# A Shadow Has Fallen On Middle Springfield-Who should be who in The Simpsons do LotR? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 4, 2002, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722 "2002-04-04T04:14:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Finagle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@Finagle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Finagle)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2002, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/41 "2002-04-08T21:51:58Z")
This would make an _excellent_ Treehouse of Horror episode. Someone should mail this thread to Matt Groening. ---
**Author:** ![Dumbguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/2bfe46/32.png) [@Dumbguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dumbguy)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2002, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/42 "2002-04-08T22:08:41Z")
I like Marge for Gandalf. Both are patient, benevolent leaders who let people do their own thing until they push too far. Then they kick some ass. Both are likable, moral, and strong but still human and sometimes flawed. And they both have weird hair. ---
**Author:** ![JSexton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/96bed5/32.png) [@JSexton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JSexton)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2002, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/43 "2002-04-08T23:54:58Z")
Has no one yet cast the One Ring? It is torus-shaped, and gives great power, though at the price of corrupting the bearer’s soul. Hmm. I’d say the Forbidden Donut that Homer barters his soul for is perfect. “One Donut to rule them all, one Donut to find them. One Donut to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them.” Mmmm…forbidden ring… Justin ---
**Author:** ![Weird\_AL\_Einstein](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c67d28/32.png) [@Weird\_AL\_Einstein](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weird_AL_Einstein)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2002, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/44 "2002-04-09T02:59:35Z")
The more I think about it, the more I think Principal Skinner should be Elrond. Why? Because when I picture Skinner in my head, I see him addressing an assembly at the school (and being undermined by Bart or Nelson or someone). Sort of like the way Elrond presided over the council, and I can imagine Bart-as-Frodo asking him a series of inane questions designed to get him irritated. Also, Skinner has his 'Nam flashbacks, and Elrond has his War of the Ring flashbacks. Elrond urged whatisname to do the responsible thing and cast the Ring into the Cracks of Doom, and I can easily imagine Skinner doing the same. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2002, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/45 "2002-04-09T03:27:27Z")
“You cast that ring into the Crack of Doom right now, mister!” ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2002, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/46 "2002-04-09T03:51:16Z")
Plus, Skinner and Elrond both have that bitterness about them. I say go for it. And incongruous though it may be, somehow Krusty as Gandalf does seem to fit… And there’s a good chance that Tom Bombadil would make it in, exactly _because_ he wasn’t in the movie. It’s par for the course for The Simpsons to poke fun at Hollywood. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2002, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/47 "2002-04-09T04:35:53Z")
Since the issue of continuing Simpsons relationships has been brought up I will take this opportunity to fight for the Homer=Frodo, Barney=Sam, Lenny and Carl = merry and Pippin idea i mentioned earier. Homer is the main character and so is Frodo. Homer is childlike and simple and so is Frodo at the beginning. Most of the story involves Frodo evolving into a strong hero type, from a fun loving no care hobbit. Thus Homer is perfect to start as Frodo and follow the journey. Barney is fat, has no real commitments, is very loyal, and is much better that expected at a lot of things, and so is Sam. Merry and Pippon are always used as a pair, and so are Lenny and Carl. They are all kind of one dimensional, and not explored in great detail. They are all likely to be found in random situations but are total followers. The size thing is a problem but just animate down. All of the children as hobbits scenarios seem forced as contrived based simply on size. Hehe I’m taking this way to serously. ---
