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King Aragorn/The Ranger Strider
-The actor Stuart Townsend originally had the coveted role
of Aragorn. But after a few days of filming it became clear that Townsend was just too young for the role. He soon left the filming for 'creative differences'.
Before filming could begin in earnest they needed a new Strider.
- Someone in the casting team showed a compilation tape of Viggo's movie characters roles to the Director. We can assume
that Peter Jackson saw Viggo as Frank Robetrs in The Indian Runner, Walker Jerome in A Walk On The Moon & as Master Chief Urgayle in G.I. Jane all stellar performances. Jackson was immediately convinced this was his
Strider.
- Viggo got the call but didn't give an immediate yes. He's not the kind of person to be impressed by famous producers or big budgets, for him it's about the story and his character. Viggo had never read Tolkien's books so he had no idea
what the trilogy would be about. Not to mention the fact that he had little time to decide (Viggo likes to think deeply about a possible character before accepting the role), would be taking another actor's place & would have to be away from his family for over a year.
- Mortensen claims that he decided to take the role for several reasons. He didn't want people to think he was afraid of taking on such a massive project. Second, Tolkien's works take many of it's inspirations from Celtic & Nordic myth of which Viggo was very familiar with
And third because it would be an experience unlike any other. Though I think the most important factor for this man who says his son is the most important thing in his life , was that Henry wanted him to do it. Henry Mortensen is a huge Tolkien
fan and when he found out about the offer told his dad "you have to do it..". I doubt any father would turn down an offer to play a main heroic character in his son/daughter's favorite books.
- As soon as he had made his choice Viggo began his transformation into 'Aragorn'. As a gifted character actor, Mortensen is known for transforming himself 110% into his role. Creating a complete history for the character that he stays true to during the performance. By the time
Viggo arrived in New zealand, two days after accepting the role, he had become Aragorn. And according to everyone from Director, to crew, to his fellow cast members, they were all deeply impressed at Viggo's performance. On and off camera he WAS Aragorn.
- For Viggo as for the entire cast, the long shooting, in remote landscapes was overwhelming. According to Viggo every cut, scratch & injury we see Aragorn receive meant real pain. He broke his toes, a tooth, sprained an ankle & several muscles but doesn't regret a thing.
He has nothing but good things to say of the experience & the people he worked with. And as usual is humble about the caliber of his performance.
-This is a performance that will surely win him an Oscar nod. Not that Viggo cares, for him it's always about the work.
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