Viggo Mortensen Hasn’t Acted in a Hollywood Franchise After ‘Lord of the Rings’ Because ‘They’re Not Usually Well-Written’ and ‘Kind of Predictable’

As a huge fan of Viggo Mortensen‘s acting abilities, I am constantly in awe of his commitment to seeking out and bringing authenticity to every role he takes on. His recent interview with Vanity Fair only further solidified my admiration for him as an artist.

Viggo Mortensen explained in a Vanity Fair interview why he hasn’t taken on another major Hollywood franchise role since Aragorn in Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” films (2001-2003). He clarified that he holds no grudge against franchise movies, but admitted honestly that many Hollywood productions don’t have compelling scripts to draw him in.

Mortensen expressed that he’s not particular about genres or budget sizes when selecting projects. Instead, he focuses on intriguing stories. The genre or budget doesn’t influence his decision. He wouldn’t take on a film solely based on the director. For him, it’s all about the story and whether he feels suited for the role.

Based on my years of experience in the film industry, I can tell you that sequels and franchises aren’t always the most appealing projects to me. Don’t get me wrong, there have been some exceptional ones where the storyline was fresh, the characters were well-developed, and I felt I could bring something unique to the table. But more often than not, they’re not as well-written as standalone films. They can be predictable and lack the depth that keeps me engaged. And let’s face it, there’s always the financial aspect to consider – if a project doesn’t have sufficient budget or promising returns, it may not be worth my time and energy. But I’m open-minded, so if a franchise project comes my way with a compelling character and an intriguing story, I’d certainly consider it.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but acknowledge that my three films in Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” saga will forever hold an essential place in my professional journey. Exciting news emerges from Middle-Earth as its masterful creator prepares to return – Peter Jackson is set to produce a new movie, titled “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.” Directing this intriguing project is none other than Andy Serkis, who brought Gollum to life on screen. The anticipated release is predicted to unfurl in 2026 at a theater near you. In an interview with GQ UK earlier this year, I shared that while I’m open to revisiting Aragorn’s role, the narrative must resonate with me for it to make a worthwhile addition to my cinematic legacy.

He admitted he wasn’t privy to the details of the story yet. Perhaps he’d find out eventually. He relished the thought of portraying that character, having gained valuable insights and enjoyment from the experience. He’d only take on the role again if it suited his current age and if he felt a strong connection to the character. Otherwise, it wouldn’t make sense for him to do so.

Head over to Vanity Fair’s website to read Mortensen’s latest profile in its entirety.

2024-07-17 01:47

Viggo Mortensen Hasn’t Acted in a Hollywood Franchise After ‘Lord of the Rings’ Because ‘They’re Not Usually Well-Written’ and ‘Kind of Predictable’

Read More

Minority Mindset