Who Should Play Beorn in The Hobbit? [Archive] - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Bêthberry

12-07-2006, 01:31 PM

Besides, am I the only one who fears that Beorn could perhaps share the fate of Tom Bombadil? :(

Could well be the case, especially if TH is "expanded" into two films with background from The Silm.

Still, one would think they would need all the action they can get if they want this expansion. Surely a shape-shifting bear could be used to provide some log rolling if not tree shielding comic relief?

narfforc

12-08-2006, 07:34 AM

Robbie Coltrane, for those non-British he is the actor who plays Hagrid in the Harry Potter movies.

P.S Hairy Potter and The Prisoners on a Razorban, or
Potty Harry and The Goblins on Fire

Lush

12-08-2006, 09:07 AM

Robbie Coltrane would be pretty sweet. Also, Brian Blessed is amazing. :D

Aaron

12-08-2006, 09:21 AM

But Beorn is in my mind a character who is almost an antihero, I'll never forget how he nailed the Warg skin to a tree. Whoever plays him needs to have a real edge.

Lush

12-10-2006, 09:37 PM

Coltrane has major edge. Have you ever watched "Cracker"? ;) And Brian Blessed is also a great actor, with great range. Range and versatility are what's important here, I think.

They could do something really new, and get Michael Clarke Duncan. :)

doug*platypus

12-10-2006, 10:51 PM

Robbie Coltrane, for those non-British he is the actor who plays Hagrid in the Harry Potter movies.
Yeah, for sure. When I thought "Beorn" I immediately afterwards thought "Hagrid". I agree that he has to have a bit of a dangerous edge to him, as well, though. Beorn is a bit of a maniac!

narfforc

12-11-2006, 03:43 AM

Robbie Coltrane IS a maniac, but he is also a good comedy actor and comedian.

Aaron

12-11-2006, 07:02 AM

But Beorn is not comic relief within the book, his brutality is really quite stunning for a story aimed toward a young audience.

Lush

12-11-2006, 02:19 PM

Yes, but Coltrane is capable of much more than comic relief. Hence my mention of "Cracker." :)

Another possibility:

Samuel le Bihan? He was brutal, and honourable, and magnificent, in "Le Pacte des Loups." He's not a huge guy per se (height-wise), but he certainly has gravitas.

Stephen Fry is a big guy (people forget how big he actually is) with enormous range. He might seem too genteel, but he can do it. Random trivia: My boyfriend's dad broke Fry's nose in a rugby match! Which is truly hilarious, because he's half Fry's size! :D

Lalaith

12-11-2006, 02:21 PM

How about Vinnie Jones? :eek:

Sir Kohran

12-11-2006, 02:51 PM

Besides, am I the only one who fears that Beorn could perhaps share the fate of Tom Bombadil?

Could well be the case, especially if TH is "expanded" into two films with background from The Silm.

Still, one would think they would need all the action they can get if they want this expansion. Surely a shape-shifting bear could be used to provide some log rolling if not tree shielding comic relief?

I don't think they'll get rid of Beorn as he's an important character - he saves Thorin from instant death and almost single handedly turns the tide of the battle on the ground. Besides that, is any film director going to pass up a bearded shapeshifter who transforms into a giant fighting bear?

The problem with Bombadil was that he would have totally ruined the atmosphere. Think about it - we have the scared Hobbits fleeing through the night in the shadowy forests from the ghostly Ringwraiths, when suddenly...'Hey dol! Merry dol! Don't you crush my lillies!' The movie would have lost all credibility, I'm afraid.

Kuruharan

12-11-2006, 04:54 PM

I will loudly and wildly second any and all nominations of Brian Blessed.

Stephen Fry is a big guy (people forget how big he actually is) with enormous range. He might seem too genteel, but he can do it.

Sad that I just can't shake the Jeeves picture...I'm seeing a werebear in a tux bringing Bertie breakfast.

mormegil

12-11-2006, 07:21 PM

Me? I could do it.

I'm wondering if they will actually expand the role a bit and have Beorn play a bit more active part in the adventure and battle.

Encaitare

12-11-2006, 08:38 PM

Chuck Norris.

Kuruharan

12-11-2006, 08:51 PM

Chuck Norris.

There are no Wargs, only puppies that Chuck Beorn allows to live.

When the Great Goblin went to sleep every night, he checked his closet for Chuck Beorn.

Chuck Beorn single-handedly won the Battle of Five Armies...oh...wait a minute...

