We’re returning to Middle-earth next year, and one of J.R.R. Tolkien’s most important characters is going to be played by someone else. “The Hunt for Gollum” is officially recasting a major “Lord of the Rings” character, with Jamie Dornan (“Fifty Shades of Grey,” “A Haunting in Venice”) taking over the role of Aragorn from Viggo Mortensen. Now, Dornan is speaking out about stepping into those rather large shoes.
“The Hunt for Gollum” will only be a single film, but more “Lord of the Rings” movies are on the way. So, in theory, depending on the timeline and how things shake out, Dornan could be brandishing Strider’s sword for some time to come. Speaking with L’Officiel, the actor discussed the pressures associated with the role, while acknowledging Viggo’s contribution to his legacy. Here’s what he had to say about it:
“There’s pressure when you’re trying to follow in those footsteps. I’ve been asked to play a super-iconic role, and I’ll do my best. But for me, Aragorn will always be just Viggo. His performance is one of my all-time favorites, and I feel honored to try to recapture at least some of the energy he originally brought to the character. There’s no part of me that’s trying to outdo him.”
Peter Jackson isn’t directing “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum,” despite having helmed the entire original trilogy as well as “The Hobbit” movies. Instead, Gollum actor Andy Serkis, who directed “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” and “Animal Farm,” is taking over the director’s chair. Jackson is still involved as a writer and producer.
Jamie Dornan has immense respect for Viggo Mortensen’s Aragorn
Leo Woodall, who is playing a character named Halvard in the movie, had high praise for his colleague, saying, “I can say that, now, my Aragorn is Jamie Dornan.”
Stuart Townsend was fired from “The Lord of the Rings” as Aragorn, paving the way for Viggo Mortensen to play Tolkien’s beloved literary fantasy character in the flesh. It proved to be the right thing, as Mortensen’s portrayal is beloved by fans. That makes it all the more difficult for Dornan, though the actor clearly has respect for what Mortensen did with the character.
How does Mortensen feel about Aragorn being recast in “The Hunt for Gollum?” According to Serkis, the actor has given Dornan his seal of approval. It’s interesting to note that several original cast members, including Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Elijah Wood as Frodo, will be reprising their roles. But Serkis, Warner Bros., and all involved felt that rather than try to de-age Mortensen, going with a younger actor made the most sense in this case.
Specific plot details are largely being kept under wraps, but the movie will tell a new story focusing on the attempts to capture Gollum. It’s set during the events of “The Fellowship of the Ring,” depicting a previously unadapted portion of Tolkien’s narrative. Peter Jackson has also compared “The Hunt for Gollum” to DC’s “Joker” movie, which is certainly worth raising an eyebrow over.
“The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” hits theaters on December 17, 2027.
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