A new hunt is on in Middle-earth, and it is not just for Gollum. Will the role that forged a generation of fans be handed to a new bearer, or can Hollywood buy time itself?
The road back to Middle-earth is being paved in New Zealand, and one question keeps echoing: who will wear Aragorn’s boots this time? With Andy Serkis directing Lord Of The Rings: The Hunt For Gollum for December 15, 2027, the prequel tracks Gollum’s trail as Aragorn and Gandalf close in, but de-aging a 67-year-old Viggo Mortensen is said to be a budget breaker. Casting talks for a new Ranger are underway behind closed doors, even as Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens steer the project with longtime collaborators. Elijah Wood and Ian McKellen are set to return, while cameras roll in 2026.
Could Aragorn’s face change forever?
The cherished face of Aragorn may be changing for the upcoming prequel, Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum. Viggo Mortensen, who portrayed the valiant ranger in the original trilogy, faces replacement discussions. Why? At 67, the cost of de-aging technology to restore his youthful image has proven too high, a significant challenge for filmmakers balancing authenticity and financial practicality.
An insight into The Hunt for Gollum
This prequel, set to release on December 15, 2027, dives deeper into Middle-earth, long before the journey of the One Ring truly began. The narrative focuses on Aragorn, Gandalf, and Sauron’s pursuit of Gollum, a creature both pitiful and pivotal. Directed by Andy Serkis, the film promises an innovative perspective by letting Gollum’s voice guide much of the story, with Serkis reprising the role.
Who will don Aragorn’s boots?
The search for a new Aragorn is officially underway. Meetings are being held behind closed doors as producers sift through candidates who can bring the same grit and gravitas Mortensen delivered. A left-field choice is possible, and the franchise has weathered recasting before: Martin Freeman’s youthful yet compelling Bilbo in The Hobbit trilogy set a precedent that raises hopes for a seamless transition.
Meet Middle-earth’s creative minds
The creative backbone features familiar names. Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou are shaping the screenplay, ensuring continuity with the franchise’s tone and complexity. Returning producers Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens are rekindling the dream. Filming begins in New Zealand in 2026, a setting as synonymous with Middle-earth as its elves and hobbits.
Anticipation builds
With such iconic characters returning, including Gandalf, Frodo, and Gollum, alongside a captivating new storyline, this prequel is already stirring considerable excitement. The anticipated reveal of the new Aragorn adds an extra layer of intrigue. Middle-earth is once again preparing to capture imaginations worldwide.