Quick fact: Vigo was not willing to accept the role due to the time he would be away from his family, but his son who was a teen fan of LOTR said something like "will you deny me the opportunity for my father to be Aragorn?" and the rest is history

Viggo's Aragorn is so good that every time I watch the movie, I don't see Viggo at all, I see Aragorn.

I think Viggo brought a humility in Aragorn that you rarely see most actors pull off. Russell Crowe or Nicolas Cage would've been too big of a name to give Aragorn that same humbleness Viggo did. And it allowed Aragorn to be less of a main character and gives other characters more weight when they interact with him, and it is when these character interacts that you truly see how heroic Aragorn is. His kindness given to a dying Boromir who just betrayed the Fellowship and gentleness in putting off Eowyn advances towards him is what sets him apart as a character in the film.

Mortensen was the absolute perfect actor. He truly made the audience feel like he doesn't play Aragorn, but he IS Aragorn. The depth with which he portrayed this (without doubt) very hard role to play near-impromptu is awe-inspiring.

This was Viggo Mortensen's role. No one else could have brought the emotional intensity and grown ass man energy to demonstrate the complexity of the character. The universe made the right decision.

Viggo as Aragorn is one of the best casting in book-to-film adaptation history, possibly only matched by Christopher Lee as Saruman or Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid.

Some castings are iconic. Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn is one of them. I cannot imagine anyone else in that role. Even better: Viggo is a leader in real life as well. Everybody loved him on set, he's professionnal and well liked by the directors and all crew, he's funny, he's great with horses, his son is super smart (thanks Henry!). It's like Illuvatar himself willed for Viggo to be Aragorn.

"No-ego Viggo" was the absolute hammer-smash of success. Relatively unknown enough to aid in the suspension of disbelief, yet professional enough to throw himself into the character so totally, it's impossible to imagine another actor as Aragorn. He, Christopher Lee, Sir Ian McKellan, and Brad Dourif (Wormtongue) gave performances that gave me chills the first time I drug my family to the theater for Fellowship. I had long given up on ever seeing my favorite story on screen. My kids wondered why I was so emotional. Now, they understand.

Viggo told us in an interview that he hadn’t even read the books, and it was his son who exitedly told him to accept the role.

Ironically I think the fact Viggo wasn't in the character yet in the inn made the scene better... Like you can feel the uncertainty and hesitance in the character almost immediately.

Viggo Mortensen is the Chad of Chads. He did his own stunts, he bought the horse who was cast as "Brego" (Aragorn's horse) because he liked the horse so much (and I bet the horse liked Arago---I mean Viggo, too), and when he got his tooth chipped after getting hit by a stuntman's steel sword, he just said, "don't worry about me, let's keep filming" (but Pete didn't want his main man on film with a chipped tooth and called in a Orthodonthist right away). Speaking of chipped teeth, majority of his wounds and scars in the Movie? They're not make up... They're actual wounds from working his own fighting stunts and acts.

Viggo absolutely nailed the role of Aragorn and his acting is one of the many reasons the trilogy is as big as it is, but for some reason I think Sean Bean could've also acted the part if need be. That being said, he ALSO nailed Boromir so... yeah lol

The last chapter of Return Of The King, Aragorn, “My friends, you bow to no one”…. Could have never come from anyone but Viggo Mortensen. Greatest movies ever

Viggo Mortensen as Aragon is possibly the most seamless fit ever in cinema history. The circumstances, the background for the character and the actor. Everything came together

It's also important to note that Vigo had great chemistry with the cast. He really knows how to portray Aragorn like he is the brother at arms with Gandalf and Legolas.

Before watching LOTR, i never knew about Viggo Mortensen. After watching the movie, i loved him ever since. Aragorn's character matches his own character. i guess that's why it worked

Russel Crowe as Aragorn would vacuum all the attention to his character, making the other events mere side-quests. Viggo Mortensen's portrayal blended perfectly to the whole story.

Vigo was amazing; i cannot imagine anyone else in that role. He nailed humility, Kingliness, and honor! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Viggo is such an underrated actor. Incant picture anyone else as Aragorn, but he has been absolutely magnificent in everything I’ve seen him in

Viggo is a king. Everyone on set said it. He was their head. He embodied all that was Aragorn. Noone else could have pulled it off with such grace and power.

