Saruman Cut From Final 'Rings' Movie Saruman Cut From Final 'Rings' Movie

The Washington Post ^ | December 12, 2003 | ANTHONY BREZNICAN

[Paladin2b]

LOS ANGELES - In "The Fellowship of the Ring," Christopher Lee appeared as the traitorous elder wizard Saruman, whose snowy white beard and robe hid his black-hearted intentions for Middle-earth.

In "The Two Towers," Saruman watched his power fade as enormous walking trees laid waste to his army of ugly orcs and trapped him in his stone skyscraper.

The final installment, "The Return of the King," reveals that Saruman is ... well, where is he? Certainly not in the movie.

All of the 81-year-old Lee's closing scenes were cut from "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, a move that has angered thousands of hard-core fans and may confuse the casual moviegoer who wonders why one of the story's main villains has simply disappeared.

[Paladin2b]

Perhaps this should go in the "Hobbit Hole" of FR, but I happen to think this is practically breaking news. Christopher Lee and Tolkien fans are legion here in Freeperville, and this looks like an outrage.

[k2blader]

What?????????????????

I was so looking forward to Saruman scenes!

[Wonder Warthog]

"I was so looking forward to Saruman scenes!"

I suspect they will be in the DVD "extended edition"---which is the REAL movie---not the one shown in movie theaters.

[Salgak]

This isn't exactly breaking news: it's been known for well over a month already. . .

[rmlew]

ACtually, the extended editions are being show in select theaters. Last week I saw LOTR FOTR (Extended Edition) at the Loews E-Walk theater off Times Square. I will be going there tomorrow at 3:40 to see LOTR TT EE.
In fact there will be a showing next Tuesday of the first two extended and then at 12:01 AM Wednesday, they will show LOTR ROTK.

[k2blader]

Probably! But then we'll have to wait another year. :-(

I thought the "Saruman defeated" scene was one of the most fascinating parts near the end of the book--it'd make a powerful addition to the film.