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The Complete List of Film Changes

General Changes
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers
...Part 1
...Part 2
...Part 3
Return of the King

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The Two Towers - Part 1


Which Two Towers?

Teaser poster for The Two TowersFILMS: Gandalf says the following line, ""The veiling shadow of the East takes shape. There is a union now between the Two Towers& Orthanc and Barad-dûr."

BOOKS: The postscript at the end of The Fellowship of the Ring says, "The second part is called The Two Towers, since the events recounted in it are domininated by Orthanc, the citadel of Saruman, and the fortress of Minas Morgul that guards the entrance to Mordor."

PRO: Many readers of the book assume that the second tower referred to is Barad-dûr, since Minas Morgul is mentioned only in passing. Frodo is journeying to Mordor in his portion of the story, and Barad-dûr is the seat of power in Mordor. Besides, both the postscript and the book's title was the publisher's creation -- not Tolkien's.

CON: This line is an invention of the filmmakers and does not represent Tolkien's work, since Tolkien intended for the title to be ambiguous about which two towers it referred to.

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Film Opens With Gandalf's Battle with the Balrog

FILMS: The film begins with a gorgeous panoramic view of the mountains, a voice is heard in the background yelling "The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun. Go back to the shadow! You cannot pass... " Then the camera turns into the rocks nearby and smashes through them as Gandalf yells "Fly, you fools!" - we then see a repeat of the shot from Fellowship but instead of Gandalf falling away from the camera into the darkness, this time the camera races after him, following him down - and then we see a great battle between Gandalf and the Balrog.

BOOKS: Gandalf merely discusses his battle with the Balrog several chapters into the book.

PRO: This is an exciting opening for the film.

CON: Reminding the audience again of Gandalf's fall insults their intelligence and takes up unnecessary screen time.

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Gollum Sneaks Up On Sleeping Hobbits

Gollum sneaks up on sleeping hobbits.FILMS: Gollum crawls down the side of a cliff to the hobbits sleeping below. As he reaches for "the precious" around Frodo's neck, Sam tackles him and begins wrestling. Then Frodo brings out Sting and threatens Gollum with it. The hobbits then tie up Gollum with the Elven rope (that's the only use of the rope in the film.)

BOOKS: Frodo and Sam first climb down the cliff using the Elven rope, which "magically" unties itself. The two hobbits then see Gollum climbing down the cliff and lie in wait for him.

PRO: Having the hobbits sleeping (or appear to be) makes their initial encounter with Gollum all the more frightening.

CON: Such a change does not represent Tolkien's story.

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Sam Hits Gollum with Pan

FILMS: Sam smacks Gollum in the head with a pan when Frodo and Sam first capture him.

BOOKS: Sam uses his pan only for stewing a rabbit.

PRO: This is a welcome bit of comic relief that is in keeping with Sam's character.

CON: Sam did not do this. It is an invention of the filmmakers.

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CREDIBILITY: 4/5

More Frightening Treebeard Encounter

Pippin and Merry see something in Fangorn Forest.FILMS: After escaping the Uruk-hai, Merry and Pippin stumble through Fangorn Forest, frightened and hungry, until Treebeard smacks them on the head with a"branch" and picks the terrified two up.

BOOKS: The hobbits are nourished by lembas and journey through Fangorn rather cheerfully. They travel for a few miles before encountering Treebeard, who talks with them briefly before picking the pair up.

PRO: Lembas is a luxury that can be cut to accommodate the film's running time. A more dramatic encounter between Treebeard and the hobbits makes for a more effective cut to another scene in the film.

CON: This change is an invention of the filmmakers and does not represent Tolkien's work.

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  • MERRY & PIPPIN Audition Script 1/13/99 (first report)
CREDIBILITY: 1/5

Funnier Treebeard Encounter

FILMS: Pippin climbs a tree, that blinks to an open eye. Pippin is pulling himself up upon the nose, turns and looks straight at the eye, turns to tell Merry something, when he realizes he just saw an eye in a tree.

BOOKS: Pippin and Merry discover Treebeard when the Ent walks up behind the two hobbits and begins talking to them.

PRO: This is a more visually interesting introduction to Treebeard than it would be if the book were followed precisely.

CON: This line is an invention of the filmmakers and does not represent Tolkien's work.

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CREDIBILITY: 3/5

Treebeard Makes Short Work of Grishnakh

FILMS: After meeting Merry and Pippin, Treebeard "makes short work of Grishnakh," who has pursued them into Fangorn forest.

BOOKS: Grishnakh is killed by the Riders of Rohan, providing Merry and Pippin with an opportunity to escape into Fangorn, where they meet Treebeard.

PRO: This change makes Merry and Pippin's escape into Fangorn Forest and meeting with Treebeard more exciting.

CON: This change is an invention of the filmmakers and does not represent Tolkien's work.

