Actor dropped from Rings
2003-11-13 14:42
London - Christopher Lee has been dropped from the new Lord of the Rings film.
The actor, who plays evil wizard Saruman, said he was "shocked" to learn that his scenes have been cut out of the movie.
He had expected to play a pivotal role in the climax of the film, The Return Of The King, to be released next month.
But the 81-year-old star said his scenes have ended up on the cutting room floor.
He said: "Yes, it is true. The only reason I'm able to say this is because it was on the internet and has been for some days. I only heard recently.
Lee said he was mystified by the decision: "If you want to know why you would have to ask the company New Line or director Peter Jackson and his associates because I still don't really know why," he said.
He added: "I can't say any more because I signed a confidentiality agreement and I honoured my word."
The actor, star of the first two Lord of the Rings films, said he had expected to appear in seven minutes' worth of the climactic scenes. And he plans to boycott the film's premiere when it is released next month.
Asked if he would attend, he said: "No, what's the point? What's the point of going? None at all." - Ananova.com