Jamie Dornan to replace Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn in 2027 Ring film
The 44-year-old actor acknowledged the weight of following Mortensen in a new production set between the original trilogy and The Hobbit.
By Dominic Foster ·
Jamie Dornan will assume the role of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, replacing Viggo Mortensen for the upcoming theatrical release.
The new film is set in the timeline between the original trilogy and the Hobbit movies. Mortensen, who is 68, portrayed the character in Peter Jackson's films. Dornan, 44, takes over the role for this new installment.
In an interview with L'Officiel Italia, Dornan addressed the challenge of stepping into a well-known part. "There's pressure when you try to follow in those footsteps," he said. "I've been asked to take on a super iconic role, and I'll do my absolute best."
Dornan noted that he views Mortensen's performance as his favorite. "But for me, Aragorn will always be Viggo, and only Viggo," he said. "His performance is one of my all-time favorites, and I feel honored to try and capture even a little bit of the energy he originally brought to the character."
The actor added that he is not aiming to surpass his predecessor. "There isn't a single part of me that's trying to do it better than he did," he said.
Leo Woodall, who plays the Dúnedain ranger Halvard, offered a different perspective on the casting. "I can honestly say that, for me, Aragorn is now Jamie Dornan," Woodall said.
Andy Serkis directs the film and stars as Gollum and Sméagol. Original cast members Ian McKellen, Elijah Wood, and Lee Pace return as Gandalf, Frodo Baggins, and Thranduil. Kate Winslet and Anya Taylor-Joy join the cast as Marigol and Seren. The film opens in theaters on Dec. 17, 2027.