Viggo brought a humility and modesty to Aragorn, he’s a king in exile but he doesn’t want people to know it, he’s a reluctant leader but when it’s time to lead he knows exactly what he must do. He puts others before himself.

Let me just say this. I was so in love with Viggo Mortinson's Aragorn, that I actually watched his film "Hildalgo" in theaters.

In hindsight it worked out of course but it’s funny to think if Viggo nailed the part so well because he was actually discovering what it meant to be Aragorn as he became part of the crew

Viggo is a man of substance. The movie would have been severely lacking without him.

I honestly have to thank Stuart. His blunder allowed for the true heir to the throne of Gondor to come forth. Viggo was born for the role.

I think Viggo's Aragorn is my favourite lead actor in recent cinema history. I'd put Bernard Hills Theoden as the greatest supporting role. Truly magnificent performances

Viggo broke his bones for this role, while the other didn't wanna fight, ride, let alone rehearse!

Viggo was literally perfect for Aragorn. The whole cast was amazing ✨

Even as Viggo was fully discovering his character during filming, Aragorn as a character seemed to be re-discovering himself in the timeline as well. In a way it's kind of perfect...

The films are seriously the best casting I’ve ever seen. They did a truly great job casting and fostering the friendships while filming.

What an actor. It was fate. You really feel his care for Frodo. He made you feel safe.

Very interesting (and mostly accurate) account, well done. Coincidentally this exact series of events had a big impact on my life also….I was cast as a body double for Sean Bean as Boromir and went in for my first wardrobe and makeup test the day after they cast Viggo. Wardrobe dept got the schedule mixed up and dressed me as Strider (costume, wig, makeup, beard etc..) and just as they were finishing the casting director walked in to check on them and said “no!…..this is supposed to be our Boromir double!” Then when I stood up she got me walk around the room and suddenly said “ok wait, you’d be a better match to our new Aragorn (Viggo), “…..so I landed the role in three films instead of just the first! Great luck. Incidentally, as I’m a manufacturing jeweller by trade I went on to make Aragorn’s coronation crown and then lead the Jewellery team on Hobbit trilogy….but that’s another story. Keep up the good work and cheers from Middle Earth!

Viggo Mortensen nailed it, fun fact he bought one of the horses that he worked with in the films because of the bond they made with each other in a behind the scenes clip the horse can be seen rubbing his head on Viggo's shoulder

Viggo Mortensen was incredible. Thank goodness this change happened!

The whole cast fit in every role SO god damn perfectly it's crazy to imagine, what the odds are to even consider how many actors there are and how different each of them is. There's been tons of movies, where a different actor would do a "better" job at some role. Most people are just not able to imagine someone else once the movie is out, but just try to imagine Frodo played by Sean Astin instead of Elijah Wood. It's REALLY hard to imagine that once you've seen the movies, but that's what I love about the Trilogy, the perfect actor for every role. Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Christopher Lee, legendary performance of Andy Serkis ... just ALL of them did their best and it's so awesome to see they all enjoyed their roles so much. I must do a big bow towards Fran Walsh and her incredible talent to transform the books into a screenplay so good and faithful to the books. Peter Jackson for respecting the Tolkien's vision, yet adapting it into a movie that came out decades after the books. Just all REALLY talented people came together, all the stuntmen and women, all the people from effects and light departments... ALL who put their hands on making this movie did such a great job I don't think it's gonna be beaten EVER. At least not when I'll be alive and I'm willing to put my head on the train tracks for that.

Bruh, Viggo Mortensen is one of the rare few Hollywood actors that I actually like as a person. Immensely talented yet so genuinely humble and kind, and isn't on social media giving his opinions on things nobody asked for which is a double win in my books. Can't see anyone else in the role of Aragorn than him.

Like many others, I just can't picture anyone but Viggo as Aragorn. The Boromir death scene with Viggo and Sean Bean makes me cry. Every. Damn. Time.

Years later - could we imagine anyone but Vigo in the role?

Imagine being Townsend. A guy who the director and everyone else wanted for a key role. But he didn't want to basic actions for his role. Then he saw the insane success of the LOTR trilogy. I hope he learned something, doubtful he did.