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CREDIBILITY: 3/5

Treebeard Takes Merry and Pippin to Gandalf

Off to see a wizard!FILMS: Treebeard takes Merry and Pippin to see a "local wizard," who turns out to be Gandalf (although the audience is not explicitly made aware of the white wizard's identity until his meeting with the Three Hunters).

BOOKS: Treebeard does see Gandalf in Fangorn forest before the wizard hooks up with Aragorn and company, but Merry and Pippin do not see him until after the storming of Isengard.

PRO: We are meant to think Treebeard is taking the hobbits to see Saruman, so this provides a nice surprise for the audience. It also eliminates the need for a scene in Isengard.

CON: This line is an invention of the filmmakers and does not represent Tolkien's work. It also ruins the surprise of Gandalf meeting the Three Hunters.

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

No Quickbeam

FILMS: Pippin and Merry do not actually see the Entmoor (although they hear it), and no ent other than Treebeard is named.

BOOKS: Pippin and Merry witness the start of the Entmoot, but a young ent named Quickbeam who has already decided to attack Orthanc take the two young hobbits out for a stroll.

PRO: Quickbeam is not a necessary element to the story and can be eliminated to use the screen time for more important things.

CON: It would be more faithful to the books to include actual Tolkien characters rather than expanding the roles of characters such as Arwen and Haldir who have no business being in this part of the story.

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CREDIBILITY: 1/5

Gandalf's Resurrection Shown on Screen

FILMS: Gandalf is shown being resurrected as Gandalf the White while lying naked upon the snowy mountain-top after his battle with the Balrog.

BOOKS: Gandalf merely discusses this event when he meets up with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli.

PRO: It is more effective film storytelling to show things rather than have characters talk about them.

CON: The filmmakers may portray Gandalf's resurrection in a way different from how Tolkien would have visualized it.

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Saruman Doesn't Appear In Fangorn Forest

FILMS: When the Three Hunters (Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli) meet Gandalf The White in Fangorn Forest, it is the first time they see a white-clad figure there.

BOOKS: Before meeting Gandalf, they see another white-clad figure, who they assume to be Saruman.

PRO: The brief glimpse of Saruman is an unnecessary use of screen time.

CON: Removing this scene takes away some of the nuances of Tolkien's story.

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CREDIBILITY: 1/5

Sméagol's Descent in Gollum Depicted in Second Film

FILMS: As Gollum stares at the sleeping hobbits, there is a flashback of Déagol finding the Ring and Sméagol killing him for it.

BOOKS: Gandalf recounts Gollum's story in the first book.

PRO: With Fellowship being a much lengthier book than The Two Towers, pushing Gollum's backstory into the film in which we get to "know" Gollum helps to make the movies of a more equal running time.

CON: Such a change departs from Tolkien's story structure.

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REFUTED BY:

CREDIBILITY: 2/5

Théodred's Funeral

Théoden mourns the loss of ThéodredDead ThéodredFILMS: Théoden's son, Théodred, is brought back to Edoras after being killed in battle with Saruman's forces. Éowyn mourns her cousin besides the bed he is set upon, and Grima tries to confort her, but she finds his overtures to be disgusting. She leaves the Golden Hall, to see the Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas approaching in the distance. Later, after Wormtongue is banished, Théoden buries his son in the flower-covered tombs outside the Edoras and prays while Gandalf speaks words of comfort to the grieving king.

BOOKS: There are no such scenes. Théodred was killed in the first battle of the Fords of Isen five days before Gandalf and company's arrival in Edoras, but he was buried at the battle site. Éowyn and Grima are introduced after Gandalf and company enter the Golden Hall.

PRO: The funeral is a dramatic way of showing how Saruman's aggression personally affected the people of Rohan. Also, the seens of Éowyn and Grima better establish their characters.

CON: This change is an invention of the filmmakers and does not represent Tolkien's work.

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Théoden Gives Wormtongue The Bum's Rush

Théoden and Wormtongue go mano-a-manoFILMS: After Gandalf heals Théoden and reveals Wormtongues treachery, Théoden tosses his old advisor down the stairs.

BOOKS: Grim ran down the stairs without "assistance."

PRO: This is a more dramatic way of showing Grima's departure.

CON: This is an invention of the filmmakers.

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CREDIBILITY: 4/5

Éowyn and Aragorn Cross Swords

... and beats the pants off him!Éowyn crosses swords with Aragorn...FILMS: While Éowyn is practicing her sword maneuvers, Aragorn was up behind her. As she wields her blade around, Aragorn blocks it with the long knife Galadriel gave to him (having relinquished his sword to Hama). However, she parries his blade.

BOOKS: The only physical interaction Éowyn and Aragorn have is when she handed him a cup of wine and their hands met.

PRO: Such scenes make Éowyn a more memorable character in the second film.

