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Christopher Lee once hesitated to step into the epic world of The Lord of the Rings. The legendary actor knew Tolkien’s universe inside out, and let’s just say Peter Jackson’s adaptation didn’t exactly stick to the script, at least when it came to Saruman.
Christopher Lee as Saruman in Lord of the Rings | Credits: New Line CinemaTurning the White Wizard into Sauron’s obedient lackey was a full-on lore shake-up. For Lee, a devoted fan of the books, this must’ve felt like an Elven dagger to the heart.
Christopher Lee saw the true Saruman: A mastermind, not a minion
Christopher Lee as Saruman in Lord of the Rings | Credits: New Line CinemaChristopher Lee wasn’t just another actor in The Lord of the Rings; he was a walking Tolkien encyclopedia. So when Peter Jackson’s films turned Saruman into Sauron’s obedient minion, it’s no wonder Lee hesitated. In Tolkien’s books, Saruman was much more than a servant. He was a master manipulator and a double agent with his own dark ambitions. One Reddit user put it best:
In the novels, Saruman schemed against Sauron. Using the Palantír, he tried to deceive the Dark Lord into thinking they were allies. But Saruman had bigger plans: find the One Ring, claim it, and rule Middle-earth himself. His betrayal ran deep. He turned against the very Powers who sent him as head of the Istari and even attempted to rope Gandalf into his convoluted plot.
The movies, however, oversimplified this cunning wizard. Gone was the nuance of his betrayal and his dangerous desire to overthrow Sauron. Instead, audiences got a villain who seemed like Sauron’s lackey, erasing the layers of his character. It felt like a downgrade, especially for fans who knew Saruman’s true motivations.
By the time Sauron realized Saruman’s betrayal, it was too late – the Ring was beyond both their reach. In either scenario, Sauron’s victory or his defeat, Saruman lost. It’s a testament to Tolkien’s storytelling that Saruman wasn’t just a villain but a cautionary tale about pride and corruption.
Christopher Lee’s hesitation made sense. The movie Saruman wasn’t the master manipulator he loved in the books, but his performance still immortalized the White Wizard as one of fantasy’s greatest antagonists.
Christopher Lee’s final farewell: Reliving The Lord of the Rings
Christopher Lee as Saruman in Lord of the Rings | Credits: New Line CinemaChristopher Lee, the legendary actor, spent his final night in 2015 reliving Middle-earth magic with The Lord of the Rings. According to his family, he watched the film with nurses, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and cherishing happy memories.
Lee’s son-in-law, Juan Aneiros, revealed, “He loved that movie,” explaining that Lee wanted to spread joy to those caring for him. The actor’s illustrious career included iconic roles like Saruman in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, Count Dooku in Star Wars, and Dracula.
A Tolkien fan who once met the author, Lee had initially hoped to play Gandalf but instead immortalized Saruman. That night, after his final viewing, Lee peacefully passed at 93.
The Lord of the Rings is available to watch on Amazon Prime Videos.
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