Viggo M is one of the most well-cast actors in the franchise. I don't think the franchise could have been quite what it was without him and Ian McKellen. Those two were indispensable.

Two things: The "people" of Middle Earth don't age more slowly than we do - The Númenorians did. Every other human is the same as us. Also Viggo wasn't familiar with The Lord of The Rings prior to the film - his son was. His son convinced him to accept the last minute role.

Nearly all of the LOTR cast was stellar and committed. Jackson went the right direction in the end. I love the extended versions.

I was really surprised to know that Stuart Townsend was considered for Aragorn. I actually knew him from Queen of The Damned (it was a mediocre adaptation of Rice's novel, imo), and he has that dark and fragile vibe, which doesn't quite fit the image of Aragorn in my imagination

Damn, this just solidifies my respect for Viggo. By all accounts he's a consummate professional and a great actor to work with, but realizing that he just jumped into Fellowship with literally no prior warning or preparation, then went on to play one of the most important roles in the trilogy not just well, but perfectly-that's another level of talent and craft altogether.

Viggo was perfect as Aragorn. I can’t imagine the films without him. He’s also a good horseman. He bought a couple of the horses from this film. And those beautiful blue eyes! Viggo was great. What is hard to believe is Stuart Townsend refusing to rehearse or do sword work. You’re getting such a great opportunity and you don’t put in the work. Apparently, even Mr. Jackson realized this. We’re lucky they made the change.

The whole world owes Henry Mortensen a HUGE "Thank you !!" - for having convinced his dad to take on the role of Aragorn with such short notice - on a chance - as it were. That role was made for him - and he for it. He was brilliant as Strider/Aragorn/King Elessar . . . I had been reading those books since I was 19 - 56 yrs ago -. . . in fact, I still have the original set of three books in their sleeve with the map of Middle Earth on it, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, Leaf by Niggle and Farmer Giles of Ham - all bought that same year. They've traveled across the country with me twice (to Toronto and back) - and for two years up North, as well. Viggo was only 10 yrs old when I bought those books (during my 2nd year at University). Did he even know he was going to be an actor, then ?!? And how could he ever have known that he would forever be identified with one of THE most beloved characters in story-telling, movie history ?!? He was equally brilliant in all his other movies since . . . but LOTR was absolutely magical - and so much of the magic came to life because of him.

The moment I saw Aragorn I knew that they had nailed the movie

Peter Jackson, on Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn ~ «Looking back on it now, Viggo's last-minute addition to the Lord of the Rings team was a turning point. It feels like fate steered us there, since he has come to embody the heart, soul and spirit of the production»

It's amazing that Peter Jackson had such (imo) poor first choices for Aragorn and Sean Connery as Gandalf, and seemingly lucked into far superior options with McKellen and Mortensen. Each of them did such incredible work in bringing their characters and the entire story to life, and I can't imagine the series working nearly as well without them.

As someone who also rode horses growing up, I love the fact Mortenson adopted two horses he worked with while filming and kindly bought another horse named Florian for riding double Jane Abbott.

4. It took 4 lore videos on UKposts to convince me it's time to watch the trilogy again. Part of what makes this cast one of the top 3 or 5 ever assembled is their devotion and love for the project, the books, and Tolkien himself. 3:20 that bit means a lot knowing everyone there knew somehow they were on one of the greatest productions of all time and acted like it. Townsend's career deservedly nosedived in the 2000's. Dude's highest profile project is League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Viggo was a gift to everyone from the production to audience to film as a whole. I'm very thankful Viggo is Aragorn, one of the greatest castings in film, like everyone attached to LoTR.

Little nitpick: The people of Middle Earth do not age more slowly. Remember Eowyn was flabbergasted at hearing about Aragorn's age. Only the Númenorians, of whom Aragorn is a direct descendant, reached much older ages and age more slowly along the way. Númenorian blood still runs in Gondor and even Rohan to some extent, but only in the line of kings is it still dominant enough to result in super slow aging.

Viggo is so convincing in this role. He has the nobility and yet you can feel he had had such a challenging life before he actually became the king. Can't imagine anyone else as Aragorn

He was a great fit and really went all in on his role, a good number of actors put so much spirit into the films and it will remain a fantastic beloved movie series.

