Viggo Mortensen’s Return in Lord Of The Rings May Pose Challenges for Gollum Movie in 2026

The Lord of the Rings franchise is experiencing a remarkable revival, yet Viggo Mortensen’s potential return poses a unique challenge for the upcoming film, The Hunt for Gollum>, set to release in 2026. Following the premiere of The Rings of Power> on Prime Video in 2022 and Warner Bros.’ The War of the Rohirrim> slated for December 2024, the franchise shows no signs of slowing down. However, the integration of Mortensen’s character, Aragorn, could complicate the film’s production.

Directed by Andy Serkis, who will reprise his iconic role as Gollum, The Hunt for Gollum> will narrate the story from Gollum’s viewpoint. The film’s timeline falls between Bilbo’s birthday and the Fellowship’s arrival at Moria, aligning it closely with the events depicted in The Fellowship of the Ring>. While it remains to be determined what specific events will unfold, it is likely that the plot will revolve around Aragorn and Gandalf’s quest to find Gollum during this critical interval. Yet, the character of Aragorn presents a compelling dilemma for this cinematic venture.

Viggo Mortensen’s Return: A Double-Edged Sword for The Hunt for Gollum>

The Challenge of Aging Characters in The Lord of the Rings Franchise

Aragorn fighting orc in The Fellowship of the Ring

The passage of time since the last installment of The Lord of the Rings> has inevitably led to noticeable changes in the cast, which may distract viewers during The Hunt for Gollum>. As the narrative takes place in a timeline that overlaps with The Fellowship of the Ring>, any discrepancy in appearances could stand out, particularly concerning the character of Aragorn, who may play a significant role alongside Gollum. As depicted in J.R.R. Tolkien’s works, it is Aragorn who captures Gollum, not Gandalf.

Fortunately, filmmakers have various strategies to mitigate this age-related challenge, whether through innovative technology or potential recasting.

Addressing Age Concerns in The Hunt for Gollum

Solutions for the Ageing Cast of The Lord of the Rings

Legolas preparing to draw his bow in The Lord of the Rings.

Producer Philippa Boyens has confirmed that discussions are underway to have Viggo Mortensen reprise his role as Aragorn in The Hunt for Gollum>. However, the pressing question remains: how will the production address the challenges of aging? Aragorn is among the most likely characters to appear in this film, and if Mortensen does not return, Boyens hinted that they would still seek to include Aragorn, possibly opting for a younger actor.

Alternatively, if Mortensen does rejoin the cast, filmmakers may leverage advanced AI technology to digitally de-age the actors. While its effectiveness for prominent leading roles has yet to be fully tested, Andy Serkis expressed confidence in tackling age-related issues using AI during conversations with co-stars like Orlando Bloom. Bloom’s anticipated role as Legolas also presents similar challenges, though arguably less significant than those faced by Aragorn. In any case, it appears that navigating the age dilemma for Mortensen in The Hunt for Gollum is indeed feasible.

Source: Variety

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