Xenite.Org News

Sunday Times notes prestigious Tolkien Society is concerned - Lord of the Rings news - J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings

June 26, 2000 at 13:35:48

Imladris has posted an article from The Sunday Times which reports that the Tolkien Society is concerned about Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" production.

A spokesperson for the Tolkien Society is quoted as saying "We have heard that Arwen is leading an elf army at one point and replacing one of the hobbits in the fellowship. I do hope Liv Tyler is not going to turn it into a sword-and-sorcery type role."

The rumor about Arwen replacing anyone in or joining the Fellowship has been refuted by an indignant Sir Ian McKellen, who is a long-time fan of Tolkien and who has stated he consults the book throughout the production. McKellen is playing Gandalf, the Angelic wizard in human form who leads the Fellowship on their momentous quest to destroy the One Ring and free Middle-earth of the threat of Sauron's domination for ever.

The article also mentions John Tolkien, one of J.R.R. Tolkien's sons, who disavowed any connection between the story changes and the Tolkien family.

The full article is available here.