**Author:** ![iamthewalrus\_3](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/258eb7/32.png) [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2002, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/48 "2002-04-09T04:38:42Z")
Along with the idea of the One Donut, and the necessity to put Homer into a relatively major role, how about Homer for Boromir? (could even use Herb as Faramir). He wants the donut and tries to take it from Frodo “Why you little!” [choking]. Of course this only works well if Frodo is Bart, and I prefer the Lisa, Ralph, Bart and Milhous foursome put forth by others. This also gives granpa a role as King… uh… don’t remember my LotR well enough and too lazy to look it up… Denethor (?). Great idea. They could even be really cool and do a 3 episode arc (after the 3rd movie is out, of course). ---
**Author:** ![Katisha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/bcef8e/32.png) [@Katisha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Katisha)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2002, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/49 "2002-04-09T04:48:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by iamthewalrus(:3= \* > \*\*This also gives granpa a role as King… uh… don’t remember my LotR well enough and too lazy to look it up… Denethor (?). > \*\* Denethor’s his name – but he’s a steward, not a king. Which is his whole problem, really. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2002, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/50 "2002-04-09T05:43:05Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Weird\_AL\_Einstein \* > \*\* > Although really, now that I think of it, I don’t see Smithers as Wormtongue. He’s a grovelling sycophant, yes, but he’s not _that_ pathetic. And he wouldn’t be the one to do something idiotic thing like throw the Palantir overboard from Orthanc…that sounds more like Homer. > > \ > > But not Comic Store Guy as Saruman. But if he’s not Saruman, who should he be? We can’t waste CSG…he has to be _something_. \*\* How about Moe as Saruman, and Homer as Grima/Wormtongue? Comic Store Guy would make a good Herb Master in the Houses of Healing. “Athelas? I make it my business to carry only worthwhile herbs in my stores. I have no use for weeds, even if you attempt to dress up their names with arcane terminology.” ---
**Author:** ![furt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/439d5e/32.png) [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2002, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/51 "2002-04-09T05:47:48Z")
Mayor Quimby is Dethenor. Gotta be. And Homer has to be either Aragorn or Gandalf. As Wolverine pointed out, he’s the star. As funny as Comic Book Guy is, he’s a minor figure on Simpsons, and it just would not make sense to give him a larger part than Homer or Marge. So if we agree that Frodo has to be either Lisa or maybe Bart (Homer has NO personality traits in common with Frodo), that leaves Homer as Aragorn or Gandalf. He’s too dumb to be Gandalf, and besides, what do you do with Marge? Make Homer Aragorn, let him stumble into the kingship and all the right choices(ala Inspector Clouseau), and you can then make Marge into Arwen. It **fits**! Which leaves Gandalf. Nobody really fits, but I’ve got to go with the first suggestions and support Grandpa Simpson. And whither Maggie? ---
**Author:** ![mouthbreather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a698b9/32.png) [@mouthbreather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mouthbreather)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2002, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/52 "2002-04-09T20:31:43Z")
[QUOTE] \*Originally posted by finnofranco \* What about Hans Moleman as Gollum? [QUOTE] That was my first thought. ---
**Author:** ![Not\_A\_Tame\_Lion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/e36b37/32.png) [@Not\_A\_Tame\_Lion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Not_A_Tame_Lion)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2002, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/53 "2002-04-10T05:18:41Z")
After having reviewed most of the posts to this thread, I have culled through the casting nominations for our burgeoning epic, taking into account the arguments presented here and my own interpretations of the characters (book and TV show). Also, in traditional Hollywood fashion, I have decided to steal someone else’s idea and rush it into the theaters before the lawsuits can be filed. My company will work out some kind of deal with the OP’er for some sort of partnership (my people will call your people); the other contributors to this thread will get Associate Producer credits. So let’s dim the lights, pull back the curtain, and… (drumroll…fanfare…searchlights…credits…) malchats presents a crescent and crossbones production of a Weirld\_Al\_Einstein film THE LORD OF THE RINGERS Starring: Lisa Simpson as Frodo Bart Simpson as Samwise Milhous Van Houten as Merry Ralph Wiggum as Pippin Homer Simpson as Aragorn Marge Simpson as Arwen Abraham “Grampa” Simpson as Gandalf C. Montgomery Burns as