...from 1972 through 1989. If Arwen or Eowyn were crack whores I could maybe the logic of casting her. This woman was old when my grandfather was getting laid at parties...I don't see her as an elven noblelady. And Eowyn is a blonde...and much younger. At this rate we could get Katherine Hepburn to play Eowyn or Arwen, or whoever. I so severely hope this is untrue. I will wretch if it is. I am one of those unfortunate few who like their leading ladies prettier than the orcs they are trying to overcome. If I had to pick with a one night stand with a Balrog or this hag...well the Balrog does have wings. And is possibly younger. Seriously, we can find better actresses (especially better looking ones...this girl looks like stuff I put on my fish hook) to play these important parts. Let's not fuck these films up...keep the t.v. actors at home. If you don't believe me that this husk of a woman cannot act...then go and watch HEXED. I'm STILL scarred from that jem. End Transmission.
Aragorn? Hmmmm..... by MadJack	Jun 14th, 1999 03:53:21 PM
Since the subject of who should play Aragorn has come up, why not Lance Henrikson? He's craggy enough. He possesses that same chilling intensity that Aragorn has. Height isn't an issue. How about it?
Tom Berrenger for Aragorn, not Gibson by Paul Robinson	Jun 14th, 1999 04:06:53 PM
I agree, Gibson is at his best when he's hot, maniacal, or just seething. He's too expensive, and his star power would be distracting. Lance Henrikson is a little too wizened and mild. Tom Berrenger though, from Platoon. He's a worldly-looking, man and a capable actor. He easily plays craggy, capable, man of few words. Right age too.
Lance by Sakla	Jun 14th, 1999 04:12:19 PM
Lance Henrikson mild? Ever see him in DEAD MAN? He'd work better for me than Mel.
Galadriel, Aragorn and such by dastinson	Jun 14th, 1999 04:30:44 PM
As to Galadriel, Since some of the second book deals with the history of the ring - and Galadriel is one of the eldest of the Eldar (being originally from the West) - she has historical parts as well. Her own description is that if she accepted the Ring, she would become "beautiful and terrible" (and I can imagine Claudia carrying that attitude off very well - since it was an Ivanova trait as well). The descriptions were of her beauty and her intensity - take a look at Bakshi's LORD OF THE RINGS. And it should be noted that Gandalf comes through her lands to recover on the way to Saruman after the fight in Moria. ARAGORN - is human as far as appearance, a rough man who always seems to be cast in the Charles Bronson/Fred Ward mold - Fred at the time he did Remo would have been perfect). He is of the line of the Kings of Numenor, but the elven ancestry is so far back as to not give an appearance such as the Elves.
Mel as Aragorn... by Bozzutoman	Jun 14th, 1999 05:06:59 PM
Aragorn is supposed to be weather-worn but never is it written he is unattractive. Also bear in mind that a hobbit's idea of fair and foul are going to be a bit different than humans. Also Strider had been running around the northern lands for quite some time. Whose to say when the last time he'd had a bath, shave and haircut. Claudia is a poor actress. If PJ is even considering her, I fear for the quality of the entire trilogy.
Aragorn by Sakla	Jun 14th, 1999 05:31:57 PM
Bozzutoman, I get what you're saying about him being weathered, it's a good point. Do they ever have him appearing any better when he's cleaned up? I'm gonna have to check tonight, but I think the first decription of Strider was pretty unflattering aside from the "travel stained cloak and boots" that get mentioned. I'm not sure I buy into a hobbit's notion of fairness differing from our own. I thought those are characters (oddly enough) that we were supposed to empathize most with.
wow by nenya	Jun 14th, 1999 05:53:20 PM
i think captainwow has made the most intelligent comment i've read thanks i hope pj will read it
cast by nenya	Jun 14th, 1999 06:04:00 PM
hey it sounds a little foolish and silly but i think the fans should be casted for the roles cause we know a lot more about lotr than these actors do may sound stupid but it would be so great
Probably inflammatory, but I'll say it anyway... by lindzee	Jun 14th, 1999 07:54:58 PM
C'mon, Captain Berryman. Claudia isn't super gorgeous, but she certainly isn't ugly. I mean, how high are your standards? Yeah, I can't see her as any of the three women portrayed in LOTR, but attacking her age and looks just make you look like a misogynist. Saying "She's too old to be Eowyn" or "She's doesn't look the part" is one thing, and entirely valid, but calling her a "crack whore?" Out of line, in my opinion. You sound like that bastard show-jumping critic who finishes up every female's review saying she needs to lose weight. "Nice style. Attractive horse, in good condition. Rider's ass is too big." For heaven's sake. Were you the last Mr. Universe or something?
