Lord Of The Rings

IGN: Will you be reprising your role as Saruman in The Hobbit or the follow-up film that links it to Lord of the Rings?

Lee: I’ve heard Ian McKellen has agreed to play Gandalf again in The Hobbit. But my character doesn’t appear [in the book] at all. But then again you never know. They might suddenly put in the council of the wizards. I have no idea. Nobody has approached me and as for this mysterious other film, is it supposed to take place before The Hobbit, after The Hobbit, before Lord of the Rings?

IGN: It’s supposed to link the events of The Hobbit with those of Lord of the Rings. As a Tolkien expert you might be a good person to have on set…

Lee: Well, yes, because you have to remember that they’re thousands of years old these wizards. It might be the time when Saruman the White was the head of the council and was a decent, noble, marvellous person. They might show him in that light because it was never explained why he suddenly turns.

IGN: Would you be willing to reprise the role?

Lee: In the spirit very much so. But I’ve reached an age now [86] where going to New Zealand again would be a very considerable effort. It would not be easy because it’s an exhausting journey. Even with a break I’m not sure I could do it.

IGN: If they could film your part in London, would you be interested?

Lee: Oh yes, of course. I’d be delighted.