Sauron Sideshow Bob as Saruman Also Starring: Troy McClure as Boromir Rev. Tim Lovejoy as Elrond Groundskeeper Willie as Legolas Sideshow Mel as Gimli Herschel Krustovski as Gloin Seymour Skinner as Celeborn Edna Krabappel as Galadriel Ranier Wolfcastle as Treebeard Barney Gumble as Bilbo Chief Clancy Wiggum as The Chief Nazgûl special appearance by Waylon Smithers as the “Mouth of Sauron” and introducing Hans Moleman as “Gollum” with: Moe Syzlak as Barliman Butterbur “Diamond” Joe Quimby as Denethor Lenny as Faramir Karl as Beregond Jasper as Theoden Cletus as Éomer Brandine as Éowyn Apu as Haldir Bumblebee Man as Glorfindel Lionel Hutz as Grima Wormtongue Ned Flanders as Tom Bombadil Maude Flanders as Goldberry Rod Flanders as Elrohir Todd Flanders as Elladan Snake as Grishnàkh Fat Tony as Uglúk Nelson as Shagrat Kearny as Gorbag Herman as Bill Ferny Agnes Skinner as Lobelia Sackville-Baggins Jimbo Jones as Ted Sandyman The Springfield Police as the Nazgûl Kang as The Balrog The Comic Book Guy as the Master of the Houses of Healing Disco Stu as Ghân-buri-Ghân Captain Macallister as A Corsair of Umbar PART ONE OF THE SAGA: THE FELLOWSHIP OF SPRINGFIELD Coming Soon To A Theater Near You… ---
**Author:** ![KarlGrenze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dbc845/32.png) [@KarlGrenze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGrenze)\ **Post date:** [June 3, 2002, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/54 "2002-06-03T12:42:02Z")
Eowyn could be Lady Agnes Skinner. Think about it…a bitter woman, strong willed…turns soft when metting her true love, Faramir. Faramir, of course, will turn out to be Comic Store Guy. Or Grandpa could be Faramir, and Ms. Bouvier be Eowyn… And Legolas as One Armed Army guy…or Otto… ---
**Author:** ![Lando\_Lakes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Lando\_Lakes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lando_Lakes)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/55 "2002-12-25T01:09:21Z")
All these choices are cool! Especially the hobbits so far. Yeah, and what about Maggie? And no, not baby Elenor! It has to be funny. Grandpa should be Gaffer Gamgee. Moe should be Barliman! Jasper could be Treebeard. Dr. Nick Rivera also needs to be cast, someone who gets greeted. “Hi, everybody!” “Hi, Blank-Blank!” And don’t forget Bart’s horse as Shadowfax and his elephant as an oliphant (darn it what were their names?!?! Think!) ---
**Author:** ![KarlGrenze](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/dbc845/32.png) [@KarlGrenze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGrenze)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/56 "2002-12-25T01:25:01Z")
Maggie is a good shooter…hmmm…perhaps a warrior! ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 1:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/57 "2002-12-25T01:34:59Z")
Oh, Joy! I’m glad this thread got ressurected, I was just think about it the other day. One of the funniest lines I’ve ever read on the SDMB: > [@](#): > > “That’s some nice wraithing, boys.” I think Bart should be Frodo and Milhouse should be Sam. Lisa just doesn’t do it for me as Frodo. ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [December 25, 2002, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/58 "2002-12-25T01:45:09Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by yojimboguy \* > \*\*Never read or seen LOTR, but I’m sure there’s a role for > > Principal Skinnner’s Mother. > > My theory is that there’s ALWAYS an evil hag needed somewhere. \*\* Shelob, of course. The giant spider at the end of _The Two Towers_ if you’re reading the book, or the start of _Return of the King_ if you’re watching the movie. ---
**Author:** ![Catamount](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/catamount/32/2840_2.png) [@Catamount](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catamount)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/59 "2002-12-26T15:09:23Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Lando Lakes \* > \*\*Jasper could be Treebeard. > \*\* “Cutting down Fangorn Forest? That’s a paddlin’. Destroying the environment around Isengard? That’s a paddlin’. Betraying the Ents? You better believe that’s a paddlin’.” (Bart’s elephant was Stampy. I don’t remember the horse’s name.) ---
**Author:** ![Swampwolf](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8edcca/32.png) [@Swampwolf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swampwolf)\ **Post date:** [December 26, 2002, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722/60 "2002-12-26T18:45:48Z")
but…but…I want Stampy as Bill the Pony! And what about Dr. Hibbert? Treebeard, perhaps? He’s got the voice and the laugh for it. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-shadow-has-fallen-on-middle-springfield-who-should-be-who-in-the-simpsons-do-lotr/101722.md?page=4)