Quick fact: Vigo was not willing to accept the role due to the time he would be away from his family, but his son who was a teen fan of LOTR said something like "will you deny me the opportunity for my father to be Aragorn?" and the rest is history
Viggo as Aragorn is one of the best casting in book-to-film adaptation history, possibly only matched by Christopher Lee as Saruman or Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid.
@@Glorfendil Lee doesn't have the kindness of demeanour for Gandalf. He is to aloof and and his decades of work in horror films would've brought baggage for the audience
Would probably throw in Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man/Tony Stark as he nailed the rich, playboy, egotistical, philanthropist character Tony Stark is generally portrayed as (can't see another actor int he role now lol) and while not a book to movie move even Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow is an example of an actor more or less being perfect choice when they start acting for the character they portray.
Some additions to a good list. Maggie Smith was just phenomenal as Minerva McGonagal, eventhough the dialogue writers didn't develop the character that much. It's in how she carries herself, the looks, the tone...
Whenever I read Saruman’s dialogue, it plays in my mind like Chris Lee is saying. Although Tolkien did give his blessing for Lee to play Gandalf, his experience as a villain in acting shines through as Saruman.
"No-ego Viggo" was the absolute hammer-smash of success. Relatively unknown enough to aid in the suspension of disbelief, yet professional enough to throw himself into the character so totally, it's impossible to imagine another actor as Aragorn. He, Christopher Lee, Sir Ian McKellan, and Brad Dourif (Wormtongue) gave performances that gave me chills the first time I drug my family to the theater for Fellowship. I had long given up on ever seeing my favorite story on screen. My kids wondered why I was so emotional. Now, they understand.
@FZMello Please just say dragged the next time. "Drug" is just incorrect and is not the past tense of "drag". Check your facts before calling someone alliterate. It really doesn't make you look good.
The last chapter of Return Of The King, Aragorn, “My friends, you bow to no one”…. Could have never come from anyone but Viggo Mortensen. Greatest movies ever
I think Viggo brought a humility in Aragorn that you rarely see most actors pull off. Russell Crowe or Nicolas Cage would've been too big of a name to give Aragorn that same humbleness Viggo did. And it allowed Aragorn to be less of a main character and gives other characters more weight when they interact with him, and it is when these character interacts that you truly see how heroic Aragorn is. His kindness given to a dying Boromir who just betrayed the Fellowship and gentleness in putting off Eowyn advances towards him is what sets him apart as a character in the film.
That humility is what shines the character. That's why it's the best film that's ever made! The middles earth has that Peace and Heavenly fairy folk tapes feeling and that's what I love about it!
Viggo has a natural grace and poise. He is full of valour and charisma. That other guy looked a bit snide and lacking substance. So glad Viggo got the part.
Ironically I think the fact Viggo wasn't in the character yet in the inn made the scene better... Like you can feel the uncertainty and hesitance in the character almost immediately.
This makes so much sense, that scene always felt off to me with his character, but now that I know the real backstory it's much more authentic and makes me appreciate the masterful job Viggo did in the rest of the movie(s).
Yep, Aragorn is still uncertain how much of himself to reveal and too used to hiding his true self. Worked out perfectly in that scene as Viggo was trying to figure it out as well.
Yes, I agree. The situation in the movie was dire with Gandalf MIA and black riders closing in. Aragorn being tasked with taking care of the Hobbits in such a spur of the moment situation mirrored Viggo's situation being thrown in the deep end with no prep time. Both character and actor were more than capable though. Can't imagine anyone else playing Aragorn.
Russel Crowe as Aragorn would vacuum all the attention to his character, making the other events mere side-quests. Viggo Mortensen's portrayal blended perfectly to the whole story.
It is NOT that Mortensen lacks charisma. I'm not sure how I feel about Crowe. I would have LOVED Sean Connery as Gandalf. It would have been such a fine way to top off his career.
@@Kermit_T_Frog He definitively don't lack charisma but considering Russell Crowe where fresh out of Gladiator which was probably the biggest hit in a long time. Man was on top of the world at that moment. I dono about Sean Connary as Gandalf, I just see double o 7
@@YurimoHikashi All these people who look at Connery and STILL see James Bond! Only proves my point. If he had taken the part, they'd be seeing Gandalf.
Viggo Mortensen is a hero on and off-stage. No one else could have played Aragorn as well as he did. I always pictured Aragorn just like that, and I have been a Tolkien fan for many many years.
This was Viggo Mortensen's role. No one else could have brought the emotional intensity and grown ass man energy to demonstrate the complexity of the character. The universe made the right decision.
You're indulging in 20/20 hindsight. Much as I love Mortensen in this role, if it had been someone else, we'd all be saying how "perfect" the fit was. I've never even heard of Stuart Townsend before, but this one-sided assessment of his character flaws strikes me as tremendously unfair.
Viggo Mortensen as Aragon is possibly the most seamless fit ever in cinema history. The circumstances, the background for the character and the actor. Everything came together
i agree. even though the movie version is very different than the book version he is capable of preforming both roles. While Vigo is directed and written to show Aragorn as being reluctant to becoming "more than a ranger" he clearly shows strong leadership qualities during the entirety of the film. The only major difference in characterization between the book and the movie are that Strider does not "turn away" from his heritage but embraces it as a duty he carries. But he is still not "entitled" and puts the mission first during the books. The main difference between the books and movies is that Gandalf and Aragorn confer a lot more early on before Moria with each being a leader but Strider deferring to Gandalf's wishes.
