Q. Orlando Bloom was a total unknown when you cast him as the elf-archer Legolas, but he seems to be on a fast track toward stardom.  What did you see in him?

A. He actually auditioned for the character of Faramir, who is introduced in The Two Towers.  We decided to give him that role but hadn't told him.  We were meeting other actors for Legolas at the same time, and we were getting worried because we hadn't we hadn't seen anyone who'd be right for the part.  The character had to be graceful, elegant and poised, all the qualities elves should have.  Then we thought, why not Orlando, who had all those qualities.  We gave him the blonde hair and away we went.