Casting, shooting schedule by Dracos	Jun 14th, 1999 09:22:28 PM
I started reading LOTR again today in order to participate in the casting flurry. Has everyone overlooked the fact that Frodo is 50 when he leaves the Shire? Sam, Merry, and Pippin are ALL younger than him. This makes me rethink the vialbility of Elijah Wood. Why waste precioussss budget on aging him? Personally, I think he would be better suited to Pippin now that I'm reading the story again. On some other thoughts, I think PJ should cast himself as Butterbur. Cate Blanchett has already played one queen, let's give her a break. Besides, coming off Elizabeth makes her a hot commodity, and I doubt she would make such a huge commitment right now. And I don't think she is the embodiment of beauty that Galadriel is described as. www.thematrix2.com assures that Keanu will be stuck playing Neo sometime before LOTR finishes shooting (I'm so heartbroken... not). And if Hannibal is happening any time soon, count out Anthony Hopkins as well. BTW, Mike DeLuca's comment about Keanu made my weekend. I hope he doesn't whine to play Legolas. About the shooting...It can't happen sequentially and be correct. September is Spring in the Southern Hemishpere, and the tale begins in Autumn. Details, details....
Yeah, right.... by Insano	Jun 14th, 1999 09:31:34 PM
With the exception of a few people who have it together, the rest of you people should get your one hand out of your pants and your other off your issue of Babylon 5 Collector's Magazine, and get a clue. There is no way in hell that Claudia Christian is in any of those movies. This is either another masturbating fan boys wet dream casting, or more of Claudia Christian's perception of reality. The same reality that had her being the persecuted lover of Babylon 5 who was unceremoniously dumped from her role, rather than the person that made unreasonable demands and refused to sign a contract. If any of you poor deluded morons still think she or any of the other lame-ass fan boy casting choices bandied about are actually under consideration (contrary to popular belief, casting people don't immediately go through the casts of the Star Trek shows or Babylon 5 first, every time they try to cast a sci-fi/fantasy movie)get a clue - they aren't going to happen. Finally, two more things to say: 1)To the guy who called Claudia Christian a "skank". Right on, man! She does look like she has been used and abused. 2)To the guy that immediately got up on his soap box to rag the guy that said she looked like she'd been past around like a joint. Please get a clue and get your hand out of your pants. Claudie Christian is not reading this site and writing down a list of who is naughty or nice, so she can stop by your house and give you a thank you "boink". She would not know, or care to know you from Adam, and would be more likely to hit you with her Lexus or have you thrown in jail for stalking. Har har! Insano
I saw this interview... by Bean Bag	Jun 14th, 1999 11:28:44 PM
When i got home from work late at night I accedently turned it onto this crap show (ground something) and saw her. I thought she said that she wouldnt want to be in SW that she would RATHER be in LOTR. Im sure she didnt say she had a part but said she would want that part to be in the 3 LOTR movie. I dont watch Babylon 5 and have no idea who this woman was but got sudders thinking of terrible people like her in LOTR and thought she could keep dreaming and go back to her dayjob or flipping burgers or whatever she does. Anyway..all this from someone who thinks LOTR will be ruined by its cast at least not the director.
Aragorn's looks, a female narrator, etc. by Vanyar	Jun 15th, 1999 05:14:31 AM
Alessan & BlahBlah are really on to something here. Arwen or Galadriel as the narrator is a brillaint idea. Lends an air of the "backstory" Tolkien created for his tale, as well as a stronger female presence for those who want more of that, not to mention the reasons that "A" and "BB" brought up. I like the idea. Oh, and some poster mentioned something about Aragorn's lack of beard in Bakshi's LOTR. Sorry, but that was one of the FEW things Bakshi got right. Aragorn does not have a beard. And his elven blood DOES show through. In fact it is mentioned that looks uncannily like Elendil and Elros, his forefathers -- something Elrond (Aragorn's many-times removed uncle) ought to know quite a bit about. And the references to Aragorn looking "like a scoundrel" have more to do with his travel-stained clothes, the countrified "act" he puts on in public, and his weathered face - from 68 years of outdoor exposure (he was 20 when he set out from Rivendell to work against the enemies of Sauron, and is 88-89 at the time of the War of the Ring. He is, in fact, a VERY handsome man. Not "pretty-boy" handsome, like Keanu and Leo, but rugged handsome -- more like Gibson, Hauer, Ward, etc. (No I don't want any of them in the role). Daniel Day-Lewis is the man for that role - or an unkown. Namarie.
Claudia Christian by celt	Jun 15th, 1999 06:01:04 AM
Forgive me for being a Geek of things NOT B5, but what is so offensive to some people about Claudia? If you can give a serious reply I would be grateful, because I've never really watched B5 and haven't a clue what this woman's acting ability is like. Her looks are besides the point, since movie makers can do wonders with make-up, so what is the big deal? Also, Lance Henrikson is cool, though I'm not sure that he could be Aragorn.
Hello. Ground Zero is.... by The Consul	Jun 15th, 1999 06:15:11 AM
Ground Zero is the Entertainment tonight of Music Shows. Utter Utter Utter Rubbish.
