Speaking to The Playlist, Boyens confirmed that she has not yet finished the script, which will confirm the full story of The Hunt for Gollum. One thing she does know is that Aragorn should be set to feature in it. This makes sense, considering the narrative that the movie is likely to follow. It is known that the movie will be set between Bilbo’s birthday party and the Fellowship reaching Moria and will cover Gollum’s perspective. During this time, Gandalf and Aragorn hunt Gollum, and Aragorn finds him, so Viggo Mortensen’s involvement will be essential for the movie.
It Sounds Like Hunt For Gollum Will Include Aragorn With Or Without Viggo Mortensen
Aragorn Is Key To The Hunt For Gollum’s Story
Boyens seems certain that The Hunt for Gollum will include Aragorn, regardless if Viggo Mortensen agrees to take up the role again. She confirmed that she has already spoken to Mortensen about the role, as have Andy Serkis and Peter Jackson, who will direct and produce the movie, respectively. However, she also confirmed that Mortensen has not yet agreed to join The Hunt for Gollum, which could present the project with a big problem. Boyens spoke for most fans when she said “I cannot imagine anyone else playing Aragorn.”
The Hunt For Gollum Timeline
Year
Month
Date
Bilbo’s birthday party
3001
September
22
Gandalf started seeking news of Gollum and called on Aragorn’s help
3001
Unknown
Unknown
Gandalf and Aragorn renewed their hunt for Gollum
3009 – 3017
Unknown
Unknown
Sauron captured and tortured Gollum
3009 – 3017
Unknown
Unknown
Sauron let Gollum go
3017
Unknown
Unknown
Aragorn caught Gollum
3017
Unknown
Unknown
Gollum escaped
3018
June
20
All trace of Gollum lost, Gollum thought to have entered Moria
3018
August
Unknown
Frodo left Bag End
3018
September
23
Council of Elrond, meeting of the Fellowship
3018
October
25
Fellowship left Rivendell
3018
December
25
Fellowship reached West-gate of Moria
3019
January
13
Aragorn actor Viggo Mortensen was the main knight in shining armor of Warner Bros.’ Lord of the Rings trilogy, so giving him a vital role in the upcoming movie without his agreement to join it was risky. However, with the only hunt for Gollum described anywhere in LotR done by Gandalf and Aragorn, it is hard to see how this risk could have ever been offset. Boyens said that Viggo would confirm his acceptance of the role after seeing the script, so her script must tempt Mortensen. Otherwise, the movie may have to consider other actors for the role.
2026’s Lord Of The Rings Movie Faces An Uphill Battle If Its Aragorn Plan Falls Through
The Lord Of The Rings’ 2026 Movie Will Struggle
Philippa Boyens’ words about The Hunt for Gollum script indicate the pressure that the movie is facing to have Mortensen come on board as Aragorn. Viggo Mortensen joining The Hunt for Gollum as Aragorn seems vital to its success. This is plan A, but if it fails, the movie will have to resort to a back-up scheme, which will constitute an uphill struggle. Mortensen is not just key to the narrative, but a major draw for LotR fans, so losing him may render the movie a box office disappointment. This would be a shame, as this franchise has potential.
If Mortensen doesn’t join, the movie could recast the role or alter its script so that Aragorn has less importance. This may require deviating from J.R.R. Tolkien’s story, as described in the appendices to The Lord of the Rings. Ian McKellen should appear in The Hunt for Gollum as Gandalf, so he could take on some of Aragorn’s plot points. Perhaps, with Mortensen’s permission, the movie could use AI to edit footage and use his image in very minor scenes. However, it is most likely that Mortensen’s rejection of the part would result in a recast.
Could Recasting Aragorn In The New Lord Of The Rings Movie Really Work?
An Aragorn Recast Would Be Hugely Risky For Hunt For Gollum
Philippa Boyens appeared to suggest that The Hunt for Gollum may attempt to recast Aragorn if Mortensen refused the role, but it is unclear how well this would work. Boyens said “I suspect if he decides he doesn’t want to do it, we would still want him to be heavily involved,” which may suggest that Mortensen would get a say in which actor would play Aragorn if he did not. However, it could also imply that he would assist in whatever other digital solution was used to remedy his absence.
Gandalf, Frodo, and Gollum all being played by their original actors may make a recast Aragorn seem odd.
It is hard to see how recasting Aragorn would work in The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. It is not just Ian McKellen who indicated his interest in joining the cast of The Hunt for Gollum. Speaking to JoBlo, Elijah Wood said of joining the movie that “jumping back into a world that’s so beloved and means so much to me… would be awesome.” Gandalf, Frodo, and Gollum all being played by their original actors may make a recast Aragorn seem odd. A new actor would have to gel with Ian McKellen for many scenes.
The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is being planned for release in 2026.
Meanwhile, Variety asked Orlando Bloom if he would join The Hunt for Gollum as Legolas, and he said “yeah.” Legolas’ role could be imminent, as he is Thranduil’s son, and Aragorn will have to bring Gollum to Thranduil’s realm in The Hunt for Gollum. Lee Pace joining The Hunt for Gollum as Thranduil is heavily anticipated by fans. With Serkis playing Gollum, it seems that most roles in the movie wouldn’t have to be recast, so recasting Aragorn would present The Lord of the Rings’ new Gollum movie with a big challenge.
