Dornan Takes Aragorn Role in 2027 Rings Film

Jamie Dornan has assumed the role of Aragorn in the upcoming Lord of the Rings feature titled The Hunt for Gollum.

The casting decision replaces Viggo Mortensen, who played the character known as Strider in director Peter Jackson’s original trilogy. Mortensen is 68 years old, while Dornan is 44. The new film is set in the timeline between the original trilogy and The Hobbit movies.

Dornan discussed the weight of the role in an interview with L’Officiel Italia. He acknowledged the challenge of following a well-known performance. “There’s pressure when you try to follow in those footsteps,” Dornan said in the translated interview. He noted that he was asked to take on a super iconic role and would do his absolute best. Dornan stated that for him, Aragorn will always be Viggo and only Viggo. He called Mortensen’s performance one of his all-time favorites and said he feels honored to try to capture a little of the energy Mortensen brought to the character.

The actor added that he is not trying to outperform his predecessor. “There isn’t a single part of me that’s trying to do it better than he did,” Dornan said.

Leo Woodall is also joining the cast as the Dúnedain ranger Halvard. Woodall told the outlet that he was impressed by Dornan’s work. “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. Several original cast members are returning to their roles. Ian McKellen will play Gandalf the Grey, Elijah Wood will play Frodo Baggins, and Lee Pace will reprise his part as Thranduil. New additions to the franchise include Kate Winslet as Marigol and Anya Taylor-Joy as Seren. The film is scheduled to arrive in theaters on Dec. 17, 2027.