On Aragorn by Achilles	Jun 15th, 1999 06:33:58 AM
At the time of the War, Aragorn is over eighty years old. He is only a year younger than Denethor, and much older than Theoden. He is a Dunedain, so he ages much more slowly. In fact, he served Denethor's and Theoden's fathers (in disguise)many years prior to the events in LotR. He should look very careworn, and probably somewhere between 40 to 50 years old. However, he is capable of appearing "less foul" such as at the banquet before the Council of Elrond when he is arrayed in more regal attire. Tolkien makes a point of noting it very specifically. I have always envisioned Aragorn as having a beard, that was always a key distinguishing characteristic between Elves and Men. Elves cannot grow beards. But as Aragorn does have Elven blood in his veins, it is certainly possible that he does not have a beard. The end result however is that even if he was a talented enough actor (which he is not), Keanu Reeves is just plain not old enough to play the part. If that meathead any familiarity with the book he would know that. I still think that Sean Bean is the best choice for the role, with Sam Neill a close second.
WRONG! Misquote.... by Abadonn	Jun 15th, 1999 06:51:57 AM
I saw it. She did NOT say she was in it. She said she WANTED to be in...please. Completely incorrect quote there, so don't get to excited/angry. PaulH Australia
To Celt by CaptainBerryman	Jun 15th, 1999 07:41:40 AM
On a serious note, without my usual snide comments, Claudia Christian is an incredibly bad actress. It is why you haven't seen her in much else. The producers of Babylon5 must have been desperate when they cast her. She has limited emotion and little passion for anything she reads. She just isn't very good. Based on what I have read from Petere Jackson and based on the art I saw on the website...I want this to be perfect. You could go with a thousand unknowns who would be better at playing a female lead or female supporting role in this film. Claudia Christian is just plaine bad. I hope that helps. End Transmission.
I am not a guy. by lindzee	Jun 15th, 1999 07:58:58 AM
"To the guy who immediately got up on his soapbox...get your hand out of your pants?" Hel-lo. My name is LINDZEE. I am a GIRL. Maybe this is why I'm so irritated by guys like you who insist on making derogatory sexual references about any woman who offends you. Being a crummy actress does not make someone a "whore". Being irritating doesn't make someone a whore. Check your Websters, man.
To CaptainBerryman by celt	Jun 15th, 1999 08:07:08 AM
Thanks. I can understand your point of view, and unknowns would be preferable. Fortunately then, Claudia's involvement in LotR is a rumour / misunderstanding. To everyone in general: I still think Miranda Richardson should play one of the leading roles, but it is doubtful that's she's even been considered. How many of you out there actually know who she is?
To Celt, regarding Miranda Richardson by CaptainBerryman	Jun 15th, 1999 08:16:50 AM
She's the bad guy spy from the Crying Game...she was in Black Adder on TV, the Fatherland movie with Rutger Hauer on HBO...she was a smart looking blonde in Scots Bridle where she played Dr. Sarah Blakeney and she was a hotty. This woman CAN act. Her cameo on Absolutely Fabulous was great, too. You have a good idea there, Celt. End Transmission.
Re: This rumor.... by Kingasaurus	Jun 15th, 1999 09:30:32 AM
Well, it appears based on the responses in this talkback that this particular rumor is a bit of a false alarm. I'm not a B5 fan, and I can't speak about Claudia's suitability for any role in this project. However, despite all the negative things that have been said, I'd like to give her some credit for having extremely good taste: She'd rather be in LOTR than Star Wars. :) Look, no one's been harder on people like Keanu Reeves than me, but I don't blame people for wanting to be in this thing. At least having a desire to be in it, even if you are blind to your own unsuitability as an actor, indicates you have at least a small touch of good sense. Even if your acting talent or screen persona leaves something to be desired.
Kingasaurus by CaptainBerryman	Jun 15th, 1999 09:41:51 AM
Good point there. I'm sure everyone from Eddie Deezen to Rue Paul would love to be in the new Rings triology. I'm glad Claudia Christian can afford to be so picky with her roles as to say "I wouldn't want to be in Star Wars." I'm sure Lucasfilm execs are pulling their hair out now that Claudia Christian has come out in the open to drop THAT bombshell, wondering what they did wrong, and why doesn't God love them enough to let them have an actress of her ability. But true...we do have to give her credit for taste. End Transmission.
Cast by gingeracrockford	Jun 15th, 1999 10:06:39 AM
OK its me again with some new casting ideas which I nicked off other people-Gandalf JOHN NEVILLE[I saw Baron thingy the other day,he is perfect] Aragorn LIAM NEESON.Frodo ELIJAH WOOD.Bibo TERRY JONES [Im serious].Denethor IAN MCKELLEN.Theoden SEAN CONNERY.Saruman MALCOLM MCDOWELL.Treebeard BRIAN BLESSED.Butterbur MEL SMITH.
gingeracrockford by MadJack	Jun 15th, 1999 12:07:06 PM
I like your casting ideas, but if you're going for voices, I think James Earl Jones would be a slightly better choice than Brian Blessed for Treebeard. And I think Vanyar's idea for Daniel Day-Lewis is a really good one. I mean "Last of the Numenoreans", how cool would that be?