Viggo in fact didnt know swordfighting prior to the movies, but he was a quick learner and had a great teacher/coreographer

Can you imagine working on such an incredible movie set with such incredible actors when Gandalf himself asks you, “do you even want to be here?”

Thank God, this was happened. Viggo is perfect to portray Aragorn, He doesn't looks old, neither looks young. Not looking soft, but also not harsh. He looks like a gentleman. He looks like a person who has been through a lot, and sparks nobility just like who Aroagorn is. She looked like a gentleman who is wise but also has a burden in mind. He is Aragorn. I can't imagine other actor will be as good as Viggo to portray Aragorn. 🌿

Wrote a long bit. In the middle of edits, realized needed a cut and re-do. So starting over. I love Tolkien because of family members, who also loved Tolkien. And poems from the book were often quoted in my childhood. Good memories. And I love the books. I cry and wouldn't have minded more poetry being kept in the film trilogy. I did enjoy the trilogy and it led me back to the books and my appreciation only grows deeper. I love Tolkien's characters as he wrote them. I was quite aware of many changes made in the movies yet for me, I still felt glimmers of middle earth. Also know not everyone felt the same way about the movies and that's fine. No one is required to have the same feeling as me. My family was aware of some obvious changes there were no elves at helms deep! Laugh. But they still enjoyed the films. My guess on the change with Aragorn is that Jackson and team didn't feel that audiences unfamiliar with Tolkien would be able to pick-up the nuance of the proud, stern and confident king with a kind heart, who is also much more than a regular man. So instead they chose to let him be reluctant and a little uncertain first before gaining that confidence. It was an artistic license decision and it's a sad thought that audiences might not understand the nuance but I could see why the writers made that choice And it's true they were leaning into more of a human nature bit when people familiar with Tolkien know Aragorn is not just human!! He is Dunedain blessed with long life with heritage that goes back to the house of Beor and before that Numenor and also Beren and Luthien. I did read the lays of Beleriand and started silmarillion and have read a few summaries. But I'm still learning so I'm bound to get a few things mixed up. Fool of a took! Chuckle. Tolkien has so many back writings and histories it's fascinating! I think it is true that the tallness inherited of the Numenorians is not as emphasized as much in the movies. Wasn't Aragorn supposed to seem like 7 feet like kings of old? But new series aren't doing that much either with Tall Numenorians. I really did not like what I wrote last night because I love Strider and Aragorn of the books. And for me felt that the movie scene with Strider in the Prancing Pony felt in harmony with the books. But that's just me. Shrug. And I never felt the change in Aragorn diminished my enjoyment of the movie. Maybe because I carried the story as it was in the books in my heart so strongly that it could not be diminished either. Except I do seem to remember carrying on about how Aragorn already had Anduril at Rohan. Sheepish grin. A little niggle. And he wasn't going to let that go. He had to be commanding. It was necessary for all of them. But as said before I am thankful the movie drew me back to the books. When it comes to that description of Aragorn with the curved nose, it's interesting to me that John Howe used to paint himself into Middle Earth hidden in various characters, prior to the Trilogy. So between him and other artists there were the tall, pale dark-haired and dark-eyed Aragorn's with slightly curved noses. I think it's time to go back and read the books again. I thought Aragorn's eyes were dark gray? But maybe they were simply dark? With the elven blood still strong in him I would wonder would his eyes be more black or gray? On a separate note about Viggo, seem to recall he also used to sleep out on the ground as a Ranger might do. And find it endearing that his son wanted him to take the role. And it's wonderful that Henry had read the books. I'm just thankful to know that so many people love Tolkien. As a disclaimer I know opinions will vary from mind on books and movies. But what do I know? Small took in wide world and I know nothing Jon Sno! 😂 Peace to All.

When he is leaving Rivendell, I am crying for Arwen. When they are saying their farewells, I am crying for Boromir. When he is taking a tumble, I am crying for Eowyn. When he is leading to the black gate, I am crying for Frodo and Sam. When he is bowing to the Hobbits after being crowned king, I am crying for the the increble Hobbits. Among all these, I never realised how successful he is to portray the true king, who is in his core but a royal and loyal servant to anyone and everyone, from all races of the middle earth. That makes him the real enemy of Sauron, and an equal to a White Istari like Gandalf himself. Even Galadriel admits, once he accepts Arwen's love and his own fate, there is nothing more she can help him with. Viggo did justice to all that! It is sheer miracle!

