I don't recall reading this about a female Gandalf. The "Sam must be female for a love interest" factor was mentioned in at least one news article, so I'm sure there is some credence to that rumor.

What would be your source for a female Gandalf, if you don't mind my asking?

: I'm not trying to sound like a chauvanist, but this bothers me.
: How could they even consider this? I understand the reasons
: why, but couldn't they just stick to the story? If this
: occurs, not only will I boycott the film, but I may consider
: picketing.

Marketing blunders have occurred before. IBM and Xerox gave up control of their markets (PCs and copiers) because they didn't understand the real perceptions in the marketplace.

The fans of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys are upset with Universal Pictures for not devoting as much marketing budget to them as to the fans of Xena: Warrior Princess. Universal decided (wrongly) that the Hercules market was mostly kids, and so the second and third seasons started catering to kids. The ratings dropped off and now in the fourth season Hercules is becoming popular again because Universal has come back to appealing to the real market.

Although I don't agree with the people who see homosexual undertones in the Sam/Frodo relationship, I can understand that some people would imagine such undertones exist. Nonetheless, the script wouldn't have to be written to include whatever someone imagined was a subtext, and certainly the actors wouldn't have to give life to a subtext.

And yet, it's obvious from the explosive interest in Xena: Warrior Princess that a wide audience is not offended by the idea. So any concerns on Hollywood's part, if they are there, are very misguided at best.

: If they do put the story into production, I hope they try to
: make 3 films, because even 2 would create a scenario where
: they'd have to edit too much out.

: I think we all probably feel negative pangs against the concept
: of making this film for a variety of reasons. My number one
: reason is that I have a pretty specific idea in my mind what
: each character looks and sounds like, and to have it
: personified by and actor or actress will dilute that imagery.

I was disappointed in the Bakshi and Rankin/Bass films, but I welcome another effort and even more beyond that. None will be true to the book, though some will come closer than others. For me, the movies will help the tradition grow, even if they botch the job as before.

: Who else? If you're appalled at me for even raising the topic
: a) sorry and b)get over it. ;-)

Well, back when I started this board movie threads were burning up the Usenet and I didn't want to see them here. But as long as things don't get out of hand, any Tolkien/Inklings thread is welcome.

Michael
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The Fairy Tales of J.R.R. Tolkien