BBC Sherlock Fan Forum - Serving Sherlockians since February 2012 / Middle Earth (Tolkien biopic)

**Posted by SolarSystem** November 19, 2016 11:01 am

This seems like a huge rumour to me, but since it's out there: Apparently Benedict and David Tennant are rumoured to be in the running for the lead role in the biopic about JRR Tolkien, "Middle Earth". I have doubts, since it says in this article that in the film Tolkien will be 22 years old. I mean, especially Benedict is known for his ability to look much younger than he really is... but this much younger...?

http://www.movienewsguide.com/jrr-tolkien-biopic-middle-earth-director-james-strong-young-tolkien/310091

**Posted by SusiGo** November 19, 2016 11:07 am

This sounds intriguing but I agree with you, the age could be a problem. Although Benedict and David Tennant still would be a more probably choice than Ian McKellen, much as I love him.

**Posted by ukaunz** November 19, 2016 11:14 am

Two years ago The Hollywood Reporter suggested that if there was ever going to be a biopic about Tolkien's life, Benedict would be perfect for the lead role.
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/5-benedict-cumberbatch-biopics-dont-752864
Maybe someone extrapolated the idea from this article?

**Posted by SolarSystem** November 19, 2016 11:16 am

Very true, Susi!
And apart from the age problem, I'm not sure who of the two I'd prefer in the role... it says in the article that they both look a bit like young Tolkien, but it's not easy to find any pictures of young Tolkien on the internet...

Last edited by SolarSystem (November 19, 2016 11:17 am)

**Posted by ukaunz** November 19, 2016 11:20 am

How about this one?

**Posted by SolarSystem** November 19, 2016 11:26 am

So does he look more like Benedict or more like David?
You know what, I'm seeing Tom Hiddleston there.

**Posted by ukaunz** November 19, 2016 11:48 am

I can see a resemblance to Benedict or Tom, not so much David. Tolkien looks older than 22 in that photo though. I was thinking Alex Lawther would be about the right age, but then I thought of Matthew Beard who I think matches Tolkien's look better.

Last edited by ukaunz (November 19, 2016 12:07 pm)

**Posted by kgreen20** November 21, 2016 3:31 am

Wouldn't it be something if Martin Freeman were to end up playing a supporting role? I mean, they've teamed up in "Sherlock", and they ended up both having roles in The Hobbit trilogy, so why not give them both roles in this Tolkien biopic? =)

**Posted by gently69** November 21, 2016 9:49 am

SolarSystem wrote:
So does he look more like Benedict or more like David?
You know what, I'm seeing Tom Hiddleston there.

Yes, Hiddles was my first thought as well as I saw the picture. A bit of Benedict... but no, I can't see David...