The Hobbit

**Gerald Forkin** · 18th December 2007, 10:10 PM

It looks like New Line and Peter Jackson have settled their differences and are now going ahead with two films based on Tolkein's 'The Hobbit' set to film in 2009 and be released in 2010 and 2011.

Although it's very early days yet it's possible that Saruman could feature in the screenplay (especially as I imagine they'll expand the novel's White Council subplot to give Gandalf a larger role) and therefore it's possible that Christopher Lee could be involved in another high profile project.

Obviously that's speculation, but we can hope...

**Andrés Verdú** · 19th December 2007, 09:03 PM

Hello everyone,

Interesting thought, Gerald. After the disappointment of Lord of the Rings, the only possible thing that would induce me to visit the cinema for The Hobbit would be if Mr Lee were to appear in the film. And, even then, I still wouldn't trust them not to cut the best scenes out. Take care everyone:

Warmest regards,

Andrés

**Helen Dyer** · 20th December 2007, 03:57 AM

Although I agree with Andres that Mr Lee revisiting his role as Saruman would be fantastic and a definite reason to see the film......

Not meaning to put a damper on the excitement of this prospect (Saruman is one of my favorite roles of Mr. Lee)...

I would have serious doubts as to that happening.....It has been a long time since I read 'The Hobbit', but if my memory serves me; Saruman in not mentioned at all; and the white council only briefly.

So to introduce the character of Saruman in 'The Hobbit' would be too far off the path of the original story. 'The Hobbit' only briefly alludes to 'previous times' (as found in The History of Middle Earth; where we learn more about Saruman, Gandalf and Sauron).

Sauron never 'appears' in 'The Hobbit' and is only briefly mentioned as the Necromancer of Mirkwood; Sauron who created the ring. Which alludes to the 'Lord of the Rings'......

But Hollywood is known for their 'poetic license'; so it will be interesting to see what happens.........

Cheers,;)
Helen

Please correct me if any of my 'memory' is faulty..........

**John Farrell** · 20th December 2007, 11:48 AM

Hi Helen,
I think, as we saw with LOTR, Jackson would be willing to create scenes based on what can be inferred about Gandalf's actions once he had left Bilbo and the dwarves. This very much would allow the storyline to incorporate Saruman, as well as more of Elrond and perhaps even Galadriel. But it will be interesting to see.

I can't help thinking of what I would do ( as a screenwriter).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helen Dyer

I would have serious doubts as to that happening.....It has been a long time since I read 'The Hobbit', but if my memory serves me; Saruman in not mentioned at all; and the white council only briefly.

So to introduce the character of Saruman in 'The Hobbit' would be too far off the path of the original story. 'The Hobbit' only briefly alludes to 'previous times' (as found in The History of Middle Earth; where we learn more about Saruman, Gandalf and Sauron).

Cheers,;)
Helen

Please correct me if any of my 'memory' is faulty..........

**Andrés Verdú** · 21st December 2007, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helen Dyer

I would have serious doubts as to that happening.....It has been a long time since I read 'The Hobbit', but if my memory serves me; Saruman in not mentioned at all; and the white council only briefly.

So to introduce the character of Saruman in 'The Hobbit' would be too far off the path of the original story. 'The Hobbit' only briefly alludes to 'previous times' (as found in The History of Middle Earth; where we learn more about Saruman, Gandalf and Sauron).

Sauron never 'appears' in 'The Hobbit' and is only briefly mentioned as the Necromancer of Mirkwood; Sauron who created the ring. Which alludes to the 'Lord of the Rings'......

But Hollywood is known for their 'poetic license'; so it will be interesting to see what happens.........

It will be interesting indeed. There were many elements from Tolkien's Lord of the Rings which were omitted from the films, and, conversely, many things in the films which are not in Tolkien's work. Of course, an adaptation is precisely that, and it would have been practically impossible for the films to have included everything that is in the text. However, I would have liked the films to have remained more faithful to the original work, and certainly there are many objectionable decisions which were taken.

As regards The Hobbit, and, more importantly, the possibility of Saruman's inclusion in the film, I think we have enough evidence from Jackson's previous effort to tell us that they don't always stick to the source material, and so I would not be surprised to find Saruman making an appearance. As ever, so long as the phrase "based on" (or "adapted from", etc.) is in the credits, they can pretty much do what they like. Anyway, we will know one way or the other in due course. Take care everyone:

Warmest regards,

Andrés

**Conny Nierobisch** · 23rd December 2007, 10:24 PM

As a great fan of Tolkien's work I'm very delighted about this news. And I hope The Hobbit film will really come to life. I agree with you, as for "based on" it is of course possible they will creating new scenes.

To pick up John's mention "as a screenwriter":
My idea of creating a Saruman appearance would be the following: after Gandalf had left Bilbo and the dwarves he has a memory about a gathering of The White Council. And Gandalf's memory with a discussion between him, Saruman, Elrond and Galadriel is shown to the audience.

I wonder if Mr. Lee would like to play Saruman again?

Conny