I heard Viggo would go out and sleep in forests. Hilarious to imagine him out there snoozing, a desperation bid by the studio, while the hobbit boys blast music in their trailer, and an angry wizard pounds on the wall from the other side. Viggo belonged there as much as Christopher Lee, who had the right to be anything he liked in Tolkien's world.
@@michaelscott-joynt3215he didnt even read the books until he got casted. He spent most of the flight reading the books and by the timr the day of shooting was discovered the books were fresh in memory. Its imo why he did such a great job. It wasnt like christofer lee who was a tolkien scholar that had rigid ideas of the book. Not saying he did a poor job. But aragon did a great job making it feel real. He was a fan that happened to be a great actor and really wanted to fit that role. New playets in dnd are usually the most inspirational due to them not knowing their limits. They do thints techinally not possible but you cant really deny them because it makes a damn good story.
Even as Viggo was fully discovering his character during filming, Aragorn as a character seemed to be re-discovering himself in the timeline as well. In a way it's kind of perfect...
Honestly, Viggo's first filmed scene being when he confronts the Hobbits at the Prancing Pony is actually kind of perfect, since prior to this moment Aragorn had been traveling Middle-earth alone for the most part for years. Finding himself in the company of others again - especially company so accustomed to comfortable, sedentary, provincial village life - would have required Aragorn to take some time to adjust as well!
The whole world owes Henry Mortensen a HUGE "Thank you !!" - for having convinced his dad to take on the role of Aragorn with such short notice - on a chance - as it were. That role was made for him - and he for it. He was brilliant as Strider/Aragorn/King Elessar . . . I had been reading those books since I was 19 - 56 yrs ago -. . . in fact, I still have the original set of three books in their sleeve with the map of Middle Earth on it, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, Leaf by Niggle and Farmer Giles of Ham - all bought that same year. They've traveled across the country with me twice (to Toronto and back) - and for two years up North, as well. Viggo was only 10 yrs old when I bought those books (during my 2nd year at University). Did he even know he was going to be an actor, then ?!? And how could he ever have known that he would forever be identified with one of THE most beloved characters in story-telling, movie history ?!? He was equally brilliant in all his other movies since . . . but LOTR was absolutely magical - and so much of the magic came to life because of him.
Here's some fun trivia: Henry Mortensen (bless his LotR-loving heart) got his reward for casting his father. He was an extra in the Helm's Deep scenes.
@@IntotheBangtanUniverseWormhole Here's some more fun trivia: Mortensen and his younger brother Ian were both good swimmers growing up, holding records at their high school. Mortensen almost drowned during the filming of the scene where he's floating down the river after the warg attack. Had he not been as good a swimmer and outdoorsman as he was, he might've actually drowned.
Leaf by Niggle is kind of sad... but very good. Subtle life lessons in there that many people could benefit from. I don't meet too many people who've read it.
Mortensen was the absolute perfect actor. He truly made the audience feel like he doesn't play Aragorn, but he IS Aragorn. The depth with which he portrayed this (without doubt) very hard role to play near-impromptu is awe-inspiring.
Some castings are iconic. Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn is one of them. I cannot imagine anyone else in that role. Even better: Viggo is a leader in real life as well. Everybody loved him on set, he's professionnal and well liked by the directors and all crew, he's funny, he's great with horses, his son is super smart (thanks Henry!). It's like Illuvatar himself willed for Viggo to be Aragorn.
Not only that but there was few (if any) amoung the cast and crew who where not fans of Tolkien or at the very least highly respectful of the man. Also Chistopher Lee who had actually knew him.....probably would have reverted to some older skills had anyone tried anything to disturb the magic of Middle Earth.
One thing I notice is that somehow Vigo brings a sort of ‘nam glare to Aragorn the other dude could not. Like, when he’s standing calm, when he’s on the move, even as a king he looks like a guy who hasn’t slept well in years due to a past he can’t get rid of, which keeps his spirit strong but tired. One may attribute it to film schedule, but man the guy was on par with the whole thing, he even was an amazing guy with the cast and crew!
Viggo is a king. Everyone on set said it. He was their head. He embodied all that was Aragorn. Noone else could have pulled it off with such grace and power.
Amazon be like: I think Whoopie Goldberg would make the perfect Aragorn! And the """fans""" on Tumblr, Twitter and Reddit would lap it up. And call anyone who objected a racist transphobic bigot. That's literally what they did to The Green Knight, Dune, The Wheel of Time, Macbeth, 1917 and every other major Western sci-fi/fantasy/period property in the last decade.
Very interesting (and mostly accurate) account, well done. Coincidentally this exact series of events had a big impact on my life also….I was cast as a body double for Sean Bean as Boromir and went in for my first wardrobe and makeup test the day after they cast Viggo. Wardrobe dept got the schedule mixed up and dressed me as Strider (costume, wig, makeup, beard etc..) and just as they were finishing the casting director walked in to check on them and said “no!…..this is supposed to be our Boromir double!” Then when I stood up she got me walk around the room and suddenly said “ok wait, you’d be a better match to our new Aragorn (Viggo), “…..so I landed the role in three films instead of just the first! Great luck. Incidentally, as I’m a manufacturing jeweller by trade I went on to make Aragorn’s coronation crown and then lead the Jewellery team on Hobbit trilogy….but that’s another story. Keep up the good work and cheers from Middle Earth!
