Let's discuss Círdan here. I think he is a fascinating character. He will definitely be discussed by the execs, but why not give them some input and not leave everything up to them?
What kind of traits are we looking for in an actor here? He should be tall. He grows a beard and should look wise - but that seems to happen gradually, right? He doesn't have a beard from the beginning. And his wisdom should come from experience. So, an actor cast as Círdan must be able to be both young and old, both wise and curious. And he is a craftsman, so he needs to be physically strong. What else?
What kind of traits are we looking for in an actor here? He should be tall. He grows a beard and should look wise - but that seems to happen gradually, right? He doesn't have a beard from the beginning. And his wisdom should come from experience. So, an actor cast as Círdan must be able to be both young and old, both wise and curious. And he is a craftsman, so he needs to be physically strong. What else?