To Lindzee by CaptainBerryman	Jun 15th, 1999 12:22:20 PM
Lindzee...I never said that Claudia was a crack whore. What I did say was that I could see casting her as Arwen (or Eowyn, or whoever she freaking thought she had a chance at playing) if those parts were also crack whores. Sorry, that's my sense of humor. I like it dark. Listen to some more Dennis Miller and Craig Kilborn try to relax...everybody stay frosty. To seriously explain my views... Claudia is a horrific actress with little emotion or passion. I've seen more manure loaders who seemed to enjoy their craft more. She would have been a terrible choice. Arwen is an elf...she is lithe and graceful. And yes it does make sense to cast beautiful women as Elves...because ALL elves were beautiful. Go read the books, you'll learn that. As for Eowyn...Eowyn is much younger than Claudia looks. Sorry, that's how it is...that is how her character is portrayed. Sorry if that makes me a sexist male pig, as some of the emails I have gotten from some posters have indicated, but that is how Tolkein saw her. I tend to go with him on that. End Transmission.
Casting fever by celt	Jun 15th, 1999 01:22:55 PM
Alright: I've decided to feel important and throw in my kind of "ideal" casting (though not complete) ideas for LotR. I know a lot of these will cause untold terror in some peoples' minds but this is after all, an individual thing (that's why we're taking these movies SO seriously, isn't it?). For Gandalf I would put John Hurt; Rutger Hauer could have been Aragorn if he hadn't let his waist-line run away with him; Bob Hoskins could be Gimli; Jaye Davidson could be Legolas (with some serious hair-bleach); for Saruman I'd choose Patrick Stewart (can't we just TRUST him and BELIEVE everything he says . . ?); I think Miranda Richardson would deliver a wonderful Galadriel (or Arwen); Elijah is fine as Frodo (a WELL preserved 50 year old Hobbit); Ian Holm as Bilbo; Max Von Sydow as Denethor; possibly (though I'm not entirely sure) have Antonio Banderras as Boromir or faramir; and Izabella Scorupco as Eowyn. That's all I can think of at the minute, but I think that'll be enough to produce some kind of response. I can't wait to see what kind of hell you lot are gonna give me for this!
To CaptainBerryman by lindzee	Jun 15th, 1999 02:21:50 PM
Look. I agree that she's not a great actress. But a skank? A girl who's been passed around at prom like a joint? Not quite. By the way, nice response. Someone who hadn't read your earlier post might think you were being slandered or something.
Saruman by elelome	Jun 15th, 1999 04:35:21 PM
There is only person in the entire world who could believably pull off the magical voice of Saruman-Bill Clinton.
Daniel Day-Lewis by Publius	Jun 15th, 1999 06:39:28 PM
I like that idea a lot. Shortly before I saw Vanyar and MadJack's posts the idea just kinda struck me, "hey Daniel Day-Lewis would be great for Aragorn, I wonder why no one has mentioned him." Last of the Mohicans is one of my favorite movies, and I thought the presence of Hawkeye in that is very much like the presence Aragorn should have - strong, silent, confident, etc. He has the right kind of look and the right age (42 I think). Plus an English actor who's done a lot of versatile period roles. Moreover, he is known for taking his roles so seriously that he becomes the character, whether it be training 2 years as a boxer for "Boxer," working with seventeenth century farming techniques for "The Crucible," learning to load a musket at a full run for "Last of the Mohicans," or refusing to walk on the set of "My Left Foot." This is in contrast to a lot of name actors who seem to be themselves first and the character second, which is not right for this film. He could be a good Faramir too, probably.
Aragorn by Rudnii	Jun 15th, 1999 07:22:49 PM
Here's my two cents: Aragorn = Neeson Kilmer = Legolas Reeves = Faramir Connery = Saruman (The Voice!) Arwen as a narrator is an excellent idea. She after all has been around long enough to legitimately recount the flashbacks from history.