@@RawandCookedVegan Thanks, yes it was an amazing time - playing Aragorn for 18mths of principle photography was a privilege and a highlight for me at the start of a 15yr career in Film. I can honestly say the first trilogy was a labour of love for all involved, and I think it shows in indefinable ways on screen. Hobbit is brilliant but didn’t have quite the same feel for our crew as by then it was a massive industry.
@@dallaspoll I agree, PJ dropped the ball with the Hobbit. It amazes me that he could so nail LOTR n so ruin the Hobbit. I guess it was interference fromm the companies. Missed opportunity.
I would have found it ironic and hilarious if Stuart had been re-cast to be Boromir or Faromir... Those who were set to rule Gondor before the true king arrived :P
@@BYERE Stuart might have been a pretty good Boromir. A young man with flaws who struggles to overcome them. There would have been a certain tragedy to his death. But Sean Bean was excellent as well and by the sounds of it easier to work with.
That bit about Sir Ian pulling Stuart Townsend aside and asking him "do you even want to be here?" struck me. Could you imagine being a professional at something (as in, this is your job, that you've trained for years for, you are getting paid handsomely for this), and having someone who has been working in your profession for nearly 40 years pulling you aside and basically saying "wtf is your problem?" As someone who takes great pride in his work ethic, and takes huge hits to his self esteem and personal feeling of self worth when that work ethic falters, something like that happening would absolutely feel like a kick to the gut.
Viggo Mortensen nailed it, fun fact he bought one of the horses that he worked with in the films because of the bond they made with each other in a behind the scenes clip the horse can be seen rubbing his head on Viggo's shoulder
@@merkox7857 yeah, the other horse he gifted to the stunt actress who couldn't afford it at the time because she too had formed a bond with her assigned horse
Viggo brought a humility and modesty to Aragorn, he’s a king in exile but he doesn’t want people to know it, he’s a reluctant leader but when it’s time to lead he knows exactly what he must do. He puts others before himself.
I know right? I watch the trilogy at least once a year, with the extended edition of Two Towers on New Year's Eve, because I like hearing Theoden say, So it begins when the clock strikes midnight (start watching at 21.10). And every damn time it gets me in the feels when Boromir dies.
Many others who have no discernment or taste. I could have accepted him but for the changes in his character and storyline of him. He bore no resemblance to the real Aragorn of the books. None of them did.
Viggo was perfect as Aragorn. I can’t imagine the films without him. He’s also a good horseman. He bought a couple of the horses from this film. And those beautiful blue eyes! Viggo was great. What is hard to believe is Stuart Townsend refusing to rehearse or do sword work. You’re getting such a great opportunity and you don’t put in the work. Apparently, even Mr. Jackson realized this. We’re lucky they made the change.
Oh Viggo brought a lot of other things in the backstage in terms of knowledge of combat and also had a very good sense of improv. Also yeah so weird for Townsend to refuse swordfight or riding, like did the guy realize what kind of movie he was in? What would you do.then? Let a stuntman do 90% of the scenes?
@@babyfry4775 Yep, he did! I think it's super cool as well. You're welcome. And thank you, too-for some reason, I didn't actually know he'd also bought the horses from LotR until reading your comment.
Peter Jackson, on Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn ~ «Looking back on it now, Viggo's last-minute addition to the Lord of the Rings team was a turning point. It feels like fate steered us there, since he has come to embody the heart, soul and spirit of the production»
@@veramae4098 Hi, Thanks. Yes, I had already seen it. Lately there has been a proliferation of analyzes on Film Aragorn's masculinity qualities. «Aragorn: Healthy Masculinity on Screen» from The Vanishing Point channel «Why We Need Aragorn’s Example of Masculinity» from Master Samwise channel «Why Aragorn is the Epitome of Masculinity» from Pilgrims Pass channel «Aragorn = Masculinity» from Anti.Prophet channel So on...
It's funny. I agree but when I first watched the movie, having been a huge LOTR nerd for years, I had very specific images for a lot of the characters and Aragorn, Frodo, and Samwise were some that did not mesh with my internal image to the point where I thought they were bad choices. I was wrong of course, but at the time I did think, these are not the characters I know.
@@no_nameyouknow I watched the first film when I was 11 without knowing a THING, so this LOTR nerd was born with the films unfortunately!! But having read a tonne since and seen film adaptions after reading their books - it’s true that nothing quite lives up to imagination.
The whole cast fit in every role SO god damn perfectly it's crazy to imagine, what the odds are to even consider how many actors there are and how different each of them is. There's been tons of movies, where a different actor would do a "better" job at some role. Most people are just not able to imagine someone else once the movie is out, but just try to imagine Frodo played by Sean Astin instead of Elijah Wood. It's REALLY hard to imagine that once you've seen the movies, but that's what I love about the Trilogy, the perfect actor for every role. Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Christopher Lee, legendary performance of Andy Serkis ... just ALL of them did their best and it's so awesome to see they all enjoyed their roles so much. I must do a big bow towards Fran Walsh and her incredible talent to transform the books into a screenplay so good and faithful to the books. Peter Jackson for respecting the Tolkien's vision, yet adapting it into a movie that came out decades after the books. Just all REALLY talented people came together, all the stuntmen and women, all the people from effects and light departments... ALL who put their hands on making this movie did such a great job I don't think it's gonna be beaten EVER. At least not when I'll be alive and I'm willing to put my head on the train tracks for that.
It's amazing that Peter Jackson had such (imo) poor first choices for Aragorn and Sean Connery as Gandalf, and seemingly lucked into far superior options with McKellen and Mortensen. Each of them did such incredible work in bringing their characters and the entire story to life, and I can't imagine the series working nearly as well without them.
