Voice of Smaug?

[Mithalwen]

Originally Posted by alatar

Kevin Costner, as heard in "Robin Hood." (Always remember, to sheep, other sheep surely appear different, and who even knows what marsupials are? ... or something)

Or what of Kevin Kline in "A Fish Called Wanda?"

but Kline was playing an american putting on a silly-brit accent?

Robin Hood...well it was years before I could watch that beyond the ludicrous opening sequence when KC announces , at Dover, "tonight we dine at my father's house in Nardingham", the realities of 12th century transportation being overlooked along with basic geography since they went via Hadrian's wall - about as scenic route as you could get while remaining on the same island. Even Shadowfax couldn' t have done that...

George Irving is best known here for playing the consultant heart surgeon, Anton Meyer, in the series Holby City. His voice is deep, authoratative with a seductive quality that means some of us could listen to him read the telephone directory...

[alatar]

Originally Posted by Mithalwen

but Kline was playing an american putting on a silly-brit accent?

My point entirely...

Robin Hood...well it was years before I could watch that beyond the ludicrous opening sequence when KC announces , at Dover, "tonight we dine at my father's house in Nardingham", the realities of 12th century transportation being overlooked along with basic geography since they went via Hadrian's wall - about as scenic route as you could get while remaining on the same island. Even Shadowfax couldn' t have done that...

Sure, Kevin Costner got panned for his less than believable British accent, but for if you have a tin ear in regards to accents (like most 'Mericans), it mattered not. I still like the movie and find it 100% accurate, factual and believable, given my knowledge of things therein and minuscule attention span.

Surely Andy Serkis could pull something out of his throat for Smaug.

[Tuor in Gondolin]

Originally posted by Alatar
Or what of Kevin Kline in "A Fish Called Wanda?"

Actually, KK could be very good, and do a believable Oxford accent.
Can't you picture him calling after Bilbo as he runs up the tunnel
to the dwarves:

I love looking at your *** when you walk. Is that beautiful
or what? Don't go near him, HE'S MINE!!!

[Ibrîniðilpathânezel]

I tend to be with those who think the voice should be an unknown, since having one that is too recognizable brings along potentially unwanted baggage. But that said, the one voice I can think of that I would've liked to hear do Smaug belongs to an actor who, alas, is now dead: Andreas Katsulas. Regardless of accent, I think the quality of his voice would have been wonderful (somehow, I keep thinking of G'Kar in the lift on Babylon 5, holding out a blood-dripping hand, chanting "Dead... dead... dead...").