The Unexpected Script Change: Why Peter Jackson Picked Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings

The Lord of the Rings (LoTRO) film adaptation shot its fair share of controversies, from casting to the final film. One significant change in the script was the casting of Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn, a turn that came quite late in the production. But is there more to this decision than meets the eye?

The Cast Change: Behind the Scenes

Many fans speculate that this change was necessary because Sean Bean, originally cast as Aragorn, had to die early in the plot. Indeed, many characters die early in Bean's films, but for artistic reasons, (2023) points out that this was not the primary reason. According to this article, the reality was far more nuanced.

Why Peter Jackson Chose Viggo Mortensen

(2023) emphasizes that both Sean Bean and Viggo Mortensen could have filled the role of Aragorn. However, Gabriel's lively writing (2023) suggests that Jackson made the right decision by casting Viggo Mortensen. Both actors, in their distinctive ways, were perfect for their roles.

Casting Boromir and Aragorn: Contrasting Characters

Originally, Peter Jackson cast Stuart Townsend as Aragorn, but it became evident early that Townsend was not a good fit for the role for multiple reasons:

He was considered too young for the part. He lacked the necessary gravitas to play such a pivotal character. He was not receptive to leadership and was unresponsive to direction, leaving the director feeling frustrated. Some sources also suggest there were "creative differences" between the director and the actor.

With these issues, Nielsen (2023) explains that the search for a new actor for Aragorn became inevitable. A well-known actor with a powerful gravitas, such as Viggo Mortensen, was needed to carry the weight of a character that demanded a blend of courage and depth.

Viggo Mortensen: Beyond the Dark Hero

Viggo Mortensen is a skilled and experienced actor, known for his ability to bring nuanced depth to a role. He is not just remembered for his portrayal of darker villains; he has also established a strong presence in various genres. Two roles notably associated with him are:

The villain in GoldenEye, a James Bond film where he played Felix Leiter's nemesis. An IRA terrorist in Patriot Games, a Tom Clancy thriller where he took on the antagonist.

These roles, among others, underscore Mortensen's capability to portray dark, complex characters without veering into stereotypes. This adaptability made him an ideal choice for Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings, a character who often is weighed down by profound struggles and ultimately spurns darkness to embrace a heroic fate.

Conclusion

The choice of Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn was not a random decision but a calculated one based on the character's depth and the actor's ability to embody it. His success in the role is a testament to both his talent and the vision of Peter Jackson. While the later casting may have initially caused confusion, it ultimately strengthened the narrative and its impact on audiences.

Key Points

Sean Bean was originally cast as Aragorn but the role was later changed due to multiple issues with the original actor. Viggo Mortensen brought a level of gravitas and nuance to Aragorn that was critical for the film's success. The contrasting roles of Boromir and Aragorn highlight the need for an actor who could balance heroism with darker undertones.

This piece aims to provide a clear and compelling explanation for why the casting decision was necessary and beneficial to the final product.

References:

(2023). The Unexpected Script Change: Why Peter Jackson Picked Viggo Mortensen As Aragorn In The Lord Of The Rings. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from [URL]

Nielsen, H. (2023). The Evolution of Viggo Mortensen's Career. [Blog Post]. Retrieved from [URL]