Arwen was at least in the book already (even if her movie-character wasn't at all...)

Really, though, who do these people think they are? Middle-Earth is not their imaginary playground. What is so damned hard about just adapting the book? Why this need to try and make it their own? If they want to make their own fantasy movie, why don't they?

Likely because of brand-recognition....

I remember the topic about Arwen's increased role on the radio. It was essentially the lack of women in the story. They felt compelled to fix it, possibly for political reasons, don't know. Apparently Eowyn wasn't good enough on her own. She (Arwen) may also has fit in well for Elrond to talk to in between adventure scenes.

I understand the sentiment... IF they were making an original film. It's a book. That's the way the book is. Call it what you will, 1.) Tolkien was hardly a sexist, and 2.) it's just a pointless deviation, and one that nearly no one liked anyway.

If it was an original movie the scene still would have bothered me. (It's the river crossing scene the the whole *drama* bit after "let him me spared blah blah blah" I'm talking about).

I can understand expanding Arwen's part, but it's like they couldn't really take the time to establish a proper character. They had from the magical glory elf and horse scene to the end of the river crossing to establish her character and scrunched it in.

She's mysterious! *glowy slo-motion horse scene,* She's adventurous! *fleeing to river,* She's brave! *crossing river defying the Nine,* She's tender and self sacrificing! *spare Frodo! (cry).*

All done! Love story time.

Oh, I agree. I meant the whole political correctness issue. I value sticking with the original work over some perceived need for gender equality, especially when they're going to do it so poorly.

And that's my biggest gripe with them. They just can't seem to change things for the better. It's just arrogance on their part, thinking they can improve Tolkien. They don't even seem to realize what the problem with their approach is.

I'm kinda annoyed that screen time appears to be equated with gender equality. Oh well. I won't get into it. This is onen of those things I studied and can go at length, in great detail, with many sources.

I'm a little curious, I admit, what this new elf is going to do and how she gets into the story. Any bets that she becomes the one to free the Dwarves from wherever elf place they get stuck in?

Yeah, I'm kind of worried they'll do something like that. I can't imagine what other role she could fulfill. I doubt they're just going to have her in the background; they made a pretty big deal out of announcing her.

Love interest for Legolas?

You just made me literally facepalm. And I know you know everything that's wrong with what you just said, so I'm not going to say it. :p

Of course I know, and I apologize for the searing pain it may have caused while crossing your mined. Thinking like a producer here. ;)

Go watch Joffery get slapped. :)

I don't know about the whole Arwen topic but for The Hobbit I am just crossing my fingers and hoping it won't be mauled.

gah so Legolas is coming back isnt he...D: i guess seeing his dad will make up for it...maybe. not really, i just want to see Bilbo XD and Smaug.

Is it just me, or has there been no news at all on these films in the last couple months? I know they were taking a break from shooting in July, but I thought they'd be back at it by now, or at least have released some more information.

i havent been paying attention, last thing i saw were the pics of Bilbo and the dwarves.

The Hobbit literal trailer!

"Careful, it's bind on pick-up" indeed.

So... apparently there are going to be three Hobbit films now, instead of two. I have to confess, I don't understand why this is necessary. But, I'm a little too jaded with Jackson's antics to care that much at this point.

Would be interested to hear others' opinions on this.