Little nitpick: The people of Middle Earth do not age more slowly. Remember Eowyn was flabbergasted at hearing about Aragorn's age. Only the Númenorians, of whom Aragorn is a direct descendant, reached much older ages and age more slowly along the way. Númenorian blood still runs in Gondor and even Rohan to some extent, but only in the line of kings is it still dominant enough to result in super slow aging.
Sadly, the scene where Aragorn tells Eowyn his age was cut in the theatrical release. So some people are not aware of its existence and the lore it brings.
Its not being nitpicky! UA-cam now days a full of wrong facts. Keep pointing it out. I the future luke skywalker took the tardis from harry potter to destroy it in a black hole while being chased by Thanos.
Viggo Mortensen is to Aragorn what Johnny Depp is to Captain Jack Sparrow, Patrick Stewart to Piccard - neither character could exist without these specific men playing them! I was honestly surprised to hear that there were others in contention for the part - I had always believed that the screen adaptation of Aragorn was written with Mortensen in mind.
Damn, this just solidifies my respect for Viggo. By all accounts he's a consummate professional and a great actor to work with, but realizing that he just jumped into Fellowship with literally no prior warning or preparation, then went on to play one of the most important roles in the trilogy not just well, but perfectly-that's another level of talent and craft altogether.
Bruh, Viggo Mortensen is one of the rare few Hollywood actors that I actually like as a person. Immensely talented yet so genuinely humble and kind, and isn't on social media giving his opinions on things nobody asked for which is a double win in my books. Can't see anyone else in the role of Aragorn than him.
Viggo was so committed to Aragorn he broke his toe kicking the Uruk-Hai helmet (the shot is used in the second film), chipped a tooth and refused treatment until Peter Jackson stepped in and nearly drowned filming the Fellowship's journey down the River Anduin. He also greeted the stunt team with headbutts, got addressed as 'Aragorn' during conversations and carried his sword with him everywhere he went (this got him into trouble with the New Zealand authorities, who had to verify it was a prop) He's one of the most consistent and dedicated actors working today.
He also almost died in the role. That Uruk-Hai that threw the sword at him in that fight when the Fellowship broke up was supposed to throw a near-miss but accidentally threw a perfect shot at his head. That desperate parry is 100% real, and was badass enough (and convincing enough, for obvious reasons) that the had to put it in the movie.
He also insisted on hiking to film locations in the mountains, so that his costume would look realistically worn. The rest of the actors flew there in helicopters.
4:16 Viggo did NOT know swordsplay until the shooting of the film, he was trained on the spot very quickly, but thankfully Viggo picked up on it very quickly
Viggo has this romantic vibe and free spirit that resonate with Aarogorn's story arch so well that creates drama and conflict like no any other acter can deliver.
Viggo is so convincing in this role. He has the nobility and yet you can feel he had had such a challenging life before he actually became the king. Can't imagine anyone else as Aragorn
You see… Peter Jackson said that he couldn’t see Viggo as Aragorn in the first scenes at the prancing pony, but honestly I think that perfectly encompasses the character. At that point, Strider really isn’t Aragorn, he is in this limbo state of his character, and he’s confused with who he is and should be. It’s not until he saves the hobbits at weathertop that he’s really a hero and heir to a kingdom like Aragorn. Great analysis, I think it all worked out quite well :)
@@blechtic It is more of the movie interpretation. In the book, Aragorn in the Prancing Pony declares PROUDLY that he is Isildur's heir, and is already ready to accept his role as King of Gondor.
@@thegamersguild9953 exactly, Aragorn of the books never would have played footsie with Eowyn. He was made of vastly sterner stuff than the movies made him out to be. One of the reasons I never bonded to the movies.
He was a great fit and really went all in on his role, a good number of actors put so much spirit into the films and it will remain a fantastic beloved movie series.
Viggo M is one of the most well-cast actors in the franchise. I don't think the franchise could have been quite what it was without him and Ian McKellen. Those two were indispensable.
@@tadghsmith1457 Respectfully disagree. I loved Liv Tyler and Hugo Weaving and Cate Blanchett as the elves in this series, and am not sure who could have done as good a job, but none of them were *essential* in the same way as Wood, Mortensen, and McKellen.
@@serendipityshopnyc Elves, not fairies, and not elfs. That point, even down to the spelling was important to Tolkien. Likewise, it was dwarves, not dwarfs.
Viggo Mortensen is a generous actor and a thoughtful man. He embodied the self-doubt of a man hiding from his heritage, while figuring out how to show the future king’s true heart and commitment to the overall war while constantly supporting individual people fighting by his side. He was ferocious, calm, explosive and sorrowful, sometimes within fleeting moments of the same scene. It’s impossible for me now, to see anyone else as Aragorn. He was born to it.
I completely agree. I was not familiar with him (or most of the actors) before the trilogy, but nearly all of them were just perfect for their roles. The only ones that I believe should have been replaced are Elrond and Arven. They don't look elvish to me.
Thank God, this was happened. Viggo is perfect to portray Aragorn, He doesn't looks old, neither looks young. Not looking soft, but also not harsh. He looks like a gentleman. He looks like a person who has been through a lot, and sparks nobility just like who Aroagorn is. She looked like a gentleman who is wise but also has a burden in mind. He is Aragorn. I can't imagine other actor will be as good as Viggo to portray Aragorn. 🌿
Two things: The "people" of Middle Earth don't age more slowly than we do - The Númenorians did. Every other human is the same as us. Also Viggo wasn't familiar with The Lord of The Rings prior to the film - his son was. His son convinced him to accept the last minute role.
