I appreciate Rafe being upfront about the reasoning behind the changes. While Loial’s appearance is iconic in the books, I’d rather see a character who gets meaningful screen time and captures Loial’s personality than a perfectly accurate design limited by budget constraints. If Hammed delivers the warmth, wisdom, and charm that make Loial so beloved, I think many fans will be willing to overlook physical differences. Adaptations always involve compromises, and this explanation helps put those decisions into perspective.