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The One Ring Forums: Tolkien Topics: Movie Discussion: The Hobbit:
Why Orlando Bloom should be in 'The Hobbit'

News from Bree
spymaster@theonering.net

Jan 26 2010, 1:30am

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Why Orlando Bloom should be in 'The Hobbit'	Can't Post

PARK CITY, Utah -- Orlando Bloom is was at the Sundance Film Festival promoting "Sympathy For Delicious," an independent film directed by Mark Ruffalo. Bloom, of course, was launched to fame by his turn as practically divine (looking) Elf Legolas in Peter Jackson's film trilogy, "The Lord of The Rings."

And without a doubt (besides the obvious and absolutely vital return of Gandalf to the silver screen) he is the member of the Fellowship of the Ring who should be in Guillermo del Toro's two-part adaptation of "The Hobbit." Here is why:

Every actor associated with Jackson's films seems to get some variation of the red-carpet question, "Will you be in 'The Hobbit'?" Elijah Wood, Dominic Monaghan, Billy Boyd, Sean Astin, Viggo Mortensen, and Liv Tyler among others have all been peppered by the media on the subject. The answer usually mentions a willingness to do so by the actor with profuse praise for Jackson and then the admission that it doesn't make a lot of sense, in the context of the films, to do it.

In fact, such appearances would completely ignore continuity from J.R.R. Tolkien's books and would also seemingly disregard Jackson's films' common sense where young Hobbits would be showing up decade's before their own birth to make a cameo.

But Bloom certainly wouldn't be too young if Legolas's comments regarding his age are taken into account. The written Legolas, in one of several such bits of dialog contained in "The Two Towers" says, " 'Five hundred times have the red leaves fallen in Mirkwood in my home since then,' said Legolas, 'and but a little while does that seem to us.' " Film Legolas, based on absolutely nothing written by Tolkien, declares that he is 2,931 years of Sindarin hunkeyness old.

Tyler's Arwen and Cate Blanchette's Galadriel similarly have longevity on their side but those characters lack the historical probability of being in the right place at the right time to place them squarely in front of "The Hobbit," cameras which weighs heavily in Bloom's favor.

The MTV blog chatted Bloom up during his Sundance promotional efforts and got him to confess that he has already e-mailed Jackson telling him that he would be willing to return to New Zealand and step in front of cameras with a blond wig and pointy ears.

MTV then writes a sentence that might get its Tolkien-credibility card revoked:
"It's not particularly likely that Bloom's services would be required for "The Hobbit" as Legolas has no role in the original story, though it's always possible that the actor could play Thranduil, Legolas' father who appears as the Elvenking in the story."

(Okay MTV blog folks, we are just kidding! Nobody wants to revoke that 'imaginary' card and we heart you for asking lots of 'Hobbit' questions at every turn.)

First, Bloom cannot, should not, must not, play Thranduil as it would take every viewer around the world out of the story immediately and doubly fast if / when his royal heart-throbness flexed his cheek muscles into a smile. (Although it is unknown if Thranduil so much as grinned.)

But more importantly, while Legolas didn't expressly have a role in the original story, it is highly likely that he was present at some of the big events described there. Tolkien wrote "The Hobbit," years before he completed "The Lord of the Rings," so while the character of Legolas wasn't mentioned by name, his name was in use in Tolkien's (at the time) great unpublished mythos which became "The Silmarillion". At the time of that writing the Good Professor had not yet tied "The Hobbit" to his epic creation but later when he wove the two together he pulled out and dusted off the Elvish name which means "Green leaf".

In LOTR, Legolas is in Rivendell just in time for the Council of Elrond because he carried the news of Gollum's escape from his father's forest home. (You might imagine these Elves would have tightened dungeon security after 13 Dwarves snuck out, but apparently not!)

His mission to Elrond demonstrates that:
A) He was a trusted agent of his father (and a Prince)
B) He likely lived with his fellow Elves in Mirkwood

Eighty years prior to visiting Elrond and agreeing to represent Elves in The Fellowship, it is likely that Legolas was in Mirkwood with his father, probably advising dad and opposing the trouble brewing which was later shown to be Sauron hiding as The Necromancer.

