Lord Of The Rings Casting
24/7/99
Forget the rumours these are the facts. Some major leads. This project is shaping up to be something else. I was seriously worried about star ego's messing with Jacksons' vision, but these guys look like they are here for the story and not themselves. So here is the definite cast so far.
Frodo - Eljiah Wood
Sam Gamgee - Sean Austin
Gandalf - Ian McKellen
26/6/99
The below piece appeared on Aint-It-Cool-News. Apperently this person has definitly read the scripts. So this seems to be true.
My Friend,
The casting sheet is acurate to the script though an incredibly simplified run down on the characters that lay within the script. Gandalf the Grey is not humorous and road weary. Gandalf does have a strong character arc that I feel enhances his character as written in the books. His character has doubt about their (the Nine Walkers) chances of success. He feels the wait of Saruman's descent into madness and evil, the sheer number of the enemy and the disorganization of the 'good side' does not bode well for Middle Earth. Gandalf the White is a rebirth... The Steeling of Gandalf's nerves and a powerful character change. Do not fear. He does not crack jokes and he is not picking at blisters.
Arwen is not a part of the Fellowship. The Fellowship is exactly as written by Tolkien. Arwen's part is a bit larger, but I will not spoil her additions Harry, even to you. As this is your first filed report by me and I know many people are going to have doubts about my validity, I am going to contact Moriarty here in L.A. and sit him down to read THE LORD OF THE RINGS. I will not give him a copy to give to you, but the next time you come to L.A. just drop me a line, and I will let you read the drafts. I guard them with my life and do not wish to find them on every street corner, besides my script copy could nail me.
The Cave Troll
6/6/99
All casting rumors will end in a few weeks when Peter Jackson anounces the complete cast. Sean Connery as Gandalf is still being screamed from every corner. Also big Hollywood names are begining to be linked, such as Richard Gere (Strider), Mia Sorvino and Danny DeVito (anyone small). Hope is that Jackson stays away from the big names. We all know what happens when you put too many egos in one film. Kaboom!
5/6/99
The proposed site for Hobbiton. Is this how you imagined it or what. Well Rapier?