Here's What Original Samwise Sean Astin Thinks About That Potential Lord of the Rings Reboot
In the wake of the news that Amazon is reportedly in talks with Warner Bros. and the J.R.R. Tolkien estate to develop a TV adaptation of The Lord of the Rings novels, Sean Astin has shared his thoughts on the potential remake.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly Radio, the Stranger Things actor — who played Samwise Gamgee in Peter Jackson’s LOTR movie trilogy — said that he has long expected a reboot of the popular fantasy story.
“I saw that the other day, and I thought that was intriguing,” Astin said of the proposed show. “I’ve been saying for 15 years that maybe like 12 years after Lord of the Rings came out, that it would get remade. And people always said, ‘Oh no, it’ll never get remade! It’s a classic! They could never top it!’ And I’m like, ‘No, it’ll get remade. It’s a massive story! The characters are so beloved.'”
But when asked if he was up for reprising his role as Frodo’s loyal sidekick, Astin wasn’t so sure. “I’m carrying the Samwise banner for the Peter Jackson version of Lord of the Rings,” he explained. “When I saw the Amazon thing, that didn’t even occur to me. I just sort of thought, ‘What would it be like to see the next Sam there?’ I think it’s an intriguing idea [but] the devil’s in the details. How would they do it? How? Who?”
Some fans have also spoken out against the idea of a reboot.
We don't want any lord of the rings remakes here, thank you. You might try over the hill or across the water. pic.twitter.com/C2QdEpULDl
— Middle earth (@LifeAtBagEnd) November 4, 2017
nothing will ever touch the Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001-2003) dir. Peter Jackson. thanks for coming to my ted talk.
— audrey organa (@amiIynholdo) November 4, 2017
"'Lord of the Rings' TV Series in the Works” pic.twitter.com/2gPwcVng2Y
— Jess (@jeda121) November 4, 2017
The LORD OF THE RINGS films are cinematic artistry at its finest. There doesn't need to be any other adaptation of the source material, IMO.
— Ephrain (@SilvaOfSteel) November 4, 2017
Amazon is rumored to be in talks of adapting Lord of the Rings for a season series.
That’s treading on some very thin ice.— Jake Smith (@jksmth) November 4, 2017
Amazon wants to do a Lord of the Rings series. pic.twitter.com/hpsqrJj0Mf
— Eric Vespe (@EricVespe) November 4, 2017
I usually have tolerance for most remakes, but this is 100% uncalled for. No part of me wants this. https://t.co/puwI4OnKo0
— Michael Zema (@mzema24) November 4, 2017
Lord of the Rings tv series, no...but a Middle Earth tv series based on stories from The Silmarillion = the only way to do The Silmarillion.
— Jeremy Jahns (@JeremyJahns) November 4, 2017