An Elven Prince, such as Legolas, would be extremely likely to be involved with a baker's dozen tight-lipped Dwarves discovered and captured in Mirkwood. And later when those captives went mysteriously missing, he would be informed, if not directly involved, in the aftermath.

Further, when an army of Elves were mustered to march to The Lonely Mountain for war in the Battle of Five Armies, it seems unthinkable that Legolas wouldn't be among their number if not leading them in some manner.

So while Legolas had no explicit role spelled out in the text, Princes of Mirkwood wouldn't miss events like the notable capture of Dwarves or the restoration of his father's honor and kingdom via war.

Now if it were up to me, Bloom would probably not speak a word in either of the two Hobbit films but would stand behind ~~Doug Jones~~ Thranduil silently supporting and honoring his father. He would definitely be present at the flicks' biggest battle doing low-key but unmistakable Legolas moves.

I don't know that Bloom would agree to a part with no dialog but if he would it would be a classic nod to his non-mention in the books while providing a line of continuity from del Toro's films to Jackson's. It wouldn't require a large time commitment either and would likely delight studios and financiers. It wouldn't be an over-the-top, distracting cameo but a tasteful, clever and humorous walkthrough that would also feel just 'right'.

Opinions expressed belong solely to the author and not necessarily shared by TheOnering.net

(This post was edited by calisuri on Jan 26 2010, 4:00pm)

