Viggo Mortensen will not be returning as Aragorn in the upcoming The Lord of the Rings spin-off The Hunt for Gollum. Instead, the role of the iconic ranger will be taken over by a younger actor, as the story is expected to explore a period earlier in Aragorn’s life.

The decision not to bring back Mortensen appears to be rooted in both creative direction and practicality. Rather than rely on digital de-aging, the filmmakers have chosen to cast someone who naturally fits a younger version of the character. This aligns with the film’s likely timeline, which is set well before the events of The Fellowship of the Ring.

The Hunt for Gollum is being directed by Andy Serkis, who famously portrayed Gollum in the original trilogy. He is also expected to reprise his role in this new installment, which is currently slated for a 2027 release. Production is set to begin in 2026, with casting details likely to emerge in the coming months.

While Mortensen’s absence may disappoint longtime fans, the recasting opens up opportunities to explore new facets of Aragorn’s backstory—potentially bringing fresh energy to the beloved franchise.

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