They said he was ‘familiar with the folklore which the lord of the rings was pulled from’ -rather than lotr itself, which I think I remember from the appendices with the films. I think he had some familiarity with some European folklore.
Yes the Dunedain, and the Gondorians to a lesser extent, are descended from the Numenorians. Because of that they have a much longer life span than other Mortal men, especially Aragorn's line. In fact Aragorn being a descendant of Elros the first King of Numenor, who was the brother of Elrond, lived to be 210 years old.
No one could have played Aragorn as well as Viggo Mortensen, no one. He brought the character alive, and every woman in the audience fell in love with him. In these dark days I watch Lord of the Ring movies often, they remind me of what honor, courage, and true grit can accomplish when all seems to be lost.
Love your statement "they remind me of what honor, courage, and true grit can accomplish when all seems to be lost." Truer words were never spoken... dark times indeed... I saw Jordan Peterson's video from yesterday - "wicked globalists..." His courage and honesty give me hope in these dark days...
@@yoursoulknows6444 Courage and honesty, really? Have you seen the video where he talks about how he and some past coworkers used to make fun of a man who worked with them and throw rocks at his head? And basically acted like he "deserved" it?
@@HereForTheCatContent 'He' and past coworkers? WHO is 'he'? Jordan Peterson or Viggo Mortensen? Couldn't find anything on either one. Post me a link if it's true.
I recently rewatched this trilogy, hadn’t watched it in probably 10 years. Viggo Mortenson is so perfect in the role. He gives Aragorn so many great layers. He’s grizzled and brooding but also soft and kind. You can see the weight of the world on his shoulders with the humility of one who has seen friends die in battle. Love him in these movies. So glad he ended up in the role.
I normally watch the 3 extended films straight on newyears Day at work but I didn't work that day this year. That's why I watched this vid my lord of the rings itch needs scratching.
When Strider was first revealed on the theater screen I gasped. He was so beautiful. The fact Viggo fell into it with no prep and had to grow quickly into it actually worked!
Vigo's version of masculinity was absolutely the secret ingredient for Aragorn in the movie. His strength tempered by emotional maturity and compassion made Aragorn the perfect companion, fighter, and king.
A reminder that Viggo stopped a knife with his sword because the actor who played the Uruk-Hai Lurtz didn’t miss it. Viggo also was behind the idea that he would wear Boromir’s bracers so he could keep his promise to a brother, son of Gondor. He also broke his toe after kicking a Uruk-Hai helmet: that’s why he did scream. Viggo Mortensen became the one true king. They gave Aragorn a story arc beyond the simple concept of a leader and protector. He earned the name Elessar.
He also broke one of his front teeth but wanted to keep filming. They sent him to a dentist quickly to repair the damage but there's a photograph of him with a huge broad smile showing the missing chunk of tooth. Viggo is a real professional and, from what I can tell, a really great person and those qualities show through into his character and add authenticity to the role that few actors could. He *is* Aragorn as far as I am concerned and I just don't see myself getting teary-eyed over the scene between Aragorn and Boromir while Boromir is dying if Stuart had been playing the role. Same thing with the other tear-jerker scene at the end of the trilogy when the (now king) Aragorn says to the hobbits about nobody kneeling to them.
@@matthewrawls1184 i watched a period Spanish film starring him the other day about a musketeer.. didnt realise it was all in spanish but really enjoyed it any way
@@paulnicholson5997 That film is Alatriste (2006), and Mortensen's knowledge of Spanish let him play the whole script in that language. As an Spaniard myself, I can say he did a great job.
Viggo wasn’t versed in Lord of the Rings at first, his son Henry was and we have him to thank for convincing his father to take the role! 💕 Viggo became Aragorn very quickly, he melts into his characters!
@@Thund3rstorm I adore JRD so much, in indiana jones and sliders he was such a great actor. Although Gimli got kinda given the Jar Jar treatment in the movies, He did great as a Dwarf, the look and swagger i totally bought him in that role. On the other hand Thorin looks and behaves pretty much like a hobbit sized man and i thought was pretty bad.
good video, many things wrong here tho. Viggo didn't want the role due to the long ass shooting and him not wanting to be away from his family. He only had 1 day to reply and it was his son who loved the books that talked him into it. Also, Viggo did NOT have lot of sword training before hand. The fight at weathertop was actually his first one ever on screen, with only 1 training done before the shoot. The sword trainer has afterwards said Viggo was the best student he has taught.
Yeah, I was surprised by how many things were wrong, especially relating to the source material. LotR was not intended to be one book, but six, for one (albeit published at the same time). The portrayal of Aragorn in the books was completely different from how the content creator here put it. In the books there are several scenes remarking on how Aragorn had, at the start, looked and behaved like a woodsman, turning into a regal figure, standing tall in a different way, as the story came to a close. I don't think anyone who has touched the books would get things like these wrong.
Not the first actor who learned swordplay quickly and was great at it. Nakadai Tatsuya also didn't have any swordfights before shooting Harakiri, and it has one of the best sword duels of all time.
Ian McKellen was right to call him out. dude wasn't aware of the sheer privilege given to him when he was cast for the role of Aragorn and just how great the trilogy would be. its hands down the best films in history and nothing else even comes close to being just as legendary, its basically perfect in every way. i imagine that arrogant brat Steward-whats-his-face regrets this for the rest of his life. thank goodness for the rest of us though, since we got one of the greatest character portrayals of all time as a result.
