: : What I've read so far on the 'net (and it is impossible to sort what is the stated intent of the producers from what is rumor) is that the main characters (and I pray that includes Gandalf) will all be 'no names', with some cameos from 'big stars' (producer Peter Jackson says he himself will have a cameo, probably as an orc). I'd say that's how it should be. The tentative release schedule for the 3 movies is Christmas '00, Summer '01, Christmas '01.

: Speaking of orc cameos, don't you think Michael Dorn could do a great Ugluk? Also i agree with others that Patrick Stewart would be a perfect Denethor

Good suggestions by all. While we're at it, why not James Earl Jones as a voice or even a character?