| Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins Notes: Elijah has been called "the most talented actor in his age group in Hollywood history" by Roger Ebert, and has received other critical raves as well. Tolkien is his favorite author. He is currently 19. |
  
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| Sean Astin as Sam Gamgee Notes: As well as appearing in a number of supporting roles over the years since his teen idol days, Sean has been directing short films, including the Oscar nominated "Kangaroo Court." He is currently in his late twenties. |
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| Billy Boyd as Pippin Notes: A Scottish stage actor, Boyd is 30 years old and only 5'4". He is excited to be in the production, calling it a "once in a lifetime opportunity." |
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| Dominic Monaghan as Merry Notes: Best known for his four year stint on the BBC drama Hetty Wainthrop Investigates, Monaghan has been acting professionally since the age of 18, mostly working in Manchester. Lord of the Rings will be his first big screen role.
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| Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn Notes: Originally to be played by Irish actor Stuart Towsend, Mortensen was assigned to the role a week after shooting began. |
  
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| Ian McKellen as Gandalf Notes: Peter Jackson is impressed with Ian's "power and range", Ian "adores the project", and we think he's an excellent choice for the part. |
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John Rhys-Davies as Gimli Notes: This major actor's signing eluded all the movie rumor sites, until a random airport encounter broke the news. |
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Orlando Bloom as Legolas Notes: Cast just months after graduating from a London drama school, Bloom suffered a serious back injury several years ago that causes him to be still much of the time. He says this quality is a great help in portraying Legolas. |
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| Sean Bean as Boromir
Notes: Long rumored as a contendor for Aragorn, fans were pleased nonetheless when Bean was cast as Boromir. Most of his scenes were filmed in 1999, but he returned to New Zealand in June 2000 to film the Council of Elrond scene. |
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