[Eurytus]

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:<HR> I am still not so sure that this is anything but a nasty rumour. But, if there is anything to it, it surely is a huge mistake - not just as far as us Book fans are concerned, but in terms of the wider audience too. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE><P>I agree that this may just be rumour but apparently Christopher Lee’s official website have confirmed that he will not appear. Haven’t checked this myself though.<BR>For me it will be more of a loss because of Christopher Lee’s portrayal though, which was very good and will be missed. I think that there are elements of the films that make the confrontation between Gandalf and Saruman less necessary though.<P>As far as indicating Gandalf’s superiority over Saruman goes I do not think it necessary. Because of the “exorcism” scene this is already clear. The audience is already aware that Gandalf is now the stronger. You do not need the confrontation to resolve that.<P>As to the sudden disappearance of a major character? Well yes that is an issue but the audience can see from the last shot of him that he is trapped in his fortress, surrounded by enemies, with all his creations destroyed. That is pretty final.<P>Overall I am willing to trust PJ. He is the one making these films and the first two have been excellent (possibly two of my favourite films of all time) and have made major cash. I think he knows what he is doing.