Who Played the Branch Trolls
In Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, the large trolls that guard the path to the Mines of Moria are portrayed by actors in heavy prosthetics and motion capture suits. The primary performer for the troll body is Laurence Makoare, a New Zealand actor also known for playing the Witch-king of Angmar.
Branch Troll Characters and Scenes
The branch trolls appear in the early Fellowship scenes near the entrance to Moria, blocking the path before the company encounters the Watcher in the Water. Their design emphasizes thick, bark-like skin and long arms, creating a hostile obstacle for the Fellowship.
Casting and Performance Details
Actors wore extensive prosthetic makeup and stilts to achieve the troll height and gait. Movement was guided by stunt coordinators and assisted by digital effects in post-production. For more on the cast and characters, see the official Lord of the Rings website.
