Richard Armitage for Bard!
Does anyone else think Richard Armitage would be AMAZING as Bard? He has the perfect "grim", noble look and manner Tolkien describes. Check out his IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0035514/
And for those of you who have not seen him act, here are some clips:
Spooks: http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=7-p-nh7BvpI&feature=related
Macbeth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3B-CNMeGCQ
Robin Hood: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1XzD8Iedio http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzNQe5fOgSs
North and South: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw4M54xIun0
"Their captain was Bard, grim-voiced and grim-faced, whose friends had accused him of prophesying floods and poisoned fish, though they knew his worth and courage..."
"And in the very midst of their talk a tall figure stepped from the shadows. He was drenched with water, his black hair hung wet over his face and shoulders, and a fierce light was in his eyes..."