Those awaiting a return to Middle-earth still have another 6 months to wait before we follow Bilbo Baggins and his dragon-hunting Dwarf squad in THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG. Peter Jackson’s epic pre-sequel hits cinemas from the 13th December and we’re going to be introduced to a number of new characters. One of which is the stunning natural beauty Evangeline Lilly as bow-carrying Elf warrior, Tauriel.
The actress, best known for her role in mind-bending hit series LOST, has been speaking to Entertainment Weekly about her role in the fantasy film which was created by Jackson and his collaborators Fran Walsh and Phllipa Boyens, and doesn’t feature anywhere in Tolkein’s work.
She’s slightly reckless and totally ruthless and doesn’t hesitate to kill. Tauriel is the head of the Elven Guard. She’s a Sylvan Elf, which means she’s of a much lower order than the elves we all became acquainted with in The Lord of the Rings. She doesn’t hold the same kind of status that Arwen or Galadriel or Elrond or Legolas do — she’s much more lowly. She sort of goes against the social order of the elves a little bit. She will definitely have a love story. I can’t give away too much about it. It’s not a huge focus but it is there and it is important and it does drive Tauriel and her story and her actions. Tauriel’s relationship with Legolas is significant. They’ve known each other since they were children, and Legolas’ dad, [Elven king] Thrandruil, has a soft spot for Tauriel and sees something very special in her. So if you grow up side by side, and your dad has a very special spot in his heart for this young woman who’s a fantastic warrior, I think it’s hard not to notice her.
After being asked about the controversy of a character not previous to Tolken’s mammoth tales, she added:
I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there are going to be people who will totally hate Tauriel, think that she shouldn’t be in the movie, that it’s a betrayal of Tolkien, and no matter what I do it won’t be right. There will be everything between that and people who adore her and think it’s such a fun thing to have added to the film. I kind of got prepped for that being on Lost, because we had avid fans who were really extreme in their feelings about the show and its characters. But I think if anyone knows how to respect Tolkien, it’s Peter, Fran and Phil. And Tauriel fits perfectly in that world.
THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG is released on the 13th December and stars the returning Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage, James Nesbitt, Ken Stott, Elijah Wood, Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, Ian Holm, Aiden Turner, Hugo Weaving, and Andy Serkis. Check out this stunning first image of Lilly as the fearless Elf warrior.
Source: Entertainment Weekly.
