Fans of The Lord of the Rings Uncover ‘Terrible’ Adaptation Proposed to Director of The Shining

Overview of The Beatles’ Unlikely Connection to The Lord of the Rings

Paul McCartney and John Lennon were initially considered for key roles in a proposed film adaptation of The Lord of the Rings.
Stanley Kubrick, the iconic director, dismissed the concept, believing a musical featuring Beatles songs would be “unfilmable.”
Fans rejoice at the fact the Beatles did not appear in the movie and are thankful for Peter Jackson’s acclaimed adaptation.

More than two decades ago, Peter Jackson introduced audiences to the captivating realm of J. R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, bringing a live-action vision of this beloved trilogy to life. This landmark film series not only captivated viewers but also transformed the fantasy genre, garnering numerous awards for its storytelling, moving musical compositions, and breathtaking visuals.

Widely regarded as one of the finest film trilogies ever produced, The Lord of the Rings has topped many lists among cinephiles. While opinions about the “best film”vary, it’s unquestionable that Jackson’s vision has earned a special place in cinematic history, drawing praise for its sweeping landscapes, monumental battles, and intricate lore. However, before Jackson’s Oscar-winning adaptations graced the silver screen, a surprising proposition took shape: The Beatles were nearly cast in a rendition of this legendary tale, with the brilliant mind of Stanley Kubrick at the helm.

The Beatles Almost Played Iconic Roles in The Lord of the Rings

Recently, a discussion on Reddit reignited interest in the fact that The Beatles were once poised to star in their conceptual film version of The Lord of the Rings. This initiative emerged nearly four decades prior to Jackson’s success, proposing Paul McCartney as Frodo, Ringo Starr as Samwise, John Lennon as Gollum, and George Harrison portraying the powerful wizard Gandalf. Given The Beatles’ immense popularity at the time, their involvement might have been seen as a surefire win; however, such a marriage of music and literature was likely misguided.

Look what they took from us 😔 by u/MrStevecool in lotr

Instead of Howard Shore’s hauntingly beautiful score, this adaptation would have presented a musical centered around Beatles classics—an idea that seems both unsettling and ill-suited for the grim landscapes of Middle Earth. Fortunately, the legendary director Stanley Kubrick, known for masterpieces such as A Clockwork Orange and The Shining, deemed the whole concept as “unfilmable, ”effectively putting an end to this unusual collaboration.

In the wake of this revelation, fans expressed profound relief in the comment section, acknowledging how fortunate they were that this project never came to fruition. Comments ranged from “Agreed. That would’ve been horrible, ”to “I feel like we all dodged a bullet, ”highlighting a shared sentiment of gratitude. Interestingly, J. R.R. Tolkien himself had a distaste for rock music, which further substantiates the unlikeliness of such a collaboration; ultimately, the beloved literary masterpiece was left in the capable hands of Peter Jackson.

For fans eager to experience the grandeur of Middle Earth in stunning 4K, the complete six-film collection of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit is now available for pre-order, with a release date set for March 18.

Source: Reddit

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