10 More Actors Who Refused To Promote Their Own Movies

There was nobody on the production of The Lord of the Rings who loved JRR Tolkien's novel more than Christopher Lee. Considering he taught himself Elvish and read the book annually, it's hard to find anyone on the planet who adored The Lord of the Rings more.

So, when the London-born performer was cast in the film adaptation as Saruman the White, you'd think it was a dream come true. However, things took a dark turn while filming the final chapter of the trilogy, Return of the King. Even though Lee shot a scene where the fellowship confront and kill the White Wizard, it was left on the cutting room floor. While watching ROTK in private, Lee "couldn't believe what I saw - I wasn't in it!"

Sir Christopher was so hurt, he didn't show up at the film's premiere.

Although actors who don't promote their work are often accused of being immature and unprofessional, pretty much everyone supported Lee's boycott. Considering he was the biggest physical threat in the story, it was non-sensical for him not to make an appearance in the trilogy's closing movie.