Age change in Théoden

[A Little Green]

I agree that in Théoden's character, the age is an important issue, and thus find it odd that it should be changed. What would have happened, I wonder, if they had decided for instance to make Éomer middle-aged? (Ok, a lousy example, but who cares.)

I guess the reason had to do with making him look different than the other old greybeards in the film. However, I do NOT find that a valid reason for changing his age.

Indeed, now that I think about it, it can't have been about the actor doing the role. Bernard Hill was, after all, around 60 years old when the films were released (if I have it correctly), so I can't imagine the filmmakers having any difficulties, had they wished to do so, in making him look older.

By the way,

Originally Posted by William Cloud Hickli

His spirit is willing, but his flesh weak: something that PBW got precisely backwards.

sorry to ask silly questions but what is PBW? It might be my brain just won't work right now, or else I'm just not learned enough.