Lobelia,
Sorry if my entry about Gimli was confusing. Since PJ said the LotR staff would be playing "relatives", I assumed Rhys would be playing his own dad Glóin who was, of course, part of the dwarf contingent.
The same thing goes for the rest of the cast: these would have to be "relatives" in many cases, since the chronology wouldn't fit otherwise. The question is this: how far do they bend the story line to include these actors? Just how would Gondorians fit into this mix?
And are we talking about a one-minute cameo or something more extensive? Perhaps, PJ was referring mainly to the Hobbits.
Iam not sure how Legalos would come over as Thranduil. That would be such a different character than Orlando has ever played. And I'm not just talking about how he looks!
Still, it is curious to think about these possibilities and whatPJ may have in mind....
P.S. I think Astin is such a good actor that, with a bit of make-up, he could make a thoroughly amusing Gaffer.