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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 2


Wargs Attack Rohirrim

Aragorn fights warg riderFILMS: Wargs attack the Rohirrim refugees as they set out for Helm's Deep from Edoras. Aragorn fights a warg-rider named Sharku, and ends up riding his warg off a cliff. Aragorn is wounded and left for dead.

BOOKS: There is no such scene in the books.

PRO: This adds necessary action to an early part of the film.

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

SUPPORTED BY:

CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Sleeping Aragorn Awakened With A Kiss

FILMS: While floating down a river after being wounded and left for dead in the warg attack, a mist-like Arwen appears and kisses Aragorn on the lips which eventually wakes him from slumber.

BOOKS: There is no such scene in the books.

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

CON: This is a fabrication of the filmmakers.

SUPPORTED BY:

CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Brego The Wonder Horse

Filming of Aragorn being rescued by Brego The Wonder HorseAragorn spies Saruman's army ("ten thousand strong") before reporting to ThéodenFILMS: Aragorn is rescued from the river by his Brego, the horse once belonging to the late Prince Théodred. On the way to Helm's Deep, he sees ten thousand of Saruman's orcs marching across the plains of Rohan towards Helm's Deep. When Aragorn arrives at Helm's Deep, he tells Théoden that Saruman's army has left Isengard, at least ten thousand of them. He also says they are bred to end the world of men and that they are headed for Rohan. Théoden pauses, and says, "Let them come."

BOOKS: There is no such scenes in the books.

PRO: This scene of Aragorn witnessing the strength of Saruman's forces clearly demonstrates to the audience why Rohan's forces decide to marshall at Helm's Deep.

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

SUPPORTED BY:

CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Aragorn and Elrond Have an Argument

FILMS: Aragorn and Elrond have an argument about Arwen in Elvish.

BOOKS: The two characters don't even meet in the second book, and nowhere in all of Tolkien's works are the two ever described as having an argument.

PRO: This may be a flashback to Aragorn wanting to wed Arwen, and Elrond forbidding it unless Aragron were the King of Gondor.

CON: This is a total perversion of Tolkien's characters.

SUPPORTED BY:

CREDIBILITY: 3/5

Elrond and Galadriel Have an Argument

FILMS: Elrond and Galadriel have an argument.

BOOKS: The two characters don't even meet in the second book, and nowhere in all of Tolkien's works are the two ever described as having an argument.

PRO: This may be a scene where Elrond convinces Galadriel to send archers to Helm's Deep.

CON: This is a perversion of Tolkien's characters.

SUPPORTED BY:

CREDIBILITY: 4/5

Arwen Uses Galadriel's Mirror

... and consults the Mirror of Galadriel.Arwen is troubled by nightmares even in the fair land of Lothlorien...FILMS: Arwen begins to have troubling visions as they travel to Lothlorien. Upon reaching their destination, she talks to Galadriel about it, and she offers to let Arwen use her mirror. Arwen views her whole relationship with Aragorn, starting with when he first sees her, some happy times, and their farwell at Rivendell. She then sees him at the battle of Helms Deep. The rain is pouring down, and he is alone surrounded by dozens of Uruk-hai. He is then killed. She then talks to her father about sending him some help.

BOOKS: This scene does not take take place in the books.

PRO: This scene .

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

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REFUTED BY:

CREDIBILITY: 2/5

The New Council of Elrond

Elrond talks Celeborn into sending Aragorn some assistance...FILMS: Elrond, Galadriel and Lothlorien Elves of where things stand at that point with Saruman, Sauron, the ring bearer, the Fellowship, and Middle-earth, and they end up deciding to send a company of Elves to Helm's Deep.

BOOKS: This scene does not take place in the books.

PRO: For the people that aren't jaded by knowing everything from the book, it catches them up to speed with a lot of the meat of the plot that one wouldn't know if they didn't read the books. Also, by adding this conversation in between the head of Elves of different regions of Middle-earth, it makes more sense as to why Elves, led by Elf Haldir, come to assist the people of Rohan in the battle of Helm's Deep instead of rangers as it was portrayed in the book. Elrond made a decision, and that decision was to help.

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

SUPPORTED BY:

CREDIBILITY: 2/5

Faramir Steals Some of Sam's Thunder

FILMS: Upon seeing a dead Easterling after the skirmish in Ithilien, Faramir says, "I wonder what his name was, where his home is, his family. Was he really evil at heart, or did the Dark Lord deceive him, as he has deceived so many others? What lies or threats led him on the long march from his home".

BOOKS: It is Sam who thinks such thoughts.

