The writer behind the next big Lord of the Rings film wants Viggo Mortensen to return for the upcoming film, and the fanbase’s reaction to the news is somewhat mixed.
In a recent interview with The Playlist’s Charles Barfield, The Hunt for Gollum’s writer Philippa Boyens discussed the creative team’s desire to have Mortensen reprise his role as Aragorn in the film.
“Honestly, that’s entirely going to be up to Viggo,” stated Boyens, “I’ve spoken to Viggo, Andy [Serkis] has spoken to him, Peter [Jackson] has spoken to him, we’ve all spoken to each other and honestly, I cannot imagine anyone else playing Aragorn, but it will be completely and entirely up to Viggo.”
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According to Boyens, they’ve already planned for Aragorn to be featured in The Hunt for Gollum in some capacity, even though Mortensen hasn’t signed on to reprise the role.
“I know Andy wants to work with him… and whether Viggo does it or will entirely depends on how good the script is… and he doesn’t have a script yet.”
“So to be fair to Viggo, let’s see if we write a good enough role and that he can find enough in it to see that it’s a performance he wants to take on. After that, it’ll be between Viggo and Andy of how that is achieved.”
LOTR fans will be able to enjoy Tales From The Shire in early 2025.
I think the producers might have a bit of an uphill battle on their hands here, especially considering Mortensen’s comments regarding him reprising his role in the last Lord of the Rings film.
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During an interview with The Guardian’s Imogen Tilden back in 2013, Mortensen explained that he wasn’t even asked to appear in The Hobbit trilogy.
Apparently, this might have had to do with a comment he made to one of the producers.
“Before they started shooting, back in 2008, one of the producers did ask if I would be interested,” he explained.
“I said, 'You do know, don't you, that Aragorn isn't in The Hobbit? That there is a 60-year gap between the books?’”
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Over in a thread on the r/lordoftherings subreddit discussing Boyens’ interview, everyone seemed to have a completely different opinion regarding Mortensen’s return.
“Just no please…” commented user GideonOakwood, “We don’t need another lifeless character edited to make it look young and resulting in an uncanny valley monstrosity.”
“If Viggo, Andy Serkis, Peter Jackson and co thinks it's the right choice to get him back - then it's the right choice. They'll make it work,” replied user adrabiot.
Personally, I think it’s mostly a moot discussion, as I highly doubt Mortensen will be up for returning.
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If he does though, I’m very much in the “please don’t de-age him, it always looks gross and weird” camp.
Topics: The Lord Of The Rings, TV And Film