Warner Bros
Warner Bros. has piqued the curiosity of fans with the upcoming movie, “The Hunt for Gollum”. The announcement earlier this year has generated considerable excitement and speculation, especially with the involvement of renowned figures from the Middle-earth universe such as Andy Serkis and Peter Jackson. Notably, beloved British actor Ian McKellen has been approached to reprise his iconic role as Gandalf, and John Rhy-Davies has shown interest in returning (without makeup).
Among the exciting developments, the buzz around the potential casting is particularly enticing. The key decision-makers are in talks with none other than Viggo Mortensen to reprise his role as Aragorn. In a conversation with The Playlist, writer Philippa Boyens, along with Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh, affirmed their interest in having Viggo revisit the role. However, the final decision rests with the actor. Boyens shared,
“The final call is entirely up to Viggo. We are still in the preliminary stages, but we have all communicated with each other about it. Honestly, I find it hard to envision anyone else in the role of Aragorn, but the decision will ultimately be Viggo’s.”
Boyens mentioned that Serkis is keen on having Mortensen back. She also clarified that the decision is not linked to issues around aging, AI de-aging, or “digital makeup” (a topic that arose when Orlando Bloom was asked about a potential return). Boyens elaborated,
“The decision will entirely hinge on the quality of the script. As of now, he doesn’t have a script. To be fair to Viggo, let’s see if we can craft a role that resonates with him and inspires him to undertake the performance. The subsequent steps will be a collaborative effort between Viggo and Andy.”
Mortensen’s requirement for high-quality scripts has a precedent
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Boyens’ remarks about Mortensen’s insistence on a high-quality script aren’t without context. The actor has previously mentioned his openness to returning to the world of Tolkien, provided the project meets his standards. He has always emphasized that his acting choices are not guided by monetary gains or the fun factor, but rather the merit of the project, especially when it pertains to the revered fantasy world of Middle-earth.
When asked by the noted Tolkien fan leader, Nerd of the Rings, about his conditions for a potential return to Middle-earth, Mortensen responded:
“Broadly speaking, I would like it to resonate with the essence of a Tolkien story. I want it to be faithful and consistent with Tolkien’s themes and ideology. If Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, and others who have been associated with this project ensure that the story aligns with Tolkien’s vision, it would be a step in the right direction. They have previously succeeded in capturing the look and feel of Tolkien’s universe, even though they introduced elements not present in “The Lord of the Rings”. They have managed to respect Tolkien’s storytelling, which is of paramount importance.”
For the record, Mortensen has also expressed his willingness to be involved behind the camera (in the style of Serkis) in future Middle-earth adaptations, provided the opportunity arises — an experience we would enthusiastically support. This aligns with Boyens’ statement in The Playlist interview, where she mentioned that even if Mortensen decides to pass the baton, they would still value his involvement in the production and the process of transitioning the character. She added that the final decision is a few months away and will not be made until he receives a script.
What will The Hunt for Gollum entail?
Warner Bros
The storyline of “The Hunt for Gollum” has been a subject of intense discussion since the announcement of the working title. Certain details have been revealed, such as the timeline of the story, which is set between “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” (spanning around 77 years), and it’s likely to follow Gollum’s journey post the loss of his Ring. Serkis has also told Deadline that the film will delve into Gollum’s psyche.
Boyens has now confirmed that the movie will revolve around the period post Bilbo’s 111th birthday party and just before Frodo leaves the Shire (a duration of about 17 years). She added that the narrative would begin with Gandalf sending Aragorn on a quest to find Gollum (an event depicted in the books), positioning the Ranger as a pivotal character in the plot. Boyens elaborated:
“Indeed, it’s the bridging film and the narrative we wanted to convey. It centers around Gollum/Smeagol, providing a glimpse into his origins. But, as with any of Tolkien’s works, when you delve deeper, you discover the multiple layers of interconnected stories that lie beneath.”
Boyens also clarified the obvious yet crucial point that the destiny of several main characters would already be known. Despite this foreknowledge, a compelling story can still be crafted, provided the narrative is structured appropriately. These are the current challenges for “The Hunt for Gollum”. As Warner Bros.’ other Middle-earth adaptation, the anime “The War of the Rohirrim,” gears up for release, these updates on future Tolkien projects are a source of joy for fans eagerly anticipating a future filled with potential.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
