Here is what the Lord of the Rings movies could have looked like if they were cast in the 80s with the top actors of that time!
The Lord of the Rings movies have left an indelible mark on cinematic history, captivating audiences with their stunning visuals and compelling storytelling. But have you ever wondered how these iconic films might have looked if they had been cast in the 1980s with the top actors of that era?
In this article, we’ll explore the concept of recasting The Lord of the Rings movies for an 80s adaptation and consider the potential impact of such a reimagining.
Recasting Lord of the Rings Movies if They Were Made in the 80s!
Image Credit: lotrology
It would be hard to imagine the series without Peter Jackson at the helm, but there’s a chance the 80s movie could have been cool if done with stop animation (think of Star Wars and ILM). However, the first trilogy is breathtaking in terms of effects and directing, so we don’t know if the 80’s would have been nearly as good.
But it’s still cool to think about! Special thanks and shoutout to Lord of the Rings lotrology, who shared photos of these reworked castings on social media.
Sean Connery as Gandalf would definitely bring a different feel than Ian McKellen, but he might work with some over-the-top stop animations.
Image Credit: lotrology
While the 80s adaptation remains a tantalizing “what if,” it’s essential to acknowledge the enduring impact of the Peter Jackson movies. The groundbreaking visual effects, meticulous attention to detail, and stellar performances in the original trilogy have solidified their place in cinematic history.
However, the idea of an 80s adaptation serves as a captivating thought experiment, inviting fans to reimagine a beloved series through a different lens. Look, it’s going to be hard to convince us that there would be a better Frodo than Elijah Woods, but… This may have worked perfectly for the 80s!
Image Credit: lotrology
As we ponder the potential impact of an 80s adaptation on “The Lord of the Rings” series, it’s important to consider the ways in which it could have introduced a new generation of audiences to Tolkien’s richly imagined world.
The 1980s marked a significant era for fantasy and adventure films, and an adaptation of “The Lord of the Rings” during that time could have further elevated the genre’s prominence in popular culture.
For example, Harrison Ford has so many major franchises under his belt we’re sure he would pull off a great Aragorn!
Image Credit: lotrology
Conversely not 100% sure on this one. When we think of Val Kilmer, we have to think about Madmartigan (or at least we do). He’s a little too manly; he even eats blackroot to put more hair on his chest!
Image Credit: lotrology
He’s got a giant beard and a big voice, so he could work perfectly for Gimli.
Image Credit: lotrology
This one would give Sam a different feel, and in the 80s, this probably would have been a great choice. However, Sean was already acting then, and how do you replace him?
Image Credit: lotrology
Richard Gere could be a great choice; he’s shown a similar character in other roles, and who doesn’t love a good redemption arc?
Image Credit: lotrology
He gained fame from horror movies, and let’s be honest: Having Saruman played by a horror actor would be perfect. While fans love Christopher Lee extremely, at the same time, this would be great, too!
Image Credit: lotrology
In conclusion, the concept of recasting “The Lord of the Rings” movies with 1980s actors and considering the potential impact of an 80s adaptation on the series offers a captivating exploration of cinematic possibilities.
While the original trilogy stands as a monumental achievement in filmmaking, the notion of an 80s adaptation allows us to indulge in a delightful flight of fancy, envisioning a parallel Middle-earth shaped by the creative forces of a bygone era.
Whether you like the casting or not, this is fun to think about and dream of an 80’s movie that could have been amazing with stop animation. But it would be awfully hard to top the Peter Jackson movies.
What do you think about the casting choices? Do you wish they had made a movie in the 80’s?
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About the Author: Travis Pasch
Travis Pasch
Job Title: Head Writer & Editor
Socials: @paschbass
About Travis Pasch: Travis has been a Warhammer 40k hobbyist since the 1990s, playing the game since Third Edition. Through extensive traveling, he’s seen a lot of the miniatures hobby from across the world, giving him a unique perspective on the latest gaming topics and trends.
Travis’s brother even owns a commission painting studio, where he’s picked up a lot of good advice and techniques for painting Warhammer and tabletop miniatures over the years, as well. Travis joined the Spikey Bits team in 2019 and has been the lead writer since 2020.
Currently, he’s working on converting all his 40k Adeptus Mechanicus models and becoming a true tech enjoyer, complete with both sad and happy robot noises!
