Things We Saw Today: The Lord of the Rings Movies Considered Casting David Bowie as Gandalf

Dominic Monaghan, who played Merry in the Lord of the Rings films, recounted earlier this year that back when he auditioned for the movies, he also saw David Bowie trying out for a role. He assumed the role was Gandalf, and now, casting director Amy Hubbard has confirmed that suspicion. Sadly, though, Bowie was too busy to play the role, and also too busy to even have a proper audition. Although Bowie’s performance would’ve been great to see, instead he ended up working on a bunch more more excellent music before he passed away–and, of course, Ian McKellen’s performance as Gandalf was great! So, no regrets. (via /Film, image via Giphy)

• Speaking of woulda-coulda-shoulda movie casting, apparently Michael Fassbender was in talks to be in The Force Awakens. Doesn’t sound like he actually auditioned, though. Maybe he’ll be in a future Star Wars movie?
• This small town in France just installed the world’s first solar road!
• Apparently, Disney/Lucasfilm has quietly been working on a 4K restoration of Star Wars. But, which version(s) of the original movies are they restoring? The “special edition” versions, or the original versions? And when do we get to see the results? Can we see them… now? Please????
• North Carolina lawmakers are refusing to repeal the HB2 “bathroom bill,” but the ACLU plans to push back against them on that:

Another chance for #ncgop to repeal #HB2 and stop LGBT discrimination. They failed. So we’ll see them in court. https://t.co/tEKH0HnZJH

— ACLU National (@ACLU) December 22, 2016

Donnie Yen’s son cosplayed as his dad’s Rogue One character, Chirrut Îmwe, for the movie’s premiere! This is adorable, and it also makes sense considering that one reason why Yen agreed to do the movie in the first place was because his kids talked him into it. And who could say no to this kid???

DONNIE YEN’S SON DRESSED AS CHIRRUT FOR THE ROGUE ONE BEIJING PREMIERE! HE’S SO PROUD OF HIS DAD! pic.twitter.com/Fp7AIEfGCO

— joe (@chirrutz) December 21, 2016

That’s what we saw today. How about you?

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