To Achilles: Re Elves, Aragorn and beards by creamy goodness	Jun 15th, 1999 08:54:48 PM
God I love being a geek. I personally have never envisioned Aragorn with a beard (Tolkien never mentions it, and you'd think a description of him stroking his beard would've gotten in there somehow. If you've ever had a beard, you know that it's impossible not to play with it in some subtle way when you're thinking or nervous or bored. I doubt that would have escaped mention in a book that revels in description...). I also say that because of the lack of elves with beards. BUT, it appears that elves CAN grow beards. Here's the horse's mouth : "As they came to the gates Cirdan the Shipwright came forth to greet them. Very tall he was, and his beard was long, and he was grey and old, save that his eyes were as keen as stars; and he looked at them and bowed, and said: 'All is now ready.'" [ROK, the grey havens] So elves can grow beards, and get all old and stuff. The reason being of course that Cirdan is probably one of the oldest beings in the middle-earth...(with the possible exception of Tom Bombadil, and maybe Treebeard depending on your theory of the origin of Ents)... something on the order of twenty or thirty thousand years old (possibly more - I forget how many sun-years went into a tree-year... shame on me). Given that he was a lord of the Teleri in Beleriand, it is quite possible (though of course debatable, and only speculation) that Cirdan was one of the elves who awoke under the stars at Cuivenen (sp?). But despite that, I still stand by my position that Aragorn never had a beard. Well that's my geek statement for the night. Byeee. -CG
tHE uLTIMATE CASTING AND production list! by morpheus	Jun 15th, 1999 11:21:32 PM
Danzig is Aragorn,Courtney love is Arwen,'The Ultimate Warrior' is Eomer,The vocalist of Garbage is Eowyn,'Tombstone is Boromir/Farmir,A bearded Alice cooper is the (retired old waif) Theoden.Denethor is Hulk Hogan.The voice of Nicki Holmes of 'Lost Paradise" as the Nazgul.Script is by (Mervyn Peake is deadso..)David j. schow/Quentin Tarantino.Directed by either Alex Proyas or Wong Kar Wai!Cinematography by Chris Doyle(did some awesome work in Wong's film),comic adaptation by James O'Barr,desi8gns by Simon Bisley,kickass fight scenes by Yuen Wo Ping (think Matrix),music by this way out wholly orchestral(yup,you read that right) death metal band;was it the Belgian death metal band,Sepulchral?(imagine doing heavy duty riffs using violin!).Keanu Reeves is Celeborn(pls,bear with me);Celeborn only has two or three and couple of lines in the book as compared to Galdriel(how about that SNM Cinese girl in Porter's Revenge),Reeves has only to sit and look pretty!We see too a CGI manic dpressive Gollum that bears a slight resemblance to Kurt Cobain......
Casting by celt	Jun 16th, 1999 01:39:33 AM
I have escaped thus far from being ripped to shreds for my casting ideas. Does that means any of them are valid . . ?
Test by Eva Galli	Jun 16th, 1999 03:05:49 AM

Elves getting old, etc. by Vanyar	Jun 16th, 1999 04:45:24 AM
Creamy goodness is right on target with elves aging. They are not "immortal" in the traditional sense. Tolkien mentions in some of his letters that the elves did indeed "age." The concept was that their spirit was so strong that it ever-so-slowly used up the body or "house of the spirit" as the Eldar called it. Of course, that process took 10s of millenia unless an elf were subjected to extremely harsh treatment or a long, major trauma. That partly explains why Finwe's wife, Miriel, wantd to just lay down her life. She said she used up most of her life force bringing Feanor into the world -- his "Spirit of fire" being so strong. It was mentioned a couple of times that under extreme duress, anger, or other strong emotion, that an actual aura could be seen in the Eldar, so strongly burned their spirit within them. Boy this is getting long. Time to close. Namarie
The Awakening Place of the Elves by Vanyar	Jun 16th, 1999 05:00:37 AM
The spelling is Cuivienen, which is Quenya for "awakening-water." Namarie.
Sorry to reveal my ignorance, but by Halcyon Flay	Jun 16th, 1999 07:03:18 AM
Who is Isabella Scorupco? (sp?) And whilst I'm here - Tom Baker for Gandalf, Richard Harris for Denethor! Hooray!! :)
Izabella is . . . by celt	Jun 16th, 1999 08:33:33 AM
an actress. More productively, she was the hot spy in Goldeneye. Use yahoo and go to movies then actors & actresses - go to "s" on the alphabet options and scroll down til you find her name. Then just choose any of the available web-sites and you'll no doubt come across some pictures.
Gods!Females as elves. by morpheus	Jun 16th, 1999 08:10:45 PM
Thanks for the info on the immortality of the elves,Vanyar.Whatever else,elves are certainly not feminine.We can see a progression in of Tolkien's view of elves from the Victorian pointy eared midgets to the original concept of elves as being undifferentiated from humans in features but still recognizable(a theme found thruout the world's ancient cultures beside Celtic).Check out how Tolkien answered this artist that portrayed a feminine Legolas.Has anyone realised that Jedis are basee on elves?As one poster puts it,so many themes in LOTR are explored by Lucas...)
maybe claudia is... by lindzee	Jun 16th, 1999 09:02:37 PM
bill the pony. isn't he in all three books?
