The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug - 5 Unforgivable Deviations From The Novel

2. Legolas's Presence

Much has been said and written about Legolas's involvement in The Hobbit ever since Orlando Bloom was confirmed as a cast member, and this is another decision of Peter Jackson's that I cannot abide by. While it is feasible that Legolas could have been around during the time-frame in The Hobbit, given the longevity enjoyed by Elves, the archer's mere presence remains grating simply because he exists entirely within the confines of the Lord of the Rings, and not its prequel. If the invention of Tauriel and her silly love triangle with Kili and Legolas wasn't bad enough on its own, completely ignoring Tolkien's lore is a cardinal sin. For purists who want the events of the book to be adequately conveyed in the adaptation, this one does not sit well. I can't help but feel that Legolas's involvement was Jackson's way of selling more tickets to Bloom's legions of adoring female fans to get bums in seats, which is both cynical and shameful, but at least there's no sign of Viggo Mortensen's brooding Aragorn. Small mercies.