Which actor portrayed Saruman in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy?

Christopher Lee portrayed Saruman in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

Lee played Saruman the White, the head of the Istari order and one of the most powerful wizards in Middle-earth. Saruman initially appears to be an ally against Sauron, but he becomes corrupted by ambition and seeks power for himself. His stronghold is Isengard, where he breeds an army of Uruk-hai.

Lee had a lifelong interest in Tolkien and was the only cast member of the trilogy to have met the author. He read The Lord of the Rings annually, according to accounts of his connection with the books. His deep voice and imposing presence shaped the film version of Saruman.

Ian McKellen played Gandalf, not Saruman. Hugo Weaving played Elrond, and John Rhys-Davies played Gimli. Lee also appeared as Saruman in The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, while his material for the later films was completed separately.