Subject	User	Time
Why Orlando Bloom should be in 'The Hobbit'	News from Bree	Jan 26 2010, 1:30am
I don't mind either way, as long as Thranduil isn't a lizard with an accent.//	7777777	Jan 26 2010, 10:38am
I agree to 100%, just dont ruin it	macfalk	Jan 26 2010, 10:41am
Bene trovatto	ceti	Jan 26 2010, 10:42am
Continuity Nod	Laerasyn	Jan 26 2010, 11:40am
Bringing continuity to the books is	SirDennisC	Jan 26 2010, 3:08pm
aragorn and arwen	djinni	Jan 26 2010, 10:07pm
I believe	Arwen's daughter	Jan 26 2010, 10:12pm
Aragorn is only ten but he is at Imladris living as Estel when Bilbo & Company arrive.	Kangi Ska	Jan 26 2010, 10:25pm
Snippet scene	Eldorion	Jan 26 2010, 10:12pm
I agree with this 100%	Arwen's daughter	Jan 26 2010, 10:23pm
It would be great to see Orlando back	PettyMim	Jan 26 2010, 12:58pm
Agreed. A glorified cameo is all that's necessary	Tiria	Jan 28 2010, 9:21am
A very strong case!	deej	Jan 26 2010, 12:59pm
I'm on the fence about this really	Twit	Jan 26 2010, 1:40pm
Bloom could play either Legolas or Thranduil	Gildor	Jan 26 2010, 2:27pm
There are many reasons that Orlando shouldn't play Thranduil	Kangi Ska	Jan 26 2010, 3:12pm
Now that I have held you in suspense	Kangi Ska	Jan 26 2010, 3:34pm
I agree...	Boromirlives	Jan 26 2010, 4:01pm
Yah but they were drinkin' that cheap Rohan Light Mead!	Kangi Ska	Jan 26 2010, 4:35pm
What proof?	Boromirlives	Jan 26 2010, 5:14pm
also	macfalk	Jan 26 2010, 2:54pm
Anyone read the book?	Kangi Ska	Jan 26 2010, 3:17pm
Have to be careful	Boromirlives	Jan 26 2010, 2:59pm
Gollum did not escape from the dungeons of the elves	Kangi Ska	Jan 26 2010, 3:22pm
If only!!!	Eryn	Jan 26 2010, 5:17pm
Agreed, agreed, agreed.	guitarzankansasfan	Jan 26 2010, 5:42pm
I don't want him there	Arwen's daughter	Jan 26 2010, 6:51pm
I would argue about Bard	Ainu Laire	Jan 27 2010, 2:00am
agree about Bard	almas_sparks	Jan 27 2010, 2:13am
I always thought so	_V_	Jan 26 2010, 7:00pm
Yor thoughts are intriguing	Kangi Ska	Jan 26 2010, 8:40pm
Legolas in the Hobbit...	Arasinya	Jan 26 2010, 7:17pm
Yes, quite a lot of room for Leggy	SirDennisC	Jan 26 2010, 11:03pm
Legolas should be in TH	Nesse	Jan 26 2010, 7:38pm
What if he kills Smaug?	Nazgul	Jan 26 2010, 8:31pm
If anyone but Bard Kills Smaug: Epic Failure.IMO//	7777777	Jan 26 2010, 8:39pm
I suggest you read the book.//	Kangi Ska	Jan 26 2010, 8:42pm
They should have him join the dwarves after Mirkwood! Then send him in to talk to Smaug and shoot him afterward! //	Arwen's daughter	Jan 26 2010, 9:07pm
was this...	sticklebat	Jan 26 2010, 9:53pm
What if Smaug eats him like the lawyer in Jurassic Park?	Kangi Ska	Jan 26 2010, 9:57pm
No. Just no. //	Ainu Laire	Jan 27 2010, 1:53am
Agree....	Eruthurin	Jan 28 2010, 4:03am
Quite possible he could cameo...	Sharky	Jan 28 2010, 7:05am
Legolas	Pete	Jan 28 2010, 7:29am
This very point...	Elizabeth	Jan 28 2010, 7:59am
squire made an excellent point in that thread	Arwen's daughter	Jan 28 2010, 6:14pm
Bloom is not a boxoffice draw!	almas_sparks	Jan 28 2010, 3:20pm
Easy there please Almas	Tim	Jan 28 2010, 3:38pm
he can come back	almas_sparks	Jan 28 2010, 6:22pm
well	Annael	Jan 29 2010, 1:54am
A few unwarranted claims here	Eldorion	Jan 26 2010, 9:25pm
Dorwinion Wine	Plurmo	Jan 26 2010, 10:00pm
Unnecessary...	Morthoron	Jan 26 2010, 11:32pm
"We are the chorus, and we agree. We agree, we agree, we agree!" //	squire	Jan 26 2010, 11:48pm
A cool moment I think...	Pete	Jan 27 2010, 12:43am
