LotR Would Be Very Different if James Corden Got the Part He Auditioned For
Very, very different movie indeed.
Current host of the Late Late Show, James Corden, recently revealed that he once auditioned for the role of Samwise Gamgee in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings films. While the actor clearly didn't make the cut, it's interesting to wonder how the movies may have turned out if Corden had landed the role.
Would Samwise have been more of a comedic presence?
Corden's comedic background and larger-than-life personality could have certainly brought a unique spin to the character of Samwise. In the books and films, he is a loyal and trustworthy friend to Frodo. However, while the character is often depicted as serious and grounded, Corden may have added a more playful and humorous element to the character's portrayal.
Corden would have done the accent differently
When telling the anecdote on Josh Horowitz's 'Happy Sad Confused' podcast, Corden also revealed he used a British West-Midlands accent during the audition.
Although it would have likely fit well with Sam's character and a predominantly British cast, it's hard to imagine Corden's version of the character taking on the emotionally charged scenes that Sean Astin so masterfully executed. Astin's performance as Samwise was praised for its heart and sincerity, which became integral to the character's role in the story.
Fans may have been displeased about the films
Corden's presence in the films could have led to a different fan response. While Corden is a beloved figure in popular culture, he also has his fair share of critics. Some viewers may have found his inclusion in the films distracting or out of place. In contrast, others would have undoubtedly celebrated the addition of a famous comedian to the already star-studded cast.
It's a question of dedication
As an established actor, he may have no doubt had the acting credentials for the part. However, Corden's response to some final questions on the subject was less than convincing.
When Horowitz jokingly suggested he may have PTSD from not getting the part, Corden acknowledged that he very much enjoyed the films. Yet, he altered his answer to say that he only enjoyed them till the last film. Then admitting he would have rather watched the movie Love Actually instead.
Although there is no problem with having different preferences, part of what made the franchise so superb was the actors' dedication to Tolkien's works and Peter Jackson's vision. But Corden's somewhat disinterested comment on the films gives the impression that he may not have had the same level of dedication as some of the other actors who appeared in the movies.
Corden mentions he was brought back for several auditions but was ultimately not brought back for the last. While the actor's humor and charisma would have undoubtedly shone through in his performance, it's now hard to imagine anyone other than Sean Astin in the role of Sam. It's fun to speculate what might have been if things had gone differently. But arguably, the better actor for the role was cast in the end.