Who Should Play Beorn in The Hobbit?

[Sir Kohran]

Originally Posted by Bêthberry

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.