It’s hard to imagine anyone in the shoes of Aragorn other than Viggo Mortensen. Unfortunately, Andy Serkis has now confirmed that the actor will not be reprising the role in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, revealing to Screen Rant that the character will indeed be recast in this spin-off, set between the events of the Lord of the Rings movies and The Hobbit trilogy. He said,

I don’t know what’s out there at the moment, but I know there’s a lot of speculation, but let’s just say we are recasting the role and we are on the way to finding someone

So that now the movie is officially in development, one of the questions that instantly dominated fan discussion: Who will play Aragorn?

Well, as of now, it remains intriguingly uncertain. However, according to rumors, it is being reported that Leo Woodall is being considered for the role. Elijah Wood also confirmed the rumors during an appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast. Yet nothing has been officially revealed as of now. 

While other mainstays, including Wood’s Frodo and Sir McKellen’s Gandalf, are expected to return alongside Kate Winslet, who will mark her LOTR debut.

Viggo Mortensen Skipping The Hunt for Gollum Isn’t Surprising

Mortensen is notable for being extremely selective about his projects, as in a previous interview with Vanity Fair, the actor admitted that everything boils down to the story, stressing he’d never do a movie just because “so-and-so is directing it”.

It has to be about the story. And if I think I’m right for the character, that always comes first.

According to The Lord of the Rings writer Philippa Boyens, the decision was entirely up to the actor, revealing that both Andy Serkis and Peter Jackson spoke with him about returning. However, she also clarified that it would ultimately come down to the strength of the script, which is consistent with Viggo Mortensen’s approach to projects (via The Playlist).

I know Andy wants to work with him, but also, we don’t see this as like, using A.I. [technology], this is about a digital make-up, 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.

With Andy Serkis now confirming that the character will be recast, it’s safe to assume the decision came down to Viggo Mortensen himself. It’s possible the Eastern Promises star felt he was simply too old to convincingly portray a younger Aragorn.

What is The Lord of The Rings: The Hunt for Gollum About?

Set during the timeline of The Lord of the Rings, The Hunt for Gollum focuses on a largely unexplored chapter of the story. Drawing excerpts from J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel, the movie will draw on a comparatively sidelined part of the story where Gandalf and Aragorn are looking for Gollum.

Set between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring, the future King of Gondor must find the Stoor Hobbit before Sauron succeeds. It takes place during the 17-year gap between Bilbo Baggins’ 111th birthday party and Gandalf sending Frodo and Samwise Gamgee outside the Shire. The film will effectively serve as a bridge between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring. 

Moreover, the film is expected to show Aragorn in a new light as well as explore his character deeper as he journeys alone. From the deep marshes of Middle-earth to Gondor and the Mirkwood and Misty Mountains, it will explore a lot of unseen parts of the fantasy world of Tolkien while keeping the magic of the original trilogy alive. 

While some elements of the story have been adapted in the video game The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, the movies have overlooked it. This gives Serkis and the production team enough to explore and play around. 

5 Actors Who Could Lead the Next Age of Middle-earth as Aragorn

Viggo Mortensen as Strider | Credits: New Line Cinema

While no official casting has been confirmed, fans of the franchise are sour over the fact that the next time they will see Aragorn on the big screen, he won’t be played by Viggo Mortensen. Yet, they will have to accept the bitter truth as a recast is inevitable, given that it is a prequel story. 

While the hunt for a new actor is underway, here are our top five picks for the role!

5. Adrian Webster: While he has no major acting credits, Webster portrayed Strider in the fan-made film The Hunt for Gollum in 2009. Given the film’s success and how fans loved his portrayal, he is a great option.

4. Michael Fassbender: He excels at portraying characters who carry internal conflict just beneath the surface, something that aligns well with Strider’s early years as a wandering Ranger. He can emphasize the psychological burden on lineage and destiny. 

3. Robert Pattinson: One of the most unpredictable choices, his introspective and unconventional roles in recent years fit remarkably well with Aragorn’s pre-king arc. Casting Pattinson would signal a more character-driven, psychological take on Middle-earth. 

2. Leo Woodall: Still early in his career, he brings a fresh presence that could redefine the character for a new audience. Casting him would suggest a long-term vision for Middle-earth, positioning him as a recurring figure in future projects. 

1. Richard Madden: If there is one actor who feels more of a natural successor, it is Richard Madden. He has already demonstrated his ability to lead in large-scale fantasy; he can bridge the nostalgia while setting a new era. 

AspectDetailsRelease DateDecember 17, 2027 (theaters worldwide) DirectorAndy Serkis (also Gollum)Producers/WritersPeter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa BoyensConfirmed CastAndy Serkis (Gollum), Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Elijah Wood (Frodo), Kate WinsletPlotSet post-Bilbo’s party; Gandalf tasks Aragorn to hunt Gollum before Sauron finds him.StudioWarner Bros.

Well, what do you think about the upcoming film? Are you looking forward to seeing the film, or would you be skipping it? Let us know in the comments below.

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will be in theaters on December 17, 2027. 
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