Hi Everyone, I am not familiar with the following source, as to their 'accuracy', but I found this article which talks about an interview with Mr. Lee and his role as Saruman and 'The Hobbit'.
If you have the time and are interested, here is the link:
Empire: Movie News - Exclusive: Christopher Lee On The Hobbit
Here are some more links to different sources that I have found:
MTV Movies Blog The Dailies: June 4, 2008
It would be great if Mr. Lee's character was to be part of the new films. I have heard that they will be filming in New Zealand again.
Hoping for the best for Mr. Lee....
Cheers,
Helen
Re: Mr. Lee and 'The Hobbit'
Hi Helen, thanks very much for the notice! I'd been looking forward to any news about Christopher Lee reprising his role as soon as I heard about The Hobbit, especially since they're going to make an extra movie to fill in the gaps between then and Lord of the Rings. There's so much to say about the White Council forcing Sauron out of Dol Guldur - they could easily squeeze Saruman in there somewhere, he is after all head of the Council.
And yes, Guillermo del Toro might ask Mr Lee on board - he's a true fan, he's even been posting in person on theonering.net message boards to talk to the fans himself. What a nice guy.
P.S. George - you're right on both counts, I've fantasised about Mr Lee playing Gandalf too, but Ian McKellen's already on board. In The Hobbit Saruman is still mostly his old good self though, so he'd be much like Gandalf in that sense.
Re: Mr. Lee and 'The Hobbit'
Hi Everyone, I found a blog that has a UTube interview with Mr. Lee from the Karlovy Film Festival. He talks about the Hobbit films coming up.
It is an interesting interview.
If you have the time and are interested here is the link;
Rama’s SCREEN Christopher Lee does NOT want to play Saruman in THE HOBBIT Movie
Cheers,
Helen
Re: Mr. Lee and 'The Hobbit'
I fully appreciatte Mr Lee's reasons regarding the distance and time involved but if the character was required for a part in the film surely it could be filmed anywhere.
With todays movie magic Sarumans part could be filmed closer to home and easily inserted into the finished film. Just a thought.
After all, do we really want anyone else playing the part ?
Re: Mr. Lee and 'The Hobbit'
We certainly don't want anyone else playing Saruman the White besides Mr Lee. At least I don't.
To film his scenes in London and put it together might be easy to do. I don't know.
But having him there present on location would probably be much cheaper for the studio.
Re: Mr. Lee and 'The Hobbit'
Gandalf for me, cannot be anyone but Ian Mackellan, whio is a stellar actor in his own right. In the same way, I cannot picture Saruman as anyone other than Lee. Now any role Lee would have in the film would be brief, as those who are familar with the Hobbit know , Saruman is barely mentioned in the book at all. As for the second film which covers the 60 years in between, that one is problematic because its not based on a book, but rather buiits and pieces here and there in the early part of the Fellowship (The Long Expected Party). While I understand his reluctance for traveling to new zealand, to complete the film quintet would be a rich reward for all his fans..
Re: Mr. Lee and 'The Hobbit'
Hi Everyone, I found this interview with the Director Guillermo del Toro; concerning 'The Hobbit' and I guess he may be doing a remake of 'Frankenstein'. Anyway, Mr. Lee and Mr. Karloff are both mentioned briefly in the article. Also Guillermo's thought on the 'Signature Monsters' in the Hobbit......Interesting bits of info and a bit of thoughtful speculation for us........
If you have the time and are interested; here is the link:
Interview: Guillermo del Toro on Hobbit and Frankenstein - CanMag
Cheers,
Helen
Re: Mr. Lee and 'The Hobbit'
Stuart Ball;40039 wrote:
Excellent link, Helen. Thanks!
I don't blame Mr. Lee for not wanting to travel to New Zealand again. It's an incredibly long way to go for anybody, let alone someone of advanced years.
Still though, if Ian mcKellen is returning, so should Mr. Lee.
Saruman not portrayed by Mr. Lee is like Superman without Christopher Reeve! Peanut butter without jelly! Seinfeld without Jerry! You get the picture.
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Re: Mr. Lee and 'The Hobbit'
[quote=Steve Marc;39731
On the other hand: Guillermo del Toro is a fan of Mr. Lee and rumors have it, that he offered him parts in "Blade 2" (2002) and "Hellboy 2" (2008) which he turned down. And rightly so, because in my opinion Mr. Lee is not suited for this kind of over-the-top comic spectacle!
Hmm. I disagree. Mr. Lee would've been great in Hellboy II and Blade II. Both of them were entertaining, and well made films.
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Re: Mr. Lee and 'The Hobbit'
The idea of Mr. Lee not being among us is such a dreadfully sad thought! Of course they could do his scenes in Britain. The trip to New Zealand could be a leisurely cruise on a wonderful ship with top notch docs on board (just in case). I don't blame him for wanting to remain close to home. For heaven's sake, he's been working his tail off since he left school! I think he's earned the right to relax in his own country for a change. He knows we're on his side no matter what.
Re: Mr. Lee and 'The Hobbit'
Would be a wonderful opportunity for Mr. Lee, but travelling to New Zealand and filming over such a long period of time could be too much. And pribcipal photography won't beginn until 2010 I think.
On the other hand: Guillermo del Toro is a fan of Mr. Lee and rumors have it, that he offered him parts in "Blade 2" (2002) and "Hellboy 2" (2008) which he turned down. And rightly so, because in my opinion Mr. Lee is not suited for this kind of over-the-top comic spectacle.
I'm sure they'll have a serious and friendly discussion over this and we'll see what happens. Fingerers crossed!