: I agree with people who say that most of the actors should be unknowns. Also, I think it is a bit futile to suggest specific names when by the time such such a movie is made, the people mentioned will be too old or dead.

True...someone suggested raiding the RSC. :-) But it's a lot of fun, even if it accomplishes nothing.

: However, I like the idea of discussing the pros and cons of various actors for various parts, in that it gives people an idea of how other people visualize the characters.

In this spirit, I have a few pointless suggestions of my own:

: Peter Cushing = Denethor

: Patrick Stewart would be good at anything, but I like Elrond best.

: I've heard people suggest Alec Guiness for Gandalf before, but I disagree. However, I think he would be perfect as Theoden.

I used to think Guinness would be good as Gandalf, but I've changed my mind...actually, I can't see him as Theoden either.

: Aragorn, Faramir, Boromir, Eomer, Imrahil, Glorfindel = who cares? There will be plenty of hunky leading men to choose from. Just reserve the prettiest actors for elves and the more rugged ones for humans.

An interesting way of looking at it, although I can't think of a great many hunky guys who can act. Of course, hunkiness is highly subjective...

: Galadriel, Arwen, Eowyn, Goldberry = same idea. Find a great looking babe who can actually act. Catherine Deneuve (sp?) is too old now for Galadriel... How about Bjork for Goldberry?

I kind of like that!

: Robin Williams = Tom Bombadil (end of discussion)

: Saruman = how about Vincent Price?

I would avoid casting dead actors... :-) (Actually, though, it might be fun and interesting to cast LotR with actors of the past!)

: Gandalf.....John Gielgud (sp?) except he's too old and frail (he made a dynamite Prospero, though); Sean Connery could be appropriately blustery, but I think his face is wrong.

That thought had crossed my mind, but after all Gielgud is 93 years old (or thereabout). (I'd love to see him as Prospero, though!)

: What do you think of the idea of an Asian actor playing Legolas? Wood elves are supposed to be more exotic and elfin looking than high elves.

OK! I'd suggest someone, but I can't think of many names off the top of my head...