Okay, I'll stop now. :D

The Only Real Estel

12-11-2006, 09:01 PM

William Dafoe. ;)

Well, he is one of the scariest looking actors out there.. :p

FeRaL sHaDoW

12-11-2006, 09:24 PM

I too think Robbie Coltrane would play the roll well.

Thinlómien

12-12-2006, 03:10 AM

I think Coltrane's too obvious and he will look too much like Hagrid for the big audience.

All the critics would write "Robbie Coltrane plays Beorn, the more evil twin brother of Hagrid". Wouldn't that be funny? :rolleyes:

Eonwe

12-12-2006, 07:33 AM

um, Peter Jackson?

Mänwe

12-12-2006, 09:30 AM

Mhm, well we must realise that Beorn is supposed to a large muscled firgure when not in bear form. Therefore although Coltraine would no doubt give an adequate performance I think the role would be best suited to Arnold Schwarzenegger, his roles in Predator and Terminator are perfect for the "isolated" and "weary" Beorn in the Hobbit. Not to mention his build would be ideal.

"Jaa, I'm a cybernetic organism, living tissue over a metal endoskeleton."

Though on a more serious note, I do not believe that Coltraine would be hampered by his performance as Hagrid, I myself could forget about him ever having played Hagrid in order to appreciate his performance...getting side tracked a little, Jeremy Irons popped into my head, not necessarily as the role as Beorn but I think he is a superb actor who might fit the bill for another character however I cannot quite place one. Perhaps Bard?

Oh and why not have John Rhys-Davies back as Thorin or one of the thirteen dwarves?

Aaron

12-12-2006, 12:26 PM

What about Ray Winstone in the role? After seeing him in Henry VIII I think he'd be quite admirable as the barbaric shapeshifter.

Bêthberry

12-12-2006, 01:38 PM

Bob Hoskins. Here he is as Odin and then as Badger, from Wind in the Willows.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y64/MimsyBorogroves/Hoskins.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y64/MimsyBorogroves/Hoskins-1.jpg

He's maybe a bit short for a bear, but that's no impediment to an actor of his abilities. He lumbers very well, has a great sense of humour, and does delicious villians.

I could even see him as Bilbo, depending upon how young the director wants to make Bilbo appear (as opposed to how old he is in the book).

Macalaure

12-12-2006, 02:46 PM

I don't think they'll get rid of Beorn as he's an important character - he saves Thorin from instant death and almost single handedly turns the tide of the battle on the ground. Besides that, is any film director going to pass up a bearded shapeshifter who transforms into a giant fighting bear?

The problem with Bombadil was that he would have totally ruined the atmosphere. Think about it - we have the scared Hobbits fleeing through the night in the shadowy forests from the ghostly Ringwraiths, when suddenly...'Hey dol! Merry dol! Don't you crush my lillies!' The movie would have lost all credibility, I'm afraid.
I expect that the film-makers will take a bit of the 'children's book'-character of the Hobbit away to make it more similar to the LotR in atmosphere. It would be less of a financial risk as that is what the general audience might expect the Hobbit to be.
In the LotR movies we have not heard of shape-shifters, so we need to spend more time for the introduction of Beorn than for those of other characters, because he will appear very weird otherwise (not to mention the animals that serve the companions). The same holds for Bombadil in a way - you'd have to invest a lot of time to make him look "realistic". Otherwise, as cool as Beorn might be, I fear many movie-goers might think "Huh? What is that guy supposed to be? This is soo not Middle-earth!" ;)
And then the question arises: is it worth the effort? Would it be so disastrous to let the Eagles drop the travelling party immediately at Mirkwood? Is Beorn's appearance at the Battle really that important? Would we cut him in order to have more time to invest at the other stages of the story, to give more depth to other characters (for example certain characters that can fly and breathe fire and whom this story actually is about)?
The alternative would be to increase his role, like morm suggested. Of course I'd favour this as well, but what if screen time is getting short?

And now you may throw the stones. ;)

Brinniel

12-12-2006, 03:17 PM

Oh and why not have John Rhys-Davies back as Thorin or one of the thirteen dwarves?
I'm afraid not. He has stated on the RotK dvds that he will never again play a dwarf (due to his allergic reactions from the makeup).

If anything, why not bring back Lawrence Makoare (http://hotbadguys.com/images/makoare.jpg) as Beorn? It'd be interesting to see him play a good guy for once. :)

EDIT: My 1,000th post! :eek:

Nogrod

12-12-2006, 03:39 PM

Congrats Brinniel for the milestone!