Cirdan, feminine elves by Vanyar	Jun 17th, 1999 04:43:14 AM
MorGoth, your comments regarding Cirdan and Galadriel were right on the money. Cirdan did indeed awaken at Cuivienen, while Galadriel, the daughter of Finarphin and granddaughter of Finwe & Indis (of the Vanyar), was born in Valinor. Morpheus, you are quite welcome for the Eldar immortality info. I completely agree with you regarding male Eldar. They are tall, graceful, very handsome, and strong -- but they are not effete, nor "feminine." Of course, the female elves, on the other hand, were the ultimate in femininity. Luthien and Galadriel were the most beautiful women (elf or otherwise) that ever walked the earth - and that's saying something. And remember, that beauty/handsomeness was much more than just their physical appearance. The Eldar's "fea" or spirit was of a high order and radiated through them to make them even more lovely. I always thought it interesting how Tolkien regretted using the term "elf" in describing that race, since "elf" paints a very different mental image for most people from what Tolkien intended for the Eldar (people of the stars), aka Quendi (the speakers). As for their ears, as many posters have debated, the only reference Tolkien makes in any of his correspondence is that they had slightly "leaf-shaped" ears, so they were very subtley pointed, nothing so obvious as, say, Vulcan auditory endowments. By Elbereth, I love corresponding with fellow Tolkienians like this. Namarie.
Elvish Ears by celt	Jun 17th, 1999 05:24:02 AM
I have seen several "pencil" sketches of the Elves in different publications (yes, including Role-Playing rule books). They got around the shape of Elves' Ears by cleverly designing them with concealing hair-dos. It didn't detract from their Elvishness nor their beauty, and would probably be a good way for PJ to avoid the complication.
Duncan Regehr and John Hertzler by sjso	Jun 17th, 1999 12:31:33 PM
Both could play several different parts, but I think Duncan is perfect for Aragorn or Faramir, and John could play any of the cranky white-haired and bearded older men in the movie! as for Arwyn, I vote for Catherine Zeta Jones!
Another role... by Cram	Jun 17th, 1999 03:48:00 PM
Another idea on the casting of Ms. Christian. I don't know how many liberties PJ is taking with the script, but one, albeit strange, option may be to make one of the hobbits a woman. Like Merry or Sam. And then she could be in all three. Just a thought. It also might be more PC to put at least one female in the adventuring party...
Sorry I responded before reading by Cram	Jun 17th, 1999 04:22:25 PM
I thought I really was onto something with that Merry/Sam thing. Oh well. In the script that I actually started writing for this movie before that bastard Jackson announced HE was making it :) I had the movie begin when Gandalf arrives at the Grey Havens and Cirdan gives him the ring of fire. My cast is as follows (Hey I DID write the script): Gandalf is Patrick Stewart, Aragorn is Sam Neill, Saruman is James Earl Jones (what a voice!), Joanne Whalley as Eowyn, Emma Thompson as Galadriel, Cary Elwes as either Legolas or Faramir, Angus from Braveheart as Boromir, Sophie Marceau as Arwen. Flame as you must...
Who I Wander? by Vaelyn	Jun 17th, 1999 08:04:57 PM
Her comment brings to mind this: all THREE movies? I can't think of a female charecter who is in all three books. Perhaps they are cutting enough out of the first that the second will intrude into the first movie, and she is playing Eowyn. Either that, or Galadriel is who she will be playing, and her part will be featured quite a bit in the second movie. In the second book the only event in which Galadriel is involved is the flashback of Gandalf's visit to LothLorien after he returned from his battle with the Balrog. ?????????????????????????????? ????
In Claudia's Defense! by Vaelyn	Jun 17th, 1999 08:25:04 PM
After posting my last message I have read most of the others. FOR SHAME!!! I think Claudia Christian is a great actor. SHe may not be much for showing active emotion during passive seens, BUT, she can show very reserved emotion (quiet type) very well. That, combined with her ability to use words in a Kick @$$ way, would make her a great Eowyn. I think anyone who didn't like her in B5 shouldn't claim to be a fan. B5 was mostly about issues that must have passed under your nose, because you surely could not have gotten the theme of many of the shows! As for the ideal casting that's been going on here, I know they will get people who look the part, I just hope they play it as well as they look it! I would value one actor who plays the part perfectly, though looks nothing like the person's description, over fifteen who merely look like the charector, but can't act at all!
