Sounds a bit of a stupid suggestion because he is getting rather old but I think Richard Briers might be right for the role, his voice suits Smaug's characteristics.

I also noticed on page 1 that Beren had said Christopher Lee would like to play the role (Don't know whether Beren shares the view) I think he would really suit Smaug but maybe he could talk with a slightly less serious tone in his voice as he did with Saruman (A bit off the subject but I think he really did suit that Saruman role well, and he probably could adapt a bit to play Smaug).

I don't thing I know the Gent B'arelyn (maybe I've been in the States too long ) . Who is Richard Briers?

And by the way G2911, The Sheriff of Nottingham and Hans Gruber (Die Hard) are the characters that make me think Rickman is The Man for Smaug . But Nighy is a good call too.

GB

Sorry just edited last comment so read the last little bit of my comment!

Oh and Richard Briers, British Actor, played the role Tom Good in the 1970s The Good Life series, been in alot since, very good actor but now I'm thinking maybe he suits a Hobbit character more. I surprised you haven't heard of him.

I have probably seen him in the odd BBC programme that makes it across the pond to a "Public" TV station over here. Or even in past visits home. I'll google him, I bet I'll recognize him.

I think Christopher Lee would make a great Darkly Evil Smaug (he was the best Dracula after all), but I am not so certain about his sense of Humour. And I am hoping for a Saruman cameo, so I would prefer that whoever plays Smaug be someone different.

GB

Your right about Christopher Lee maybe playing too much of a serious Smaug, in the book he is a sort of witty and clever sort of Dragon, getting the odd evil joke in where he can.

It would be good including the white council, would that mean including Sauron (known throughout the book as being the Necromancer if I remember correctly)?

I simply can't see Rickman as Smaug. Maybe I haven't gotten a good example of his voice, but it's just too nasally for my taste.

The person that I feel would be the number one choice would be Jeremy Irons. I'll give you an example of him: Scar in The Lion King.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lx0lSRGM ... PL&index=3

His voice is so deep and evil, along with an almost snide or sarcastic undertone.

I think you might be right about Rickman. He certainly has the right undertones, and kind of dark sarcasm, that threatens violence. But as you say maybe to nasally, not particularly dragonish.

As for richard briers. I am really not sure, I dont recall seeing him in anything but the good life and perhaps that is skewing my perception of him, but he seems very jolly and friendly and not at all the kind of voice I would expect.

I could well be wrong having no recollection of his other work.

I suppose it depends on what sort of Dragon we think of when determining the right voice . If we think of the traditional serious and deadly Evil Dragon most commonly associated with European Dragons, then yes, someone like Jeremy Irons would be perfect. I wouldn't be too upset if he got cast, but I'd be mildly disappointed if they didn't choose someone like Rickman, Nighy, or Oldman. Those are the character types that would suit Smaug's personality.

GB

Hi all i'm new here, but after reading this thread i thought how about Brian Blessed as Beorn? or is that too OTT? Or maybe Brendan Gleeson?
Also while i'm here what does anyone think about a role for Eric Bana? Either Thranduil or Bard ( I think Bard would be ideal).

Derek Griffiths..................................heads and tails.................