Michael DeLuca, president of New Line Productions, responds to an ugly message board when the news broke that no more official casting confirmations would be forthcoming for months. (July 11, 1999.)

Wow! Fans really hate studios don't they. Look, the bottom line is no one is cast yet beyond who's been announced. Peter's passionate about one particular unknown for Aragorn, and he's in the midst of convincing us. We're still waiting on a great choice for Gandalf, and there's a certain husband and wife team for Faramir and Galadriel that looks like it might work. Believe me, no one is trying to frustrate the fans, it's just that the p.r. people are trying to engineer the biggest announcement possible. Trust us, and anytime someone wants to e-mail me directly, feel free for undercover answers. It's michael_deluca@newline.com

(Browse the original message board on Ain't-It-Cool News.)