Viggo Mortensen on Why He Hasn’t Starred in Film Franchises Since ‘Lord of the Rings’: “Not Usually That Well-Written”

Viggo Mortensen on Why He Hasn’t Starred in Film Franchises Since ‘Lord of the Rings’: “Not Usually That Well-Written”

As a huge fan of Viggo Mortensen‘s acting career, I deeply resonate with his approach to choosing film roles. His commitment to seeking out interesting and well-written stories is inspiring. The fact that he values the character and his ability to contribute to it above the genre or budget is a testament to his artistry and dedication to his craft.


I, as a gamer, can’t help but be intrigued by Viggo Mortensen’s decision not to join another big Hollywood production after the success of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Why did he choose to step away from the limelight? Only Viggo knows the answer to that question.

In a more recent conversation with “Vanity Fair,” the actor who portrayed Aragorn in Peter Jackson’s movies between 2001 and 2003 expressed his preference for roles that come with an engaging plot and high-quality writing. Yet, he confessed that film projects within franchises don’t typically meet these standards.

Mortensen shared that he’s not particular about genres or budgets when choosing projects. For him, it all boils down to finding compelling stories. The genre, budget, or who’s behind the project doesn’t influence his decision. He wouldn’t take on a film solely because of a famous director. Instead, it’s the story and whether he feels suited for the character that matter most to him.

Based on my own experiences and observations in Hollywood, I share Leonardo DiCaprio’s perspective. I’ve seen many franchises come and go, and most of them lack the depth and originality that I look for in a project. As an actor, I want to be challenged and to bring something new to the table. But if I come across a franchise with a compelling character and a well-written script, I’d certainly consider it, regardless of its number in the series. However, my decision also depends on my financial situation at the time. Money is always a concern in this industry.

I, as a huge fan of Mortensen’s acting, was thrilled to hear about his involvement in the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. However, during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter last month, he shared some uncertainty about whether he would be returning for Peter Jackson’s upcoming movie, planned for a 2026 release.

The actor from “Captain Fantastic” shared that he hasn’t reviewed the script for the upcoming “Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.” Therefore, he’s unsure about it. Generally, a script is crucial to him before accepting a role, but if he’s in dire financial straits and needs work, he might make an exception.

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2024-07-17 03:55