Viggo Mortensen on Not Appearing in More Franchise Films, “They’re Not Usually That Good”

Viggo Mortensen on Not Appearing in More Franchise Films, "They're Not Usually That Good"

As a dedicated gamer and film enthusiast, I have always held Viggo Mortensen in high regard for his exceptional acting skills, particularly his iconic role as Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Mortensen’s approach to choosing roles is both admirable and inspiring; he doesn’t let genres or budgets deter him from a compelling story.


Viggo Mortensen, the actor known for his role as Aragorn in the legendary “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, has experience with franchises. However, he’s picky about which ones he joins due to dissatisfaction with the scripts of some. Mortensen expressed a willingness to be part of any high-profile series if the script is up to par, but lamented that many scripts fall short. In a lighter moment, he quipped that his decision could change depending on his financial situation.

Mortensen shared with The Hollywood Reporter that he isn’t particular about genres or budgets when considering projects. “I focus on intriguing stories,” he stated. Regardless of genre, budget, or who’s producing, “I wouldn’t take a role solely based on the director. It’s all about the narrative. If I believe I fit the character well, that takes priority.”

Based on my own experiences and observations throughout my career in Hollywood, I can tell you that sequels and franchises aren’t always the most appealing projects to me. Don’t get me wrong, if someone approached me with a proposal for X movie’s third or ninth part, and I believed in the character, felt compelled to bring something unique to the table, and thought it was well-written, I wouldn’t turn it down outright. However, my experiences have shown me that such projects are not always of high quality. They often follow predictable patterns and lack the depth and complexity that draws me to a role. Additionally, there’s always the financial aspect to consider – if I find myself in a pinch, these projects might offer a quick solution. But generally speaking, my preference leans towards original scripts that challenge me as an artist and provide an opportunity for meaningful contributions to the cinematic landscape.

Before becoming famous as Aragorn in Peter Jackson’s Middle-earth trilogy, Mortensen had acted in sequels to the franchises “Leatherface: Texas Chainsaw Massacre III” and “Young Guns II.” However, his acclaimed portrayal of Aragorn significantly increased his recognition, possibly leading to numerous franchise opportunities. Although Jackson’s “The Hobbit” trilogy did not require an Aragorn role, Mortensen has acknowledged the possibility of appearing in the upcoming movie “The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.”

Mortensen admitted to GQ last month that he hasn’t had a chance to review the script. Therefore, he’s unsure about the project. The script holds significant weight for him unless he’s in dire financial straits and desperate for employment. So, his decision may hinge on various factors.

Stay tuned for updates on the future of The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.

Based on my personal perspective, I find the actor’s comments quite intriguing. If you’re as big a fan of Star Wars and horror movies as I am, then reaching out to Patrick Cavanaugh directly could be an exciting opportunity for you! Whether it’s through his Twitter or Instagram accounts, this interaction could offer valuable insights and perhaps even lead to engaging conversations about your shared passions. So go ahead and take the initiative – who knows what fascinating discussions might ensue?

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2024-07-18 00:11