Viggo was so committed to Aragorn he broke his toe kicking the Uruk-Hai helmet (the shot is used in the second film), chipped a tooth and refused treatment until Peter Jackson stepped in and nearly drowned filming the Fellowship's journey down the River Anduin. He also greeted the stunt team with headbutts, got addressed as 'Aragorn' during conversations and carried his sword with him everywhere he went (this got him into trouble with the New Zealand authorities, who had to verify it was a prop) He's one of the most consistent and dedicated actors working today.

Viggo Mortensen is to Aragorn what Johnny Depp is to Captain Jack Sparrow, Patrick Stewart to Piccard - neither character could exist without these specific men playing them! I was honestly surprised to hear that there were others in contention for the part - I had always believed that the screen adaptation of Aragorn was written with Mortensen in mind.

I think Crowe could have done it justice, but Aragorn would have been less regal from Crowe. Vigo was easily the guy to do it. He also looks like Aragorn should look IMO, and his whole build and "gate" fits very well for me. Aragorn should not look like a obvious hero IMO, more understated. I actually think the way he came into the project mirrors Aragorn's story and that in a way has to help. I honestly cant think of anyone better to play Aragorn than Vigo

I never knew Virgo Mostesen before. but after watching LOTR i believe he is one of the most hardworking and underrated actors we have around. I hope he would be given more film work where he can explore his capability and deptness as an actor. Youve got a fan here ...Mr. Virgo,,actually aside from Frodo LOTR gravitates around him and what he is going through being the number 1 supporter of Frodo and he played the part very well..apllause and standing ovation to You Mr. virgo.

Viggo Mortensen is a generous actor and a thoughtful man. He embodied the self-doubt of a man hiding from his heritage, while figuring out how to show the future king’s true heart and commitment to the overall war while constantly supporting individual people fighting by his side. He was ferocious, calm, explosive and sorrowful, sometimes within fleeting moments of the same scene. It’s impossible for me now, to see anyone else as Aragorn. He was born to it.

A reminder that Viggo stopped a knife with his sword because the actor who played the Uruk-Hai Lurtz didn’t miss it. Viggo also was behind the idea that he would wear Boromir’s bracers so he could keep his promise to a brother, son of Gondor. He also broke his toe after kicking a Uruk-Hai helmet: that’s why he did scream. Viggo Mortensen became the one true king. They gave Aragorn a story arc beyond the simple concept of a leader and protector. He earned the name Elessar.

In my humble opinion, Vigo was the exact tight fit for Aragon, he was in every way Aragon/Strider. In fact, the LOTR is one of the few films where every cast member was perfect for their role. I heard or read somewhere that Gandalf was offered to Sean Connery, and as much as I love Sean I could never see him as Gandalf, just as well by all accounts he turned it down as he didn't understand the story as he obviously never had read the books. I think everyone who has read a book that has been turned into a film, has often had a problem accepting the producers choice of their beloved character, Lady Hawk is a case in point, ide never read the book and I loved the film but a friend of mine had read the book and found the actor in the lead not to her liking, one reason in the book his character had dark long hair, where as in the film Rutger Hauer was very blond and his hair was very short, for my friend that was all it took to not like the film. With LOTR a book i've read many times, I found all the actors chosen to be right for their roles.

OMG. The Hobbit was one of the (very few) highlights of my childhood and cemented my love of books AND of Tolkien's writing. On Friday afternoons my teacher would read to my class as a treat for good behaviour. 50+ years later, I can still see the dust motes floating in rays of sunlight from the windows and hear his glorious, gentle Scottish lilt cutting through the absolute silence of an entire classroom of 10yos held spellbound by the story. I feel sick with the mere thought of anyone but Viggo Mortensen being Strider. He was perfect. PS. Pretty much anyone in Aotearoa/ New Zealand with access to a horse was in the crowd fight scenes in The Lord of the Rings and a heap of people auditioned as extras. As a kiwi, it's easy to spot some actors who are pretty well known here, in the films. Our ex PM Jacinda Ardern even told Stephen Colbert on The Late Show that she auditioned for 'Lord of the Rings' but didn't get the part.  BYJOSE MARTINEZ s😂aid she'd auditioned.