@@ZugzugZugzugson Perfect is a reach. Great, sure. But not perfect. Many things thrown in the directors cut, that was cut in the theatrical version... which i´m glad for. Peters wild imagination and sometimes childish tendencies made it into the films, like the skull-scene, which made no sense except him showing of his effects. Or the scateboarding done by legolas down the stairs on a shield. Cool in Peters eyes, and sure for a kid it is, but for others(not all tough) just silly. So... great acting, great movies, but not perfect.
Personally, I think Viggo's initial portrayal of Aragorn is spot on. At that point in the film, he's been living rough as a ranger in the wild for a long time, so it works that he's rough around the edges to begin with. This disappears once he's back around the elves in a more royal and peaceful setting. In fact, if I remember correctly, Aragorn has a much more "graceful" manner once they reach Rivendell in the books too, so this is actually quite accurate to the book.
I mean that's pretty much direct from the book. The Strider/Aragorn duality. And Bilbo's poem about him: All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king.
I agree. When I read Fellowship for the first time Aragorn, specifically during the period where he's exclusively referred to as 'Strider' came across as a surprisingly weird guy.
@@bendover2649 The way I read him, as a survivalist and someone who'd spent his whole life fighting the forces of evil, he was exasperated by the carelessness of the hobbits, and that made him brusque.
Exactly , perfection for me ..from prancing pony to Rivendell looked right and planned to me He was only truly safe amd home, therefore himself , at Rivendell
Thank you, I agree with you. To all the other excellent points I want to point out that Aragorn knew the Hobbits were carrying something pretty precious and I'm sure he was worried and exasperated by what happened in the inn. He's also a Ranger living rough so it's not hard to imagine he was a little brusque at first. I read this as part of his character arc I like that the films at times make some of the most noble and helpful characters seem at first as though they are antagonists rather than allies. This contrasts perfectly with Gollum, who is the exact opposite.
Viggo Mortensen was the perfect choice I think, not only for his acting chops but also for his skills - Namely his ability with horses and the fact that the guy is fluent in like 9 languages which allowed him to handle the Elvish language parts so damn well.
@@Sharoney is that true? Because if I recall properly, the song he sings is “Elendils Oath” and Elendil sings it the moment he sets foot on middle earth founding the High Kingdom of Arnor, while his sons formed the kingdom of Gondor. I could be wrong, I did just get 7 old Tolkien’s books for this Christmas including the Fall of Numeñor so it may be in the end of that book when the 9 ships of the faithful land on middle earth.
Aragorn by Viggo is the best hero character I've ever seen in movies. He has the strength to destroy the Uruks and agility to match Legolas, yet very humble, kind and fiercely loyal to his friends. Long live The King!
@@theexile6605 yeah man but then he and Legolas just plough through the Uruks in the seige of Minas Tirith like they were nothing hehe ( oh dang I unintentionally leave out gimli again)
@@rekonzuken1 Excellent point, though the orcs at Minas Tirith may not have been Uruks per se as bred by Saruman. Also Aragorn fought better at Helm's Deep vs. Uruks in the movies than he did at the end of the Fellowship. My main complaint about Aragorn in the movies btw is the whole "reluctant king" theme. The books and appendices make it clear that he and Gandalf had planned and prepared for a long time for Aragorn to claim the throne, with Elrond's aid. Furthermore to marry Arwen Elrond demanded he be no less than the high king of all Gondor and Arnor. If he hadn't prepared to take the throne, Aragorn would not have been so ready for his coronation. Cheers to you. Regrets to Gimli, ha.
I've known the books for almost fifty years. I never thought I'd see the story made into movies. There was just too much magic in it for a decent film for a long time. Being very clear in my mind about how the characters looked and acted, I was always going to be hard to please. Viggo is just perfect as Aragorn - smoldering, savage, intelligent, fearless and tender. The way he moves is seared into my mind by watching the movies over and over. I need to buy digital copies so I can watch them again since the DVR died.
I also grew up with the books, and have firm ideas about what the characters look like. Mortinson was a very good choice. The bad casting was Kate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving. Good actors, but very wrong IMO.
@@dianatrueblood7109 Hugo Weaving was "wrong" only because the films changed the character of Elrond so much (and so much for the worse, IMO). I think Cate Blanchett was fine as Galadriel. She had an other-worldly look and "feel" that fitted the Elf Lady who was both beautiful and intimidating in her power.
Viggo was the perfect Aragorn. It’s in his eyes. He’s supposed to be tall and lanky. Check. He’s supposed to be a bit threatening at first. Check. And yet he has amazing Grace. Just look at the way he places the shards of narsil back on the plinth or how he gently closes Frodo’s hand around the ring. Or how he cools faramir’s brow with Athelas. He’s the whole package. It’s hard to believe Jackson wanted anyone else.
EDIT: I made a mistake, Viggo's son Henry is in the scene in background, Phillippa Boyen's son Calum Gittins plays Haleth. Henry is in the big helmet in the background of the shot, carrying a pole arm. Sorry! Beautiful. But I'd also like to point out, the extended edition behind the scenes DVDs show that Viggo would've NEVER taken the role if it wasn't for his son being such a huge fan. "THEY ASKED YOU TO BE *ARAGORN!?*" He got his son a role in the Two Towers, the young lad who expressed his fear and lack of a good sword. Pleasure to meet you Kim, best wishes
@@Trick-Framed Hi Christopher! I made a mistake I'm so sorry, Henry Mortensen is in the background in a huge helmet in that scene. Calum Gittins is Haleth, screenwriter Philippa Boyens' son. It's still true that Henry convinced Viggo to take the role though. I'm sorry for my mistake. Best wishes to you!