Cram's casting ideas by Vanyar	Jun 18th, 1999 04:43:50 AM
Hmmm, you have some neat ideas. I REALLY like your pick of Sophie Marceau (the princess from Braveheart)as Arwen. Hadn't ever thought of that one! Good choice. I can't say I'm keen on Pat Stewart as Gandalf, although his Shakespearean talent would serve him well in that capacity. Just can't see Sam Neill as Aragorn. Competent actor, but thought he just plain ruined the character of Merlin -- made him sound too modern and flippant. But that's just me. Love James E. Jones' voice, but it is too recognizable to use as Sauron. I'd keep hearing this electronic iron lung in the back of my mind the whole time ("I want to know what happened to the RING you intercepted") hehheh. Hmmm, Joanne Whaley as Eowyn, that has definite possibilities. Emma Thompson is a GREAT actress, she could carry off the role of Galadriel without a hitch, but she is just too plain jane looking. Nothing wrong with that, but Galaddy is desribed by JRRT as being flat out, drop dead gorgeous (the most beautiful Eldar in the House of Finwe -- and that's saying something). I can definitely see Cary Elwes in either role, as long as they give him black hair. The only primary elf characters who have blond hair in LOTR are Galadriel and Glorfindel. And, of course, as a man of Numenorean descent, Faramir has dark hair and grey eyes. Not sure who you mean as "Angus" from Braveheart, unless you are talking about William Wallace's boyhood buddy, "Hamish" (of "ye dropt yer rokk" fame). He might do as Boromir, as long as he loses the beard. All in all, some excellent casting choices. For grins and giggles, here's my "dream cast" (everyone feel free to flame away) :-) CAST GANDALF-Christopher Lee or Patrick MacGoohan FRODO - Unknown Actor (I guess Elijah Wood will be OK) GIMLI - Timothy Spall ARAGORN - Daniel Day-Lewis LEGOLAS - Morten Harkett of "A-Ha" or Stephen Mackintosh GALADRIEL - Unknown Actress (maybe Michelle Pfeiffer in a pinch) GOLLUM'S VOICE -- Peter Woodthorpe (absolutely no other choice will do) THEODEN - James Cosmo DENETHOR - Max von Sydow or Richard Harris TREEBEARD'S VOICE - Brian Blessed BOROMIR - Timothy Dalton or Gabriel Byrne FARAMIR - Ioan Gruffud (Horatio Hornblower) EOMER - Sean Bean EOWYN - Cate Blanchett or Peta Wilson MERRY & PIPPIN - Unknown Actors SAM - Martin Shaw ELROND - Jeremy Irons ARWEN - Madeleine Stowe CELEBORN - Ralph Fiennes BILBO - Ian Holm or Peter Sallis BUTTERBUR - Colm Meaney (Miles O'Brian from Star Trek) or Pete Postlethwaite ANGMAR, LORD OF THE NAZGUL - Patrick Stewart MOUTH OF SAURON - Anthony Hopkins SARUMAN - Christopher Plummer or Gary Oldman GRIMA WORMTONGUE - Alan Rickman or Rowan Atkinson BILL FERNY - Malcolm MacDowell
Not Sauron... by Cram	Jun 18th, 1999 06:58:17 AM
James Earl Jones as SARUMAN, not Sauron. "I am now Saruman of the many colors!"
Yet another wish list by Dan42	Jun 18th, 1999 09:31:32 AM
I know that everybody is sick'n'tired of this but I can't help myself: Michelle Pfeiffer IS Galadriel. I mean, they DID pick her for the queen of faeries in A Midsummer night's dream (I know, fairies have little to do with elves but still, she has the ethereal look). Elijah Wood is great as Frodo; he could really carry off Frodo's silent inner strength. Colm Meaney as Butterbur ? mmmh... I think I can see it. Sophie Marceau (the princess from Braveheart) as Arwen. Thanks for that perfect idea, Cram. For Saruman (or at least his voice): Patrick Steward. With that voice of his, he could convince stones to sprout legs and walk. Can't you just imagine him convincing you that jumping over the edge of a cliff would be a good thing ?
At last by gingeracrockford	Jun 18th, 1999 11:20:40 AM
At last someone else has agreed with me abouT Peter Sallis.Good man.I like your cast but I am surprised about Martin Shaw as Sam.Did anyone see him in the Scarlet Pimpernel.He was vicious.He could be the Witch King.Oh yeah,I remembered something last night,Nicol Williamson read the Hobbit on radio about 20 years ago.I dont remember how good he was but I MAY have a recording of it somewhere.I llreport back.He could be Gandalf.
Martin Shaw by Vanyar	Jun 18th, 1999 12:14:53 PM
Thank you for those kind words about my casting choices "ginger..." Martin Shaw definitely has the "Sam" look, he is an excellent actor, and his voice is marvellous. Ever heard his unabridged rendition of The Silmarillion? His voice is very compelling, rich and, and, and....Hey, come to think of it, with a voice as reich and resonant as Shaw's, he'd make a marvelous Saruman, or better yet, The Voice of Sauron. I'm telling you, listen to his vocal patterns on "Silmarillion," The way he does Morgoth is chilling. An his command of the intricacies of pronouncing Quenya are amazing. Hmmm, many possibilities in him. Namarie. Oh, and I quite agree with MorGoth, if we had to have Pfeiffer as Galadriel I suppose I could live with it, but she would make a better Arwen Undomiel -- she has that delicate air about her. Galadriel, on the other hand, while drop-dead gorgeous, wasn't named Nerwen (Man-Maid) by her mom for nothing. She is a warrior woman -- and I don't mean a Xena (yuck!) Namarie.
