Lord of the Rings fans have reacted with anger after it was confirmed that Aragorn will be recast for the upcoming film The Hunt for Gollum, with Viggo Mortensen not returning to the role. The film, set for release in December 2027, will follow Gandalf and Aragorn’s hunt for Gollum after his escape from Mordor, running parallel to the events of The Fellowship of the Ring.
Director Andy Serkis, who also reprises his role as Gollum, confirmed the recasting in an interview with ScreenRant, stating: '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.' Sir Ian McKellen will return as Gandalf.
Fans took to social media to express their dismay, with many arguing that Mortensen’s portrayal is irreplaceable. One user wrote: 'Nobody can top Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn,' while another added: 'They really just should have left [it] alone.' Others criticised the decision to revisit the franchise, with one fan pleading: 'Please just don’t make this.'
Speculation about a potential replacement intensified after actor Elijah Wood, who played Frodo Baggins, appeared to hint on a podcast that rom-com star Leo Woodall might take on the role. Wood laughed when asked about the casting, saying: 'That is true. That is tough. I can’t imagine. But that’s gonna be great.' However, fans were unimpressed, with one calling it 'disrespectful' and another branding it a 'downgrade'.
Despite the backlash, some fans were more positive, noting that Woodall 'looks like' Mortensen and joking about finally getting 'a hot Aragorn'. The film will also feature Kate Winslet in a female lead role, with filming scheduled in New Zealand from May to October. Wood has also hinted at his return as Frodo.
