Netflix Star to Replace Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn in ‘The Hunt for Gollum’ Coming 2027!

As the production of the Lord of the Rings prequel focused on Gollum gains clarity, speculation about the cast is ramping up. According to insider tips, two rising stars in Hollywood are considered for roles in the project, and one has just been confirmed by Elijah Wood himself!

This new venture, set in the world created by Tolkien, is already generating significant buzz. Several iconic figures might return, including Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood, reprising their roles as Gandalf and Frodo, respectively. Andy Serkis is also set to return as Gollum, a character he knows intimately. The film, titled The Hunt for Gollum, will be directed by the actor himself.

Kate Winslet has been chosen for the lead female role in the film. The Oscar-winning actress will play a major part, the details of which are still under wraps.

A Fresh Face for Aragorn

Speaking to ScreenRant, Andy Serkis revealed that Aragorn would be portrayed by a new actor, as Viggo Mortensen will not return: “I’m not sure what the current discussions are, but I know there’s a lot of speculation. Let’s just say that we are in the process of finding a new actor for the role.”

Despite some fans’ outrage, this decision makes sense. The story takes place between The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, necessitating a younger Aragorn. At 67, the actor would have declined the role, which would have required risky digital de-aging. This character is essentially the film’s lead, after Gollum.

As outlined in the synopsis, the film will depict “Aragorn’s quest to capture Gollum between The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring, his pursuit to prevent Sauron from discovering the location of the Ring. The film explores Aragorn’s early adventures as a ranger.”

In early March, journalist Daniel Richtman reported that the production had settled on British actor Leo Woodall, who was then in talks to take on the role.

However, despite Andy Serkis’s denials of the rumors, on the same day, Elijah Wood appeared to confirm on the podcast Happy, Sad, Confused (via Forbes) that it would indeed be Leo Woodall who would portray the character.

Here’s the clip where he discusses the challenge of following in the footsteps of such a talented actor.

Woodwall may not be well-known to the general public, but he starred in One Day and recently appeared in The Delicious Professor V., both Netflix series. He gained further recognition playing Jack in season 2 of The White Lotus. Additionally, he was seen in the series Prime Target on Apple TV, in the movie Nuremberg alongside Russell Crowe and Rami Malek, and in the latest installment of the Bridget Jones adventures.

At 29 years old, he is set to portray this younger version of Viggo Mortensen that fans are eagerly anticipating.

Another Name Making Rounds

According to journalist Daniel Richtman – who seems to have been right about Leo Woodall – Anya Taylor-Joy is also rumored to be in talks for a role in the cast.

The mystery remains about which character she might play. However, recent rumors have suggested that two important female roles are being sought by Andy Serkis: Smeagol’s mother or Aragorn’s, as well as a younger version of Arwen, previously played by Liv Tyler in Peter Jackson’s trilogy.

No official confirmation has been given yet, but an announcement shouldn’t be far off. Shooting for this new chapter of the saga is planned to start in May in New Zealand, with a theatrical release set for December 15, 2027.

In the meantime, you can catch the original Lord of the Rings trilogy, featuring the beloved Viggo Mortensen, streaming on HBO Max.

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