CON: This line is an invention of the filmmakers and does not represent Tolkien's work.

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Elrond Dissuades Arwen From Marrying Aragorn

AloneElrond tells Arwen, "But he's too young for you, hon."FILMS: Elrond tries to convince Arwen not to marry Aragorn, because she is immortal and he is not. He explains that, when Aragorn eventually dies, she will wander the woods alone, and she with have to live the rest of her long years alone. The scene then dissolves into a "flash foward," many years in the future. Arwen standing by Aragorn as he lies atop his grave, his beard is gray, he has a crown atop his head, and he lies with his sword. The body then fades into stone, and Arwen standing at the foot of the grave. The scene dissolves back to Arwen in Rivendell. She sheds a tear. Elrond sits next to her and asks her in Elvish, whether she has love for her father as well. Crying, she answers "yes."

BOOKS: Elrond gave his conditional approval for Aragorn to marry Arwen. His requirement was that he be king of both Arnor and Gondor.

PRO: This is an effective way to illustrate the sacrifices Arwen is willing to make, as well as dropping the complexity of explaining that Aragorn is destinied to be the king of two kingdoms.

CON: This change relegates Elrond to having the sensibilities of a modern-day father, and as with previous changes, perverts the characters of Arwen and Aragorn.

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CREDIBILITY: 4/5

Elrond and Arwen Depart Rivendell for Lothlorien

Before leaving Rivendell, Arwen nabs NarsilFILMS: Elrond, Arwen, Bilbo and many of the Elves from Rivendell decide to leave their home because they feel it is no longer safe and that Lothlorien needs reinforcements. Before they leave, Arwen, dressed for the road, takes the shards of Narsil.

BOOKS: There was no indication that Elrond and Arwen left Rivendell before the war against Sauron was won.

PRO: This change gives the audience more of the Elves perspective of events.

CON: This change is an invention of the filmmakers and does not represent Tolkien's work.

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Saruman Gives Dundlendings and Wildmen Pep Talk

Saruman speaks to the wild menFILMS: Furious upon learning that Gandalf has healed Théoden, Saruman orders Dunlendings and Wildmen to attack Rohan's villages.

BOOKS: There are no such scenes.

PRO: Having Saruman more visible in the second film makes him a more interesting screen villain.

CON: The script would require additional dialog written by the filmmakers rather than by Tolkien.

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Saruman's Forces Attack Rohan Villages

Saruman's forces raid Rohan villageFILMS: Orcs and wildmen are shown burning Rohirrim villages and slaughtering their inhabitants.

BOOKS: No such scene is described first-hand in the books, although characters talk about it happening

PRO: Such scenes show that Saruman will wipe out Man if his forces are not stopped.

CON: Showing scenes not actually described by Tolkien requires the filmmakers to invent details.

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Saruman Discusses Plans With Wormtongue

...and brings him down to the caverns below Orthanc to show him the forces he has readiedSaruman tells Grima, "... and I shall be more powerful than the Lord of the Rings himself"...FILMS: Saruman tells Grima Wormtongue that he intends on using the Ring for himself when he gets it, and he also gives him instructions on how to subvert King Théoden. Later, after Grima is tossed out of Edoras, he tells Saruman that Rohan's refugees will head for Helm's Deep.

BOOKS: There is no such scenes between Saruman and Grima.

PRO: Having Saruman and Grima more visible in the second film makes them a more interesting screen villains.

CON: The script would require additional dialog written by the filmmakers rather than by Tolkien.

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Éowyn Leads Rohan Refugees To Helm's Deep

FILMS: With Saruman's forces destorying Rohan villages, Éowyn leads Rohan civilians to the refuge at Helm's Deep. Aragorn accompanies her.

BOOKS: Éowyn lead the Rohan civilians to the refuge of Dunharrow. None of the story's other main characters accompanied her.

PRO: Folding Dunharrow into Helm's Deep eliminates the need for characters to take screen time traveling from Helm's Deep to Dunharrow later in the film.

CON: This change alters the geography described by Tolkien.

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Aragorn Dreams of Arwen

Aragorn and Arwen in LothlorienFILMS: As the people of Rohan and the fellowship make their way to Helm's Deep, Aragorn has a dream of himself and Arwen together in Rivendell. In the dream Aragorn even says "this is only a dream" in which Arwen goes to comforting him.

BOOKS: Aragorn mentions Arwen briefly to Éowyn while in Edoras, and even then, not by name. The story of Aragorn and Arwen is told in an appendix to the third book.

PRO: This "dream" shows the strong loving bind Arwen and Aragorn.

CON: This is a fabrication of the filmmakers.

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Go to The Two Towers Part 2 >>

The Complete List of Film Changes

General Changes
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers
...Part 1
...Part 2
...Part 3
Return of the King

Want to add a change we missed?  Contact Us!

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