The world of “The Lord of the Rings” is abuzz with excitement and speculation following the announcement that a beloved character will be portrayed by a new actor in an upcoming prequel. The character in question, Aragorn, who was iconically brought to life by Viggo Mortensen in Peter Jackson’s original film trilogy, will be recast. Mortensen, now 67, captivated audiences as the valiant Ranger of the North, but the mantle will soon be passed to a younger actor.

Andy Serkis, renowned for his portrayal of Gollum, is at the helm of directing the new prequel, “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.” In a recent conversation with Screen Rant, Serkis confirmed the news that has fans both curious and eager. He acknowledged the swirling rumors, stating, “I don’t know what’s out there at the moment, but I know there’s a lot of speculation.” Serkis, who will reprise his role as Gollum in the film, offered some clarity, adding, “Let’s just say we are recasting the role, and we are on the way to finding someone.”

Stepping into the formidable shoes of Mortensen is actor Leo Woodall, aged 29. Woodall is set to bring his own interpretation to the character of Aragorn, a role that carries with it significant expectations and legacy. As the franchise prepares to delve deeper into its rich lore with this prequel, fans are eager to see how Woodall will capture the essence of the storied hero.

‘I don’t know what’s out there at the moment, but I know there’s a lot of speculation,’ Serkis, who will also play the film’s titular character Gollum, shared.

‘Let’s just say we are recasting the role, and we are on the way to finding someone.’ 

Instead of Mortensen, the role of Aragorn will reportedly be played by actor Leo Woodall, 29.

The Lord of the Rings franchise has come under fan frenzy after revealing they will be recasting a legendary character for an upcoming prequel film 

It was recently revealed that Aragorn will no longer be played by Viggo Mortensen after the actor, 67, portrayed the Ranger of the North across three films in the original trilogy 

LOTR star Elijah Wood, who is returning for the prequel as Frodo Baggins, appeared to confirm Woodall’s casting while appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast this week.

‘Tough act to follow for someone to play Aragorn… Leo Woodall, if that’s true…’ said host Josh Horowitz, to which Wood replied: ‘Right, that is true. That’s gonna be tough… Those are tough boots [to fill]… but that’s gonna be great.’

Woodall is an English actor known for his roles in the Netflix romance series One Day, HBO’s The White Lotus and the Apple TV+ series Prime Target. 

Fan backlash ensued as some took to social media to write that the new movie will ‘suck’ without Mortensen while others vowed to ‘riot’ over the decision to replace him.

One fan tweeted a GIF of Leonardo DiCaprio clapping in The Wolf of Wall Street and wrote: ‘Very good, it’s going to suck!’ 

Another disappointed LOTR fan suggested Serkis and the team behind the prequel were not ‘respecting the legacy.’ 

‘Recasting Aragorn is actually worse than just not making the movie,’ another person added as they preemptively compared Woodall’s performance to Mortensen’s. 

‘Just don’t bring the character back if that’s the case,’ a different fan tweeted. 

Some predicted that Mortensen’s absence will cause the franchise to ‘completely lose a huge chunk of passionate viewers.’

Instead, the role of Aragorn will reportedly be played by actor Leo Woodall, 29; seen in February 

The Hunt for Gollum follows Aragorn and Gandalf as they set out on ‘a quest to find Gollum to acquire more information about Bilbo’s mysterious ring’; (L-R) Orlando Bloom as Legolas Greenleaf, Ian McKellen as Gandalf and Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn in The Lord Of The Rings: The Return Of The King (2003)

As a younger version of Aragorn will be one of the leading stars in the prequel, physical constraints may explain why Mortensen, now 67, might not be able to play the part and why CGI de-aging could not be an option; seen in 2022

Mortensen as Aragorn in The Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Ring (2001)

One fan said that replacing Mortensen was a ‘mistake or even [the franchise’s] downfall.’

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will tell the story of the period that occurred in between The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings movies.

The film follows Aragorn and Gandalf as they set out on ‘a quest to find Gollum to acquire more information about Bilbo’s mysterious ring,’ according to The Hollywood Reporter. 

The confirmed cast includes Ian McKellen returning to play Gandalf, Elijah Wood as Frodo Baggins and Andy Serkis as Gollum. 

Oscar-winner Kate Winslet will be playing Smeagol’s grandmother and Anya Taylor-Joy will be playing Arwen. 

As a younger version of Aragorn will be one of the leading stars in the prequel, physical constraints may explain why Mortensen, now 67, might not be able to play the part and why CGI de-aging could not be an option. 

Mortensen was 40 when he first filmed The Fellowship of the Ring, the first installment in the trilogy. 

Though some fans seemed open to the prospect of the new film in spite of the casting change-up, others said the the recasting would cause the franchise to lose fan viewership for the prequel. 

One fan said because of the casting change-up, the new movie will ‘suck’

Joining in on the backlash, another fan disapproved of their decision and suggested they were not ‘respecting the legacy’

One X user chimed in and said fellow fans would ‘riot’

‘Recasting Aragorn is actually worse than just not making the movie,’ another person added as they preemptively compared Woodall’s performance to Mortensen’s

‘Just don’t bring the character back if that’s the chase,’ a fan tweeted

One fan said the recasting ‘feels illegal’

Another said the prequel with Aragorn recast is ‘the opposite of very exciting’

Another fan agreed that the decision will cause the franchise to ‘completely lose a huge chunk of passionate viewers’

One fan concurred and said the decision to replace Mortensen was a ‘mistake or even their downfall’

McKellen – who was made to look older when filming the trilogy – confirmed he would be reprising his role last year.

Wood – who will be making fewer appearances in the prequel – teased his return last month. 

‘I’m not able to officially say anything until it’s announced, but I will say I’m thrilled with the prospect of another film,’ he told The Hollywood Reporter at the time. 

‘There is a genuine feeling of getting the band back together,’ he continued. ‘I certainly wouldn’t want anybody else to play Frodo either as long as I’m alive and able.’ 

The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum will premiere on December 17, 2027.