We've had several suggestions for our Istari over the years. The most important aspect of Saruman's portrayal should be his mellifluous voice - sonorous, honeyed, smooth, could listen to him read the phone book. And one of his most important personality traits is his self-importance - he really does think very highly of himself, and should come across as somewhat arrogant/conceited/pompous. Other considerations should be his height (preferably taller than Gandalf's actor, so at least 5'9"), his age (on the older side), and perhaps surprisingly, not really his race - we'd like to have some racial variety among the Istari, so it's open choice for Saruman, and then we'll use that choise to make stipulations for Radagast or the Blue Wizards at a later time. It would not hurt if he were easy on the eyes - a distinguised, good-looking older gentleman.