Mortensen was outstanding in this role. He just seemed so right, in every way, and sufficiently charismatic to command every scene he was in. Cannot imagine any actor matching him in the part - and so glad he was cast! He's been a noticeably strong actor in all his films since. And, one gathers, a thoroughly nice, likeable, and all-round interesting guy!

I'm glad that Viggo ended up in the part. He was completely perfect. And he seems like a good guy too.

Now I am also curious what might have happened if they let Viggo play the part of Aragorn with out that doubt moment? Let him play book Aragorn in full? That would be interesting. There was a little of that energy at helms deep I think. Maybe the audiences could have been given a chance? And yes I understand that Aragorn's confidence is a certainy of soul. He is good and honorable and true. I think that Jackson and team were not just using doubt but playing on the idea of "A reluctant king" and thought that would appeal to the audience (unfamiliar with Tolkien) maybe because it's worked in other stories. And people like reluctant kings and heroes. But it was going to be a fine line with that divergence from the book. So for hardcore fans yes why on earth would an 87 year old Dunedain be having those doubts now? And Aragorn being who and what he is is more aware and feels called to his role. He is not acquisitive he is soul drawn. And this is no ordinary story, it's Tolkien. Well time to end before I ramble right into the dead marshes. 😂

couldnt be happier viggo got the part as he was my first fav actor and has always stayed in that spot since the first movie i saw with him witch was hidalgo and that is what made me check out other movies by him and how i found the trilogy

I cannot imagine a better choice for Aragorn. He was intense, charismatic, haunted and confident all at once. Exactly how Aragorn was written.

Viggo wasn’t versed in Lord of the Rings at first, his son Henry was and we have him to thank for convincing his father to take the role! 💕 Viggo became Aragorn very quickly, he melts into his characters!

I didn't know any of this. I also didn't know who Vigo was before the trilogy. All I remember is after seeing these films he is my favorite character of the entire trilogy. I remember thinking "Wow, they couldn't have done a better job in casting than they did with this character."

Excellent coverage! Thank you!

No one could have played Aragorn as well as Viggo Mortensen, no one. He brought the character alive, and every woman in the audience fell in love with him. In these dark days I watch Lord of the Ring movies often, they remind me of what honor, courage, and true grit can accomplish when all seems to be lost.

You see… Peter Jackson said that he couldn’t see Viggo as Aragorn in the first scenes at the prancing pony, but honestly I think that perfectly encompasses the character. At that point, Strider really isn’t Aragorn, he is in this limbo state of his character, and he’s confused with who he is and should be. It’s not until he saves the hobbits at weathertop that he’s really a hero and heir to a kingdom like Aragorn. Great analysis, I think it all worked out quite well :)

im glad viggo got the part he fit that PART extremely well! both looks and acting.

Virgo is the best choice for me for the role of Aragon can't imagine other actor.He really nailed it.

good video, many things wrong here tho. Viggo didn't want the role due to the long ass shooting and him not wanting to be away from his family. He only had 1 day to reply and it was his son who loved the books that talked him into it. Also, Viggo did NOT have lot of sword training before hand. The fight at weathertop was actually his first one ever on screen, with only 1 training done before the shoot. The sword trainer has afterwards said Viggo was the best student he has taught.

Viggo has this romantic vibe and free spirit that resonate with Aarogorn's story arch so well that creates drama and conflict like no any other acter can deliver.

It's been a very long time since I read the books, but I had always pictured Aragorn as a much taller person than he appears to be in the films, and that bothered me at first. But Viggo's performance is so excellent, it more than makes up for his lack of physical stature.

Viggo was lucky to get the part but the whole LOTR production and franchise was even luckier to get Viggo on board.

The fact that Jackson fought the executives and won to get Townsend cast makes his behaviour on set even more damning.

Personally, I think Viggo's initial portrayal of Aragorn is spot on. At that point in the film, he's been living rough as a ranger in the wild for a long time, so it works that he's rough around the edges to begin with. This disappears once he's back around the elves in a more royal and peaceful setting. In fact, if I remember correctly, Aragorn has a much more "graceful" manner once they reach Rivendell in the books too, so this is actually quite accurate to the book.