PRO: Giving Faramir this line conveys his thoughtful and sensitive nature.

CON: Sam's character is diluted by having this line stolen from him.

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CREDIBILITY: 1/5

Boromir's Death Discussed in Faramir's Refuge

Henneth Annûn: The Window on the WestFILMS: After being led blindfolded to Henneth Annûn, Frodo discusses Boromir's death with Faramir.

BOOKS: Frodo discusses Boromir's death with Faramir before being taken to the refuge.

PRO: This is a good way to combine scenes and leave more screen time for more important things.

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

SUPPORTED BY:

CREDIBILITY: 2/5

Faramir Cuts Frodo's Jerkin to Reveal Ring

Faramir uncovers the RingFILMS: When Sam accidentally reveals to Faramir that Frodo carries the One Ring, Faramir uses his sword to cut Frodo's jerkin clasp and reveal the Ring.

BOOKS: Their initial encounter is far less tense: Faramir even tells Frodo NOT to show him the Ring.

PRO: This change makes the initial encounter between Faramir and Frodo more exciting.

CON: This change is in violation of Faramir's gentle nature.

SUPPORTED BY:

CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Faramir Grabs Gollum's Throat

FILMS: Faramir puts his hand around Gollum's throat.

BOOKS: Only Anborn, one of Faramir's men, grabs Gollum when he is captured at the forbidden pool.

PRO: This is a good instance of combining characters to give the more important characters more to do.

CON: This change is in violation of Faramir's gentle nature.

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CREDIBILITY: 3/5

Faramir Decides To Take Frodo and the Ring Back to Daddy

FILMS: Upon learning that Frodo has the One Ring, he vows to take Frodo and Sam back to Minas Tirith and complete Boromir's mission.

BOOKS: Faramir released Frodo from his refuge and gave him leave to freely travel throughout Gondor.

PRO: This makes for a more exciting encounter with Faramir.

CON: This change is in violation of Faramir's gentle nature and wastes screen time on a pointless side trip.

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CREDIBILITY: 3/5

Gimli and Éowyn Talk Beards

Did you hear the one about the bearded lady...FILMS: While taking refuge at Helm's Deep, Gimli and Éowyn bond by engaging in some humorous conversations, including a discussion about Dwarvish women having beards.

BOOKS: Gimli has no discussions with Éowyn in the books.

PRO: This provides the film with much-needed lighter moments that warms the audience up to the characters.

CON: Not only is the discussion a total fabrication, the secretive Dwarves would never discuss such intimate details with non-Dwarves.

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Legolas Feels Betrayed By His Own People

FILMS: Legolas fears three hundred of them cannot hold out against an army of ten thousand Uruk-hai at Helm's Deep. He feels betrayed by his own people and believes that the Elves should not have left the men to stand alone.

BOOKS: Gimli remarks about how nice it would be if they had Elven archers to assist them, but Legolas merely replies that they wouldn't come because they have troubles enough in their own lands.

PRO: This adds complexity to Legolas' character.

CON: This is a perversion of Legolas' character.

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CREDIBILITY: 3/5

Elves at Helms Deep (EAHD)

... and Haldir leads a group of Elves to Helm's DeepFILMS: After Arwen has a vision of Aragorn dying at Helm's Deep, Elrond convinces Celeborn and Galadriel to send a group of Lothlórien elves, led by Haldir, to assist in the battle. (Arwen wants to join them, but Elrond dissuades her.) Haldir comes to Aragorn and Théoden and explain that they were able to defend the people and the small Rohirim contingent in the base from a few raids, but that their scouts report that Saruman has amassed a huge army of Uruk-hai and Wildmen which are marching towards Helms Deep.

BOOKS: Legolas was the only Elf at that battle, and the only reinforcement troops to arrive were Huorns and more Rohirrim. However, Legolas did express the wish that some of his kinsmen armed with bows were there to help.

PRO: This change provides a way to bring Arwen into the second film and makes her marriage to Aragorn in the third film less of a surprise.

CON: Having Elven troops assist Men in their battles during in the War of the Ring violates Tolkien's theme of the Elves fading during the Third Age.

SUPPORTED BY:

CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Haldir Gets The Axe

FILMS: Haldir's death comes on the walls of Helm's Deep as he is struck by an Uruk-hai axe. Aragorn ends up cradling him as he passes.

BOOKS: Haldir does not re-enter the story after the Fellowship leaves Lothlorien. Haldir's fate is not known.

PRO: Haldir's demise provides Aragorn with the motivation for taking charge of the battle.

