October 10, 2003

Aragorn/Theoden in Trailer, and Kiran Shah on Fire
Bob Praz

First off, it will have been said already by now, but Aragorn DOES NOT lead the charge of the Rohirrim at the Pelennor Fields; it is Theoden at their head upon Snowmane. Aragorn comes to the Pelennor Fields the same way as he does in the books (with the Corsair ships and all).

As for Kiran Shah, the wonderful little fellow who was Elijah's scale double, I'm pretty sure they were joking when they asked him if he would light himself on fire. I'd have to watch that part again and listen very carefully, but I think it was a joke. There is no scene whatsoever that I can think of that would require him to do this.

On another note, since we've been talking about Olog-hai and trolls, I hope that PJ will include the presence of the monstrous trolls at the Battle of the Morannon, because I thought it was cool when they charged into the ranks of the Men of the West and their chieftain fell over Pippin. However I have seen no evidence to suggest they will appear in the movie at all, except to man Grond at the siege of Minas Tirith (or at least a bunch of hill-trolls do).
Also, I've begun to wonder whether or not Merry will appear at the final battle of the Black Gate in the movie. I can't recall where the suggestion/rumour was first brought up (if it was at all), but I do think PJ considered bringing Merry to the Black gate with the others. I don't know what you think (or if you can confirm or deny this), but I believe it would be great in the movie. The climax really requires all the characters to face the final battle/challenge together, because I think it would be an injustice if any of the main characters were left out of the climax (although this raises the question of whether Faramir will remain in Minas Tirith, but then again he's not as important as Merry or the others).