Of all of the most successful fantasy and sci-fi franchises of all time, The Lord of the Rings seems like one of only a couple that isn’t now owned by Disney. So, while Star Wars And the MCU might be Disney properties, this list will look at more classic Disney characters from animated films.
While there are many differences between The Lord of the Rings and the typical Disney animated tale, there are some characters that completely match as counterparts based on things like personality and overall storyline.
Saruman: Hades
While Disney films have some pretty amazing villains from Maleficent to Scar, there aren’t many that match all that well with the villains in Middle-Earth.
However, while there’s not a great match for Sauron, Saruman has some similarities to Hades. They both have a connection with good figures such as Gandalf and Zeus, but they become evil and go outside their roles to gain power.
Galadriel: Elsa
Galadriel and Elsa have a lot in common especially when it comes to their appearance.
They're both extremely beautiful with pale almost white hair and blue eyes, but the similarities are not just about looks. They both have personalities that are somewhat aloof and “icy,” and while they are good characters, they are also extremely powerful and even rather intimidating because of these powers.
Merry and Pippin: Gus & Jaq
Merry and Pippin are definitely more than just sidekicks and comic relief. While they might start out this way, they get their own character development journeys and grow up a lot over the series as they face the horrors of war.
However, it still makes sense to match them with a Disney sidekick pair. Gus and Jaq make the most sense as they enjoy eating and getting into trouble just like Merry and Pippin while still being goodly characters who are trying to help the hero.
Gimli: Doc
Given that Gimli is a dwarf, it makes the most sense to pair him with one of the seven dwarfs from Snow White. It’s hard to decide which of these dwarves fits him the best, Doc makes the most sense overall. Doc is the leader of the group and a hard worker just like Gimli.
Also, while Gimli can be really funny and even grumpy, those aren’t his only defining characteristics.
Gollum: Randall Boggs
Gollum is another character that is hard to find a Disney animated counterpart because he’s such a creepy, strange creature that doesn’t really fit in a children’s movie.
But, the character at least based on appearance he matches best with is Randall from Monsters Inc. They are both rather sneaky characters who are good at hiding, and their personalities are also rather sly and conniving.
Arwen: Belle
Given that Arwen is nearly a princess herself as the daughter of Elrond, it makes the most sense to pair her with a Disney princess. There isn’t an exactly perfect fit, and she also has some characteristics and story elements of Jasmine.
But, the best fit is Belle given that they both have compassionate personalities while also having the ability to defend themselves and others when they need to. Plus, they are both rather wise.
Eowyn: Merida
Eowyn is one of the only warrior women in the world of Middle-Earth, and she goes against the rules and expectations of her society in order to fight for what she believes in. In this way, she is very similar to Merida who also goes against the grain and is a fierce warrior.
Plus, they both come from fictional societies that are inspired by old English traditions.
Aragorn: Prince Phillip
As one of the main heroes of the story, Aragorn makes the most sense to pair with a Disney prince even though overall he’s much more complicated than this.
Given his ranger identity and good looks, he could match Flynn Rider, but he has a more kingly lineage. So, given his overall vibe and heroics, it makes more sense to match him with Prince Phillip.
Gandalf: Merlin
This is probably the most obvious comparison on this list given that both of these characters are old, white-haired wizards who are mentors.
Merlin might come from the legends of King Arthur originally, but Gandalf has reached a status where he is basically as well known. They are both powerful wizards who have a somewhat eccentric and humorous side to them.
Frodo Baggins: King Arthur
Frodo is definitely a difficult character to find a Disney counterpart because most of the main heroes from these animated movies are princesses, princes, or animals.
However, given the comparison of Merlin to Gandalf, it does make overall sense to imagine Frodo as the young King Arthur from Sword in the Stone. However, Frodo has a much darker journey that doesn't end with being a king even if he is a hero.