Otherwise I'm afraid that Macalaure is right. The party is most economically carried to Mirkwood by the eagles and Beorn can be written off from the battle... Sadly so.

But it could make also a fine action-movieish (?) introduction to show Beorn shifting shape in an introductory action-scene! It would just require lots of explanations afterwards and an action movie would not bear (sic!) that... :(

Why I speak of an action movie? Well it's not going to be a Bergman-drama anyway... :rolleyes:

Macalaure

12-12-2006, 04:08 PM

But it could make also a fine action-movieish (?) introduction to show Beorn shifting shape in an introductory action-scene!
Oh no! The introductory/prologue scene needs to be how Gollum loses the Ring in his cave without noticing it (perhaps while choking one of the more witless orcs from behind?). Putting myself into somebody who has only seen the LotR on screen, this is something I'd like to know about and see, and I can't think about a different time in the movie where it could be placed. :)

Besides, I'm seconding Lalaith on Vinnie Jones.

FeRaL sHaDoW

12-12-2006, 09:35 PM

I think the role would be best suited to Arnold Schwarzenegger, his roles in Predator and Terminator are perfect for the "isolated" and "weary" Beorn in the Hobbit. Not to mention his build would be ideal.

"Jaa, I'm a cybernetic organism, living tissue over a metal endoskeleton."

mabey he would be the best Beorn ...

Mänwe

12-12-2006, 09:37 PM

Originally posted by FeRaL sHaDoW
mabey he would be the best Beorn ...

Good Lord NO! And I have noticed a spelling mistake. I meant "wary" not "weary".

FeRaL sHaDoW

12-12-2006, 10:17 PM

he would be a good beorn he might even put in the "ill be back" somewhere in the movie :D

narfforc

12-13-2006, 05:20 AM

If Peter Jackson makes the film watch out for Bjorn the Bare leader of a nudist colony.

Lush

12-13-2006, 08:19 AM

Vinnie Jones is fabulous. :D

Aaron

12-13-2006, 11:17 AM

Can he actually act?

Macalaure

12-13-2006, 01:01 PM

Can Craig Parker? ;)

I'm being mean, I'm sorry. Seriously though, I don't think you need a Shakespeare-actor for Beorn. It's not like he's that complicated.

Aaron

12-14-2006, 08:20 AM

No but he is quite a deep character being a representation of the awful force of nature in that he is (in my view) equally treacherous and loyal. He'll rip the dwarves apart if he has to, could Vinnie Jones portray this type of person? After watching him very recently in Snatch I'm not too sure

Sardy

01-02-2007, 02:00 PM

Though not a household name, I think that actor Marc Nelson (who is a large man, not to mention an absolute master of dialects) would be perfect! He has a long history in theater (starred with Amanda Plummer in the critically acclaimed "Killer Joe") and more recently was the lead in my own film "The Nuke Brothers."

http://www.brotherscarr.com/dukegun.jpg

http://www.brotherscarr.com/duke1.jpg

--Scott
www.myspace.com/sardy

Selmo

01-12-2007, 06:57 AM

Like others before me, I'll vote for Brian Blessed acting in the over-the-top style he used in Flash Gordon.

The Saucepan Man

01-12-2007, 07:31 AM

I'll vote for Brian Blessed acting in the over-the-top style he used in Flash Gordon.If he took the role, he couldn't do it any other way. ;)

"Gordon's alive!" :D

Still, while he does rather look the part, I am not sure that "over the top" is what is called for in Beorn's role. I see him as a rather more understared character. So, for me, Brian Blessed would top my list of picks for Tom Bombadil, rather than Beorn.

Robbie Coltrane would seem the obvious choice, given his association with the Hagrid role in the Harry Potter films, and I am sure that he would be considered for the role.

Stephen Fry is an interesting suggestion. He certainly has the stature, but I am not sure that it is his sort of role. Then again, Beorn in the style of Jeeves or, better still, Oscar Wilde might be interesting ... :D

What about Stellan Skarsgård? He certainly made an imposing Viking leader in King Arthur.

Or even, as was suggested earlier, Ray Winstone - for a bit of a dodgy-but-salt-of-the-earth-geezer-type Beorn.

Holbytlass

01-12-2007, 09:04 AM

Gotta love imdb (http://www.imdb.com/). Most of the actors suggested I had to look up.