Well, at 5'11" he is about 7 inches shorter than the original Aragorn in the books. At least the other actors weren't real tall, either, and he gives a good subjective impression of being a mighty warrior, regardless of height. Hanging around with Hobbits certainly doesn't hurt, either. By the way, Gandalf is supposed to be fairly short--about a foot shorter than Aragorn. No complaints, though--getting the right actors is more important than their heights.
@@rbrtck Holy $h!t I must've missed that enormously, I know there was an exTREMELY vague concept that "sons of Numenor" and other men held a very long removed essence of the Valar, but I didn't know Aragorn was supposed to be that tall. I poured through RotK's appendices but I never did read the silmarillion. Thank you so much. Strider indeed!
Viggo wasn’t a trained swordsman. In the weathertop section of the appendices on the extended edition of Fellowship, Peter Jackson says Viggo had never used a sword before landing in New Zealand, Viggo says that Bob Anderson was his first guide to sword fighting and Jackson says that Bob had to give Viggo a crash course in sword fighting as he had not had the 6 weeks of training prior to filming that the other cast members had received. By the end of filming Anderson would say that Viggo was the greatest student he had ever had but this is down to effort Viggo put in including taking his sword with him everywhere he went including when he would go out for dinner.
Thank you. You saved me having to say it. You only have to watch the 'Making of' on the DVDs to know that. I heartily agree with most of the comments on this video that Viggo was perfect for Aragorn. I'm sure there a lot of actors who would have given it their very best, but they couldn't have equalled him.
Good video. A few points to clarify: (1) Vigo Mortenson said in an interview that he was unfamiliar with TLoTR and asked his son about it and (2) people of Middle-Earth do not age slower, only those who are descended from the kings of Numenor are granted longer life spans.
Viggo absolutely nailed the role of Aragorn and his acting is one of the many reasons the trilogy is as big as it is, but for some reason I think Sean Bean could've also acted the part if need be. That being said, he ALSO nailed Boromir so... yeah lol
I think Sean Bean could have been good as well, but I will give Viggo the edge because he is better looking. He also moves more convincingly. Both Bean and Crowe (who was considered) are great actors but look like mortal men on screen which is part of their appeal and makes them suitable for their iconic roles. I feel with Viggo there is a sense of nobility in his demeanor that leads one to believe they are in the presence of a man with Numenorean lineage and raised by elves.
@@CPKraglund Sean Bean would have done the Aragorn role well... and Viggo probably would have done the Boromir role well... but ya, Viggo did bring a certain charisma to the role with his experienced warrior-king look and vibe, which Sean Bean (and even Russell Crowe) might not have done as well... which begs the question, why wasn't Viggo playing some important role in the original Game of Thrones series. I feel he would have fit several roles well...
Yes, now that I think about it, Sean would be 10/10 as Aragorn. But, Viggo has that extra X-factor, which made him 11/10 so yah. I'm sure the producers of New Line would have considered Sean as Aragorn but they made the right call as Sean always seem to do better as the tragic character in movies & games.
The reason why Aragorn aged slower is that he came from the Numenoreans, who were given longer life, but eventually abused it. Viggo is perfect as Aragorn.
Well, if Stuart Townsend couldn't recognise the awesome opportunity of the LOTR trilogy then he didn't deserve it. Viggo Mortensen is Aragorn and played the part beautifully. He had the command and nobility of royalty, the wisdom of long life and the cool rugged toughness and efficiency of a man who had seen many battles. I really can't imagine anyone bettering his performance.
Viggo was perfect for that role. Everybody was perfect, except for Elrond and Arven. The Elrond dude was perfect as Agent Smith, but didn't look like an elf. Arven didn't look elvish either.
@@peterrevens8454 Half-Elves under Eärendil and Elwing lineage were given a choice to choose to become immortals and elven or become mortal and a man. Elwing chose immortality for herself and Eärendil after doing a series of heroic acts. Their children, having fought against Morgoth, were given the same option. Elrond chose to be immortal, and Elros chose to be a man. Elros' descendants were the Númenor, which were really special men - which Aragorn descended from. Arwen was given the same option, and she chose to be mortal to be with Aragorn. It seems that if your parents chose to be Elves, you would have the choice. If not, it is man all the way down.
Just a detail: Viggo said he didn't really know anything about the Lord of the Rings when he was cast for the role, but his son was the one to encourage him when he learned about the role of Aragorn, being an avid reader of the books himself
Can you imagine being that son?? "Oh my God. DAD, you HAVE to take this role!!" Don't know how old the son was, but: imagine the on-set visits, if you are LoTR fan as a youngster.... :Homer Simpson-level drool/revery:
@@stormflyerdt01 I’ve talked to Viggo during his filming of The Road at my Fathers amusement park. He did not know much at all about the books and it was indeed his son Henry who gave the thumbs up and he agreed to do the job. It was a real pleasure to meet him and he answered my questions in my fathers office for probably 30 mins. That was 15 years ago already. The scenes filmed at my fathers park made the final cut and it was good to see that. I’ve also talked to Sean Astin too. Another great person who was happy to talk about his experience on the films.
