THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY (2001-2003) In a role that is ironically close to the one he took in the Star Wars prequels, Lee is excellent here as an all powerful wizard who has defected to the evil side and alongside Ian McKellen, Lee adds a thespian-esque feel to the film with his striking articulation and eloquence. However, unlike McKellen, Lee unfortunately hasnt trod the boards on Broadway. The actor brings his usual magnetism to the role of Saruman and I find it difficult to dislike him, regardless of the fact he is scrupulously selfish and utterly evil! It has been claimed that Lee, a massive fan of the LOTR books (he reportedly reads them every few years) originally auditioned for the role of Gandalf but is assumed to have lost out to McKellen due to his age after meeting author J. R. R. Tolkein, who gave the actor his blessing to play the revered wizard. However, Lees screen persona suits the role of Saruman far better than that of Gandalf and it is hard to imagine any other actor playing the contemptible wizard. Another example of sheer villainous perfection!
In a role that is ironically close to the one he took in the Star Wars prequels, Lee is excellent here as an all powerful wizard who has defected to the evil side and alongside Ian McKellen, Lee adds a thespian-esque feel to the film with his striking articulation and eloquence. However, unlike McKellen, Lee unfortunately hasnt trod the boards on Broadway. The actor brings his usual magnetism to the role of Saruman and I find it difficult to dislike him, regardless of the fact he is scrupulously selfish and utterly evil! It has been claimed that Lee, a massive fan of the LOTR books (he reportedly reads them every few years) originally auditioned for the role of Gandalf but is assumed to have lost out to McKellen due to his age after meeting author J. R. R. Tolkein, who gave the actor his blessing to play the revered wizard. However, Lees screen persona suits the role of Saruman far better than that of Gandalf and it is hard to imagine any other actor playing the contemptible wizard. Another example of sheer villainous perfection!