I like the looks of Marc Nelson, Sardy.

How about Michael Clarke Duncan.
He's a big guy and he can certainly pull off the hospitable yet don't get too comfortable Beorn.

I agree though, they probably won't put him in.

Mithalwen

01-15-2007, 12:24 PM

I will loudly and wildly second any and all nominations of Brian Blessed.

Sad that I just can't shake the Jeeves picture...I'm seeing a werebear in a tux bringing Bertie breakfast.

After the initial shock I managed to accept Hugh Laurie, who was Jeeves then a bit typecast in "nice upperclass twit" roles, as "House" ..not sure that it is anything like as big a step for Fry who has played darker roles. However he is sooooo intellectual for what is quite a "primal" role. Might make an interesting Master of Laketown if he could resist the temptation to overact (cf Gosford Park).

How about Gerard Depardieu? He is capable of both charm and menace.

Lalwendë

01-15-2007, 12:51 PM

I suppose who plays him depends on which 'side' of Beorn you wish to play up the most. If you're talking just about a big guy, then there are a lot to pick from - how about Clive Mantle who made a great Little John in Robin of Sherwood? Or are we talking about Beorn's menacing side? Ray Winstone could do both big and menacing without dumbing it down, seeing as Sean Bean's aready been used, or maybe Alfred Molina? Robert Carlyle does menacing better than anyone though, and with modern film techniques it doesn't matter that he's small. Or do we want to go for the wild side? In that case I go for David Thewlis. And finally, what about the shifty, shamanic side of Beorn? Do we want him to be 'intense'? In that case I'd go for John Malkovich or Joaquin Phoenix, even Ralph Fiennes if he could put on ten stone in film tricks and costume (actually, he'd make an excellent Thranduil so scratch that one ;) ).

Thinlómien

01-16-2007, 03:37 AM

Or do we want to go for the wild side? In that case I go for David Thewlis. Nooooooooooooooooooooooo! :p He's already ruined one of my favourite characters (Professor Lupin in HP), so don't let him do Beorn. (I'm not saying he's a bad actor - he was very good in the New World, for example - but he just doesn't fit to certain roles.) He lacks the bear-like charisma Beorn has.

Lalwendë

01-16-2007, 05:33 AM

Nooooooooooooooooooooooo! :p He's already ruined one of my favourite characters (Professor Lupin in HP), so don't let him do Beorn. (I'm not saying he's a bad actor - he was very good in the New World, for example - but he just doesn't fit to certain roles.) He lacks the bear-like charisma Beorn has.

What?! I thought he was excellent as Lupin! :eek:

OK then, but I'll keep him, you can have someone else. :p

The Saucepan Man

01-16-2007, 07:42 AM

Might make an interesting Master of Laketown if he could resist the temptation to overact (cf Gosford Park).I most definately have Jonathan Pryce marked down as the Master of Laketown on my list.

HerenIstarion

10-13-2007, 11:04 AM

... but I suppose you know the guy...

... the one who is Hagrid in Harry Potter

Sauron the White

10-13-2007, 12:32 PM

Brian Blessed is am amazing stroke of genius casting which would be perfect. I realize that the man is about 70 years old - which, on the surface at least, may be pushing it a bit, but he is a veteran mountain climber who is in great shape. So his "real age" may be a lot younger.

Forget about Coltrane. He will forever be associated with the Potter films - and I did not even like him in that role. Giant???? Indeed!

Nazgûl-king

12-18-2007, 06:40 PM

Perhaps Bill Nighy who played Davy Jones in Pirates of the Caribbean could be a good Beorn. As for David Thewlis I think he would be better as Bard.

Thenamir

12-18-2007, 08:58 PM

Leafing through the thread I would second the nomination of Alfred Molina -- I've seen him in several other roles besides Doc Ock, and he was a very intense presence onscreen.

Sir Kohran

12-19-2007, 05:43 PM

The Eagles dropping the Dwarves off at Mirkwood? I think that's just a bit absurd...audiences everywhere would be asking why the Eagles stopped giving them help as soon as they arrived at the most arduous and difficult stage of travelling. Why on earth wouldn't the Eagles just fly them over Mirkwood? I think for the sake of common sense Beorn should be included.

TheLostRanger

12-31-2007, 06:10 AM

A little off topic with this question, but could anyone tell me what happened to Beorn after the hobbit? Was he still alive during the LotR era? Fade in to obscurity? Or am I forgetting something like he died at the end of the Hobbit? It's been a long while since I've read the Hobbit but he was a favorite character of mine. As far as who I think should play him. I don't know... How about William Wallace's friend (The big guy) from Brave Heart?