No one could have played Aragorn like Vigo not only did he nail it but he actually became him , one of if not the best performance in the film just phenomenal, my preciousss..
My daughter and I where at the cinema when we saw a preview of the Lord of The Ring. Viggo Mortensen, and not only him, but every member of the company where so much themselves that my daughter and I - we had read the books more than once - recognize every persona, not making a single mistake. Definitely, Viggo Mortensen IS Aragorn and none other.
Totally don’t agree. I pictured him from the books as a big man with an outstanding voice. I was so disappointed when I saw him as Aragorn. I pictured someone more like Liam Neeson, not Mortensen with his wispy, mumbling voice.
@@Bob-fk8vd I’ve read the whole trilogy at least 3 times and yes I always pictured Aragorn as a big, tall man - after all his nickname is Strider - more of a guy like Liam Neeson than a Viggo Mortensen. Also, Mortensen’s voice is not up to par. He slurs his word and his supposedly rousing speech before the last battle was ridiculous. You could tell he was straining as hard as he could to belt it out and it came out thin and reedy instead of booming and commanding. I don’t agree at all that he was the “perfect” Aragorn. Besides, hind sight is everything - if anyone else had played the role, people would be saying whoever (insert random name) was the only one who could have done it!
Mortensen is able to take interest in no longer practical, but aesthetic sports such as medieval fencing and horse riding. It means he has depth and vitality. And it can be seen on his face. He was born to be Aragorn.
Most sports aren't practical. If anything, fencing and horse riding are among the most practical when you're an actor, since as you say, they are aesthetic, and thus work well in movies.
Viggo Mortensen has been great in every movie I have seen him in. He really immerses himself in the character to the point where you don't see 'Viggo', you only see the character. Superlative, humble and under-rated talent.
@@patriciaclements9457 Yup ...but so many actors we see just can't do it. They remain stereotypically themselves & not the character. Even very enjoyable or talented actors,Luke Johnny Depp, do not disappear into their character - they make the character their particular form of acting. Which is very far from the same 'acting' talent I am speaking of.
@@lornalong6468 This is the difference between an actor and a movie star. Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio are movie stars, guys like Tom Hanks, Cristian Bale, and Daniel Day-Lewis are actors. I have much more respect for the later group.
Viggo was not a "trained swordsman" before he accepted the role, they make a very big deal on the behind the scenes commentaries that he did the scene at Weathertop without virtually ever having done any sword choreography or fights before this. Which is all the more reason that his performance is so amazing in spite of the lack of prep tbf
Viggo gave so much emotion to the role. You felt he would be a great king because he was a great fighter but had so much heart. It was lovely. I think someone younger might have played him with more macho energy which wasn't necessary. Viggo had the perfect balance.
also i cannot understand how they found this perfect of a man 1. outdoorsman 2. knows how to ride horses 3. looks and performs as Aragorn in a very natural way 4. knows swordfighting what?! how is this possible
So is Stuart Townsend, a wonderful actor whose presence in movies I miss. But Viggo is almost 15 years older than he is. In the book, Aragon is effectively a middle-aged man. So I can understand why Jackson went with Viggo and the results couldn't have been better.
Somehow never seen whole trilogy back to back, especially since I wasn't really into fantasy genre as a kid, it was always random parts of the movies stitched together in my memory into one story. Then somehow youtube threw into my recommendations behind the scene video and now half of my feed is this. Now I'm convinced it's finally time to watch it properly.
VM wasn't a swordsman before the movies. However, the sword master for the trilogy - the legendary Bob Anderson, said he has never had a more natural student. Which is pretty damn impressive! :)
Also, I am pretty sure he has never read the books either and asked his son about them and if he should take on the role. To which his son said he would be stupid not to.
@@doomnova1946 Yea, I also remember an interview where it was mentioned that he only knew his son was reading the books and asked him if he should do the role he got offered. And it was because of his son that he actually did it.
@@doomnova1946 The video never said he was familiar with the books though. It said he was familiar with the folklore or mythology or whatever that the books were inspired by.
@@jaginaiaelectrizs6341 yes and that would imply knowing the books, in my opinion... But who cares, Viggo was cast and I had a blast (732962 times and counting lmao)
@@alpacapines8553 i have watched the LOTR trilogy 12-15 times atleast. The Hobbit maybe 2 times all the way through. I just do not have the same remorse, sadness, Happiness for the characters.
I never knew Virgo Mostesen before. but after watching LOTR i believe he is one of the most hardworking and underrated actors we have around. I hope he would be given more film work where he can explore his capability and deptness as an actor. Youve got a fan here ...Mr. Virgo,,actually aside from Frodo LOTR gravitates around him and what he is going through being the number 1 supporter of Frodo and he played the part very well..apllause and standing ovation to You Mr. virgo.
I can't imagine anyone else as Aragorn... Viggo was born to be Aragorn, period... The balance between fragility and strength of that character could not have come to life without him... No one, absolutely no one else can be My Aragorn ❤️
I am amazed that Peter Jackson didn't see it though... Viggo's roles in Eastern promises is also an extension of the Aragorn character. Viggo plays an FSB agent in the film who has infiltrated the Russian mafia. A nurse falls in love with him and has come into possession of a baby borne by a teenager raped by Viggovs boss. Viggo helps her out and causes the downfall of his boss, but he refuses to divulge to her why he does what he does or that he is in fact one of the good guys. The ending of the movie with Viggo flipping a coin to decide (seemingly) to remain in the mafia or call it quits was touching Viggo imo plays characters with deep internal emotional struggles well.