I agree completely except for one point	Eldorion	Jan 27 2010, 12:52am
Peter Jackson's LOTR was totally revisionist!	Gildor	Jan 27 2010, 5:57am
You won't 'get' Morothorn with this argument	sador	Jan 27 2010, 7:26am
Interpretation is not the same as outright changing //	Eldorion	Jan 27 2010, 3:16pm
Interpretation or change	Gildor	Jan 27 2010, 5:55pm
Legolas in the Hobbit would not be a 'change'.....	Arawen Tinuviel	Jan 27 2010, 6:04pm
What movies did you watch?	Eldorion	Jan 27 2010, 6:08pm
Alteration=change :)	Arawen Tinuviel	Jan 27 2010, 6:16pm
I know that	Eldorion	Jan 27 2010, 6:27pm
Eldorion , this is what I meant :)	Arawen Tinuviel	Jan 27 2010, 7:00pm
Huh?	Eldorion	Jan 27 2010, 7:06pm
To avoid more confusion :)	Arawen Tinuviel	Jan 27 2010, 7:22pm
I understand now, thank you //	Eldorion	Jan 27 2010, 9:21pm
make up my mind	Gildor	Jan 27 2010, 7:14pm
I can't make it up for you, but:	Eldorion	Jan 27 2010, 9:19pm
I'm not saying it would be a good choice	Gildor	Jan 28 2010, 4:02am
The implicit assumption...	Eldorion	Jan 28 2010, 2:33pm
some changes good some bad	Gildor	Jan 28 2010, 4:08pm
I think we agree on at least one thing:	Eldorion	Jan 28 2010, 7:06pm
Thranduil not in The Hobbit, correct me if I'm wrong and other things	Gildor	Jan 29 2010, 6:45pm
Thranduil IS in The Hobbit...	Eldorion	Jan 29 2010, 7:14pm
not having Thranduil's name	Gildor	Jan 29 2010, 7:31pm
Bilbo was writing a story...	Eldorion	Jan 30 2010, 4:40pm
three more things...	Gildor	Jan 30 2010, 2:25am
White Council/Necromancer	almas_sparks	Jan 30 2010, 5:10am
light and dark	Gildor	Jan 30 2010, 5:45am
"I just hope it is not written as simplistically and light-hearted as the book... "	Eldorion	Jan 30 2010, 4:48pm
TH being a children's book...	Eldorion	Jan 30 2010, 4:46pm
Er, Lurtz, Lutz, what`s his face super-Orc	almas_sparks	Jan 28 2010, 12:34am
Changes	Eldorion	Jan 27 2010, 6:05pm
Bingo!	Jettorex	Jan 28 2010, 2:08am
when an army of Elves were mustered ... it seems unthinkable that Legolas wouldn't be among	hanne	Jan 27 2010, 12:53am
I do not know what it will take to get this point across	Kangi Ska	Jan 27 2010, 3:17am
You did	hanne	Jan 27 2010, 3:37pm
Yay, more shield-surfing!	almas_sparks	Jan 27 2010, 1:50am
YES!	Eruwestial37	Jan 27 2010, 8:40am
Why fix something that is not broken? :)	Arawen Tinuviel	Jan 27 2010, 9:08am
arawen	macfalk	Jan 27 2010, 10:15am
Can you explain, please :)	Arawen Tinuviel	Jan 27 2010, 10:26am
Well...	macfalk	Jan 27 2010, 10:39am
A story in its own right :)	Arawen Tinuviel	Jan 27 2010, 11:16am
so what?	sticklebat	Jan 27 2010, 6:17pm
Because "A Diversion" and shield-surfing are so popular	almas_sparks	Jan 27 2010, 3:33pm
Seriously?	Eldorion	Jan 27 2010, 3:37pm
I believe that was almas' point. //	Arwen's daughter	Jan 27 2010, 4:18pm
I guess my sarcasm detector is broken then //	Eldorion	Jan 27 2010, 4:39pm
My point exactly	almas_sparks	Jan 27 2010, 5:45pm
Yes, I think Legolas could be a part of The Hobbit	Chiticot	Jan 27 2010, 10:16am
The hobbit. And then some.	Elladan	Jan 27 2010, 1:18pm
Crossing 'the bridge' :)	Arawen Tinuviel	Jan 27 2010, 2:51pm
Let The Hobbit be The Hobbit	Eldorion	Jan 27 2010, 3:15pm
A change Tolkien would like	Goldberry of the river	Jan 27 2010, 8:15pm
You do realize...	Eldorion	Jan 27 2010, 9:15pm
I didn't know that	Goldberry of the river	Jan 27 2010, 10:01pm
That's a possibility...	Eldorion	Jan 27 2010, 10:06pm
I've decided...	Lunamoth	Jan 27 2010, 9:23pm
OH NO!	Eldorion	Jan 27 2010, 9:31pm
