Aragorn: I read a rumor somewhere that Nick Nolte was being considered as part of the cast, but the rumor was not specific. I think his weathered look and raspy voice might do OK for this part. I definitely agree that Costner doesn't have the magnetism for the role. Mel Gibson would also be a good choice for the Son of Arathorn.

Eowyn: Sarah Michelle Geller from "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." No, I don't watch the show, but I've seen clips where she kicks serious butt, combined with the fact that she's a beauty make her a good candidate.

Saruman: Patrick Stewart. I didn't see that production of Mobey Dick, but I heard he was great in that lead. I can just envision the first scene where we meet him and he reveals himself as "Saruman of Many Colors!" I also think Gary Oldman would kick ass as well. He plays good psychos.

Tom Bombadil: Believe it or not, I'd say Robin Williams would be great for this part. Can you picture him in hat and boots dancing down the path signing, "Hey! Come, Merry Dol, Derry Dol my hearties!" However, as I've said, it would be my best guess that Old Tom would get cut out of a screenplay trying to cut back some of the story. It's a wonderful part of the book, but when you think about it from a screenplay standpoint, they could get on with the story without him. Another good choice would be the actor that played Indiana Jones' sidekick "Sala" or whatever he's called. He was always very jolly in those films, and he can sing as well.

Faramir: I hadn't thought about it too much until you mentioned it, but Costner would be a good Faramir. Sam Neil wouldn't be a bad choice either. I can picture both of them swinging a blade or making nice with Eowyn in the Houses of Healing.

Boromir: Jonathan Frakes would be good...I think it's the beard.

Legolas: I think DiCaprio would be OK, only because I can't think of someone better.

Galadriel: I would say Sharon Stone if she didn't annoy me so much. Ah hell, I'll say it anyway. The Lady must be exceptionally beautiful...and blonde.

Eomer: Carey Elwes. He was classic in "The Princes Bride" as Wesley, and he can weild a sword pretty well...plus he's blonde, which all of the Rohirrim are, a natural fit. The tough part would be not to laugh at him when he's trying to be serious.

Grima: Martin Short did a good job in "Merlin" as some kind of imp, and I think he could be a good Wormtongue. I admit that it would be tough to get around envisioning some of his Saturday Night Live characters.

Hobbits: If they do CGI for these I'll hurl, but I admit it's tough to cast. There's way too much dialogue to do them via computer, in my opinion.

Not to sound offensive to anyone, but when I think of some of the more vertically challenged actors that have appeared here and there in film, none of them really are too attractive that would sell me on them being Merry or Pippin. Sam? Definitely, but his simple looks and speech are what's so great about him.

Part of the problem with the story when converting it to a Hollywood friendly screenplay is that there aren't a lot of female characters. Rumors of Sam being changed to a Samantha to avoid any homosexual overtones scare and enrage me, but I can understand the quandry. It irks me, but I can understand the need for stronger females in a film.