With the Hobbit being a prequel film to the wildly successful adaptation of Lord of the Rings, the question of returning actors comes to mind. Most of them are not even born yet in that era, so there is no concern at all, however rumblings that John Rhys-Davies would return as Gimli’s father came around and now we find out that Rhys-Davies has declined the opportunity.
Davies says he was politely offered to play Gimli’s father Gloin but felt one dwarf was enough for him. “It was just a gentle “What would you feel about putting it on again?” But no,” he confesses. “There’s a sentimental part of me that would love to be involved again. Really I am not sure my face can take that sort of punishment any more.”
Davies was given a bit of free reign in the RINGS trilogy as he was the only Dwarf portrayed, but the new project has 13 of ’em. “When you’ve been 1 of 1, why would you want to be 1 of 13?”
So it really just narrows down to “I dont wanna” which is perfectly acceptable.
There will be more dwarves present in the prequel, and there is no reason to have him there since his character isn’t. Still it is respectful that they offered him the chance to be involved again.
Sucks that he won’t be coming back. I heard he had a terrible allergic reaction to the make-up they had him wear.
Kind of sucks. Davies was fucking awesome as Gimli. Oh well, can’t wait for this film.
Yes, most people dont realize the painstaking process of creating a character like that and showing up 4 hours earlier before everyone else does to have your false face glued on. Its a real trial of love for the arts, I cannot blame him for not wanting to do it anymore.
No surprise. Rhys-Davies was very clear that he never wanted to play a dwarf again.