Lord Gothmog

12-31-2007, 06:25 AM

I have not had time to check all my books but there is some hints about Beorn in FotR

Fellowship of the Ring: Many Meetings

Frodo learned that Grimbeorn the Old, son of Beorn, was now the lord of many sturdy men, and to their land between the Mountains and Mirkwood neither orc nor wolf dared to go.
'Indeed,' said Glóin, `if it were not for the Beornings, the passage from Dale to Rivendell would long ago have become impossible. They are valiant men and keep open the High Pass and the Ford of Carrock. But their tolls are high,' he added with a shake of his head; `and like Beorn of old they are not over fond of dwarves. Still, they are trusty, and that is much in these days.
So far it is not certain if he has died or simply left the area but he did have a son who ruled meny men.

I will see if I can find more info.

Lord Gothmog

12-31-2007, 06:42 AM

Futher information from Tolkien's Letters

From Letter 144

Beorn is dead; see vol. I p. 241. He appeared in The Hobbit. It was then the year Third Age 2940 (Shire-reckoning 1340). We are now in the years 3018-19 (1418-19). Though a skin-changer and no doubt a bit of a magician, Beorn was a Man.
Hope that helps :)

TheLostRanger

12-31-2007, 06:45 AM

Thank you sir, any more info you can dig up would be much appreciated.

Back to my comment about the guy from Braveheart, went to IMDB and it turns out that the same guy plays mad eye in harry potter (who knew) So I guess I will have to ponder the question of who should play Beorn a little longer.

TheLostRanger

12-31-2007, 06:48 AM

Made that post before I seen your next reply. Many thanks Lord Gothmog. You sir are a gentlemen and a scholar.

Lord Gothmog

12-31-2007, 06:50 AM

You are welcome. I am always pleased to be of help. :)

zxcvbn

12-31-2007, 09:38 AM

Somebody mentioned Robbie Coltraine earlier. I can't think of a better fit for Beorn. His portrayal of Hagrid in the harry Potter film comes to mind. He'd be ideal for playing the grizzled, grim skin-changer.

TheLostRanger

01-01-2008, 02:08 AM

Very true zxcvbn. I am near certain he will be considered for the role... but a certain part of me would wonder when his character was introduced in the movie when exactly he was gonna take Bilbo to Hogwarts...

Sauron the White

01-01-2008, 08:45 AM

One of the big flaws in the Petter films for me is the so-called giant played by Robbie Coltraine. The guy looks nothing like a giant and in fact is built like someone rather on the short side. I don't really care how big he is or how many camera angles or tricks are supposed to make him tall - to me, he just appears very non-giant like. Maybe that qualifies him to be a dwarf?

Nazgûl-king

06-14-2008, 07:05 AM

I think Jim Cater would be a good Beorn.
http://www.moviepublicity.com/image_assets/GC_13777.jpg

Knight of Gondor

06-15-2008, 01:04 PM

I think William Dafoe sounds good, although his voice and demeanor seem to me to be too...thin. His voice is a thin, cruel sounding voice (IE, Green Goblin in Spider-Man, Gill in Finding Nemo), whereas I look to Beorn to be a lumbering, boisterous fellow.

Stephen Fry, I know he's versatile, but I simply can't see him in that role. I haven't seen him in anything but A Bit of Fry and Laurie and Jeeves and Wooster, but still.

Auh-nuld and Chuck are both out. :D

I like the look of Bob Hoskins in the pictures.

One guy that jumps to my mind is Gordon Kennedy. He plays Little John in the latest BBC Robin Hood.

http://www.boldoutlaw.com/images/armstrong-gang.jpg
(The bearded fellow on the left)

http://www.rsno.org.uk/festive/images/GGK%20sm.jpg

He has that heavy-set thick face and the unkempt curly hair and an overall rugged look that I picture Beorn having.

Lush

06-16-2008, 02:04 AM

You know, two years ago (gotta love the threads that go ever on and on), someone mentioned Eric Bana.

While Bana is a huge star, and this is a small role, you never know, some actors regularly take pay-cuts so that they get to do stuff they love. If Bana likes Tolkien, he might be up for it. Also, sometimes it's really good to take a break from the big roles, it's good for your resume, and you can really grow as an actor without such enormous pressure that the people in the bigger roles have.