Please cite your source	Lunamoth	Jan 27 2010, 9:48pm
It's called sarcasm ;)	Eldorion	Jan 27 2010, 10:04pm
I have to admit	Arwen's daughter	Jan 27 2010, 10:04pm
It was an eyeroll	Lunamoth	Jan 27 2010, 10:27pm
You're right	Arwen's daughter	Jan 27 2010, 10:47pm
You have a point	Goldberry of the river	Jan 27 2010, 11:01pm
It's very easy	Ataahua	Jan 27 2010, 11:24pm
really...	sticklebat	Jan 27 2010, 10:05pm
Why?	Goldberry of the river	Jan 27 2010, 10:17pm
Legolas just isn't a character in The Hobbit	Eldorion	Jan 27 2010, 10:25pm
Tolkien himself made the connection of Legolas to the Hobbit.	Kangi Ska	Jan 28 2010, 3:48pm
But...	Eldorion	Jan 28 2010, 3:55pm
I agree with you :)	Arawen Tinuviel	Jan 28 2010, 4:07pm
In this case the connection exists all ready. For many Orly is Legolad	Kangi Ska	Jan 28 2010, 4:15pm
Is it too much to ask for "just" The Hobbit, without major cuts or additions? Yes	Kangi Ska	Jan 28 2010, 4:08pm
I think that tells us more about...	Eldorion	Jan 28 2010, 4:19pm
A full realization of all of the Hobbit	Kangi Ska	Jan 28 2010, 4:49pm
Where did I suggest...	Eldorion	Jan 28 2010, 7:09pm
The book is that long, the story is more complex than many seem to think.	Kangi Ska	Jan 28 2010, 11:05pm
Even with no compression...	Eldorion	Jan 29 2010, 2:15am
"the Hobbit...would be too long for a single film but too short for two movies"	squire	Jan 28 2010, 11:19pm
quite simply put...	sticklebat	Jan 28 2010, 9:18am
Not 100% sure	Elladan	Jan 28 2010, 12:05pm
I assume you're thinking of Letter 131	Eldorion	Jan 28 2010, 2:46pm
fair enough...	sticklebat	Jan 28 2010, 6:50pm
His writing habits weren't nearly so precise	Tiria	Jan 28 2010, 11:19pm
He definitely changed a lot...	Eldorion	Jan 29 2010, 2:10am
Legolas worthy and legitimate	Plurmo	Jan 27 2010, 10:46pm
First movie script is done so adding Legolas means rewriting	almas_sparks	Jan 28 2010, 12:52am
You are assuming that he's not already writen in	piscator	Jan 28 2010, 2:22am
I was thinking the same thing. //	Kangi Ska	Jan 28 2010, 2:33am
Good	SirDennisC	Jan 28 2010, 3:44pm
It also assumes that Mirkwood appears in the first script	Arwen's daughter	Jan 28 2010, 6:07pm
I am now definitely 'for' a Legolas appearance	Eryn	Jan 28 2010, 8:19pm
Welcome, Eryn!	Eldorion	Jan 28 2010, 8:48pm
Actually Tolkein infered that Legolas was there	Kangi Ska	Jan 28 2010, 11:11pm
Gloin was probably...	Eldorion	Jan 29 2010, 2:07am
We had that discussion in another thread and it was settled that what you say was true But	Kangi Ska	Jan 29 2010, 2:54am
The interpretation that Legolas was among the guards...	Eldorion	Jan 29 2010, 3:44am
I agree	Lark	Jan 29 2010, 5:07am
All I was saying was that Tolkien after the fact placed him there.	Kangi Ska	Jan 29 2010, 5:28am
There can still be doubt	Eldorion	Jan 29 2010, 1:42pm
All I was saying was that Tolkien after the fact placed him there.	Kangi Ska	Jan 29 2010, 5:30am
The boards went spastic or else it was my box.	Kangi Ska	Jan 29 2010, 5:47am
good point!	Eryn	Jan 29 2010, 9:17pm
I think	Lark	Jan 28 2010, 10:49pm
IMHO	Nesse	Jan 28 2010, 12:47pm
When it comes down to it...	Lark	Jan 28 2010, 6:01pm
LoTR characters back for The Hobbit	deaksey	Feb 1 2010, 2:27pm
They can't touch Unifinished Tales	Arwen's daughter	Feb 1 2010, 5:32pm
Aragorn shouldn`t be in The Hobbit	almas_sparks	Feb 1 2010, 6:19pm
Orlando Bloom	Othoproudfoot	Mar 21 2010, 6:35am

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