Christopher Lee keen on 'Hobbit' role

Christopher Lee has revealed that he would like to reprise his role as evil white wizard Saruman in The Hobbit.

The 86-year-old said he would star in Guillermo del Toro's two-part Lord Of The Rings prequel if he was asked.

Saruman does not appear in the J.R.R. Tolkien novel, but the films are expected to contain new material.

Lee told Empire Online: "I'd be interested in seeing how that transition from good to evil occurred and, yes, of course I would return to the role if I was asked."

The movies will be shot back to back in New Zealand from next year. The Hobbit is scheduled for release in December 2011, with the sequel to follow in December 2012.

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