Age of Frodo by Ice On Fire	Jun 19th, 1999 04:53:53 PM
Someone commented on the age of frodo, stating Elija Wood wouldn't be right because frodo was 50 during his adventures. What everyone seems to be forgetting is that Frodo was in possession of the One Ring since he was 33, which is about 18 for us (33 is the hobbits' "coming of age"). As we know from its effects on Bilbo, the Ring basically halts the aging process. Thus, when frodo is 50 he will still look 33, or in human terms about 18-20. Any Lord of the Rings fan should know this. Also, who said Lance Hendrikson as aragorn? Isn't he the guy from Millenium? He is a great actor, but he's way too old looking. True, aragorn is about 90 years old during the time of the story, but as he is numenorian he is still in his prime, probably looking about 40-45. I think Mel Gibson would be a fine choice, but it will never happen. Also, I don't know this chick from B5 as I don't watch the show, but I'm sure whoever is cast will do a good job. It's too important of a film for Jackson to make poor casting choices. I have faith this will be worth the wait. If not, the book will always be there to read and cherish. Later
Eowyn by Izmunuti	Jun 20th, 1999 05:10:47 PM
I don't know if she can act, but how about Gwen Stefani (from the band No Doubt) or someone along her lines for the part of Eowyn? She has the perfect combination of toughness and beauty, although she might be a little too "street" for the role.
Arwen Evenstar by Eldor	Jun 20th, 1999 05:14:43 PM
Hey has anyone even thought of Kate Beckinsale for Arwen? British actress, played in Kennith Branagh's "Much Ado About Nothing", much better suited for "elfenhood" than any others that have been suggested.
Kate Beckinsale by Eldor	Jun 20th, 1999 05:37:32 PM
In case none of you know who she is, this is a web page you can check out. Or, better yet, to see her in action, watch Much Ado About Nothing. http://patriot.net/~krbaylor/i nitial.htm
Legolas = Guy Pearce by Izmunuti	Jun 20th, 1999 05:53:55 PM
How about Guy Pearce (Pierce?) from "Priscilla" and "L.A. Confidential" as Legolas? Mira Furlani (Delenn from "Babylon 5") or Helen Mirrem (recall her performance in "Excalibur") as Galadriel? And of course my Gwen Stefani/lookalike suggestion for Eowyn is only on the condition that Cate Blanchett is unavailable . . .
Aragorn = David Strathairn by Izmunuti	Jun 20th, 1999 06:08:37 PM
In terms of acting ability and physical presence he's perfect; I only worry if he can carry off the accent (I guess I'll have to see his performance as Theseus in "Midsummer Night's Dream" to find out).
Rosie Cotton by Alfirin	Jun 20th, 1999 06:10:46 PM
Maybe you forgot Rosie Cotton, Sam
Frodo's Age, Aragorn's Looks by Vanyar	Jun 21st, 1999 04:51:53 AM
Ice on Fire your explanations of Frodo's age and Aragorn's looks hit the old glamhoth right on the head! Great to read so many insightful comments from devoted JRRT fans. Namarie.
Tolkien Votes by Arwynn	Jun 21st, 1999 08:35:29 AM
sorry, off the topic, but vote for tolkien at www.freevote.com/booth/fav_aut hor
Claudia Christian - unlikely by pjc	Jun 21st, 1999 08:49:15 AM
I was big fan of CC in Babylon 5. She had a good part and ran with it. Her range may be limited, but she glowers with the best of them. Having said that, I don't see her in as a likely candidate for Eowyn, who needs to be younger, and, well, boyish to pull of the Elfhelm/Eowyn impersonation. Galadrial would be a challenge, and no mistake. She could do the menace, but I am not so sure about the ancient wisdom bit. We are in any case, probably making a mountain out of an offhand quip. Having said that, I do not consider to references to crack whores to be the mark of a gentleman, even in jest. Ivanova, in contrast, would likely rip your lungs out.
Vanyar's casting by Publius	Jun 22nd, 1999 05:00:35 PM
I like it overall, at least those names I recognize. Especially Day-Lewis. ;) I think Rowan Atkinson could do a good Gollum voice too - he uses those throaty sounds as Bean. The one problem I have is with the proposals being made for Sam generally. Isn't Sam younger than Frodo? And as Ice On Fire pointed out 50 for a hobbit shouldn't look like 50 for a human. Martin Shaw is in his mid 50s.
casting by pollux	Jun 22nd, 1999 08:53:04 PM
I think sean connery would play an excellent choice for Gandalf. The wise and traveled wizard guiding the hobbit and aiding the fellowship...much as Ramirez to Connor McCloud in the original Hoighlander. The actor who played Merlin on the TV mini-series whould make a good aragorn. Armand Assante as Gimli. Any comments anyone?
Claudia Christian by Althorn II	Jun 27th, 1999 11:30:09 PM
All I know about Claudia is that she
Eowyn's Age... by Pogie	Jul 8th, 1999 02:54:42 PM
Ice on Fire--dead on with the analysis of Frodo's appearance. Eowyn is 24 when she meets Aragorn and rides on the Pelennor Fields, incidentally.
Smart guys don't ask chicks their age. by Wolfpack	Aug 2nd, 2006 08:38:06 AM

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