John Rhys-Davies (Gimili) Says No to THE HOBBIT
![Gimli_04[1]](http://s3.media.squarespace.com/production/465215/5339598/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/Gimli_041.jpg "Gimli_04[1]")
Actor John Rhys-Davies-- who starred in The Lord of the Ring's Trilogy as the dwarf Gimili-- was asked to come back to be in The Hobbit as Gimli's father, and he turned down the offer. Well, that sucks! He was awesome in the Lord of the Rings! Gimli's fathers name was Glóin, one of the companions of Bilbo Baggins during their quest to the Lonely Mountain.
Why did he turn down the role? Here is what he recently told Empire:
I've already been asked and to be honest with you, I wouldn't. I have already completely ruled it out. There's a sentimental part of me that would love to be involved again. Really I am not sure my face can take that sort of punishment any more.
Not even for a small cameo?
Why would you want to do it if it was just a couple of shots? When you've been 1 of 1, why would you want to be 1 of 13?
He makes a good point. The guy had to go through some insane make-up sessions. He was allergic to the glue used to apply his prosthetics. He was so self-conscious about how red and swollen it would make his face(understandably so), that he would often stay in, as the rest of the cast and crew would party it up off set.
It's still sad he won't be coming back. But he was asked to return, which means they most likely have asked other people to return as well. Perhaps they have even talked to a few people to play Bilbo.
Don't count out Rhys-Davis completely though. He then says,
It was just a gentle 'What would you feel about putting it on again?' But no. I'd be interested in trying to create a different type of persona within... the thing. That is challenging as an actor. I'd really prefer to play something quite different. Maybe an Elf. They've got a different set of problems with The Hobbit because you've got 13 dwarves, a whole band of them... You're trying to represent a whole race... You're trying to do for dwarves what The Lord of the Rings did for hobbits.
So, maybe he will land himself another role in the film that isn't so hard on his face. So what are your thoughts on Rhys-Davies turning down the part of Gimili's father?