Great video, I was not aware of this!

Viggo such a pro! I was in Wellington for the premiere party - it was amazing!

I recently rewatched this trilogy, hadn’t watched it in probably 10 years. Viggo Mortenson is so perfect in the role. He gives Aragorn so many great layers. He’s grizzled and brooding but also soft and kind. You can see the weight of the world on his shoulders with the humility of one who has seen friends die in battle. Love him in these movies. So glad he ended up in the role.

The reason why Aragorn aged slower is that he came from the Numenoreans, who were given longer life, but eventually abused it. Viggo is perfect as Aragorn.

With all due respect to Russel Crowe and some of his great roles, the idea of him as Aragorn appalls me. Whew!

I'm SO GLAD things worked out the way they did. This was the VERY BEST Aragon of all the 4 choices. Thank you Mr Mortenson!

I personally think this role was meant for him. And no one else could have done it justice. I loved Lord of the Rings and all who were in it. 💜

When Strider was first revealed on the theater screen I gasped. He was so beautiful. The fact Viggo fell into it with no prep and had to grow quickly into it actually worked!

Viggo Mortensen was the perfect Aragorn. I say this even as a fervent fan of the book. He became the Aragorn that Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens crafted for the movies and even improved on their interpretation of Aragorn. I base that on changes/improvements that he suggested (e.g., putting on Boromir's vambraces to honour his fallen comrade), as well as his absolute commitment to the role (e.g., speaking elvish perfectly, batting away the knife thrown at him by Lurtz, staying in character and even exploiting his pain when breaking his toes). He is also the master of using his eyes, face and gestures to portray his emotions such that the viewer is nothing but utterly convinced that those were real emotions (as opposed to acting). Examples are: (1) the expression on his face when Boromir claimed that the Gondorians were the only ones keeping the others safe in the fight against Sauron (Council of Elrond). That expression clearly portrayed his thoughts that the Rangers, Aragorn himself and Gandalf all did their part. (2) all of the romantic scenes with Arwen (Liv Tyler). During the scene entitled "Flight to the ford", where he says to Arwen "Be iest lin", his face exudes his love for her by the soft expression in his eyes, around his mouth, his entire face. Likewise, the scene when they are reunited after his coronation: the expression of disbelieve when he sees her, replaced by joyous wonder, with his entire being focused on her, the way he kissed her and then touched her face while drinking in her face with his eyes: Viggo Mortensen (and in fact Liv Tyler as well) did this so well that one needs to remind yourself that they are not a real couple having those experiences! My respect and admiration to Mr Mortensen (and also Ms Tyler). I love the movies with as much ardour as I still do the book! ❤

As Elrond words to Frodo," If you cant find a way, no one can" 😂 Viggo is the perfect actor to potrays The King Elessar.

Viggo was the perfect Aragorn. It’s in his eyes. He’s supposed to be tall and lanky. Check. He’s supposed to be a bit threatening at first. Check. And yet he has amazing Grace. Just look at the way he places the shards of narsil back on the plinth or how he gently closes Frodo’s hand around the ring. Or how he cools faramir’s brow with Athelas. He’s the whole package. It’s hard to believe Jackson wanted anyone else.

Viggo wasn’t a trained swordsman. In the weathertop section of the appendices on the extended edition of Fellowship, Peter Jackson says Viggo had never used a sword before landing in New Zealand, Viggo says that Bob Anderson was his first guide to sword fighting and Jackson says that Bob had to give Viggo a crash course in sword fighting as he had not had the 6 weeks of training prior to filming that the other cast members had received. By the end of filming Anderson would say that Viggo was the greatest student he had ever had but this is down to effort Viggo put in including taking his sword with him everywhere he went including when he would go out for dinner.

When I first read that Townsend had been cast, my heart sank. He was a good fifteen years too young.

I adore Viggo! LOTR is the best trilogy ever made. LOVE it so much. It has something for everyone.

Aragorn by Viggo is the best hero character I've ever seen in movies. He has the strength to destroy the Uruks and agility to match Legolas, yet very humble, kind and fiercely loyal to his friends. Long live The King!