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

SUPPORTED BY:

CREDIBILITY: 3/5

Samurai Elves

Aragorn leads charge of Samurai ElvesFILMS: Elf and Uruk-hai armor will look reminiscent of that of Samurai warriors.

BOOKS: Middle-earth was intended to represent a European mythology.

PRO: This look will help to distinguish Elven warriors from the other warriors.

CON: This look is not reflective of the world that Tolkien created.

SUPPORTED BY:

CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Note: The armor was designed by famed Tolkien illustrator John Howe.

Saruman Knows the Skinny on Aragorn

Saruman reads up on Aragorn's ringFILMS: Saruman speaks the line, "So, Gandalf Greyhame feels he's found the lost king of Gondor."

BOOKS: There is no such scene in the second book showing that Saruman is aware of Aragorn's heritage.

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.

SUPPORTED BY:

CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Non-Tolkien Weaponry

FILMS: During the battle at Helm's Deep, Uruk-hai warriors have crossbows and pikes, Orcs have crossbows, and Elves have fire arrows.

BOOKS: Crossbows or fire arrows are not mentioned anywhere.

PRO: Such weapons will make the battle scenes more interesting to watch.

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

SUPPORTED BY:

CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Legolas Rides Tall in the Saddle

Legolas' horse is equipped with a saddleFILMS: Legolas rides a horse with a saddle while in Helm's Deep.

BOOKS: When the Rohirrim gave him a horse to ride, Legolas removed the saddle because elves have no need for them.

PRO: This detail was not worth the problems of having Orlando Bloom attempt to ride saddleless with Gimli riding behind.

CON: Such details are what makes Tolkien's world so appealing.

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CREDIBILITY: 4/5

Benihana Legolas

Legolas fights with two knives at Helm's DeepFILMS: Legolas uses two knives and a Rohan sword in addition to his bow at the Battle of the Hornburg.

BOOKS: Legolas was armed only with one long, white knife in addition to his bow.

PRO: This change make Legolas' battles more exciting to watch.

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

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Legolas on Surf-Shield (LOSS)

... and hangs ten without missing a shot!The Boy Guy hops on a shield...FILMS: Legolas stands on a discarded shield and surfs down a stairway while firing arrows at Battle of the Hornburg.

BOOKS: Tolkien is silent about that particular Elvish battle maneuver.

PRO: This change make Legolas' battles more exciting to watch.

CON: This change is silly and cheesey.

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Éowyn Kills Ugluk at Helm's Deep

... while Éowyn tries to stay out of sight of his ugly mug.Ugluk penetrates the refuge at Helm's Deep...FILMS: Éowyn is at Helm's Deep with the refugees. During the battle, the orcs breech the wall and Éowyn kills their leader, Ugluk.

BOOKS: Éowyn and the refugees were encamped at Dunharrow, a town some distance away. She never appeared in the Battle of Helm's Deep, nor did she fight any orcs.

PRO: Consolidating Helm's Deep and Dunharrow is a more economical use of screentime.

CON: Having Éowyn kill an Orc here is too much of a foreshadowing of her appearance as Dernhalm in the Battle of the Pelennor fields.

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CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Gimli and Legolas Don't Make Post-War Travel Plans

FILMS: Legolas and Gimli don't make any plans about where to go after Sauron is defeated.

BOOKS: Legolas agrees to go with Gimli to see the Glittering Caves if Gimli will accompany him to Fangorn Forest after Sauron is defeated.

PRO: This scene is unnecessary to the story.

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

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CREDIBILITY: 1/5

Sins of the Brother

Faramir, we hardly knew yeFILMS: Faramir decides to bring Frodo, Sam, and Gollum back to his father in Gondor. When they reach Osgiliath, Faramir attempts to take the Ring from Frodo. In a pivotal moment during the fight against the Orcs (which we never really see), Sam screams at Faramir about how Boromir got corrupted, tried to take the Ring from Frodo, and eventually died. Faramir has a change of heart and decides to let the Hobbits go. This decision does not come without consequences as a captain of Faramir's men tells Faramir that if he does not bring Frodo and the Ring to his father he will be punished by death. Faramir contemplates a decision and tells his men and the Hobbits that he sacrifices his life to Frodo and his mission.

BOOKS: There are no such scenes in the books.

PRO: Faramir can not come across as being nobler than Aragorn, who is portrayed as being more unsure than he is in the books.

CON: This is a perversion of Faramir's character.

SUPPORTED BY:

CREDIBILITY: 5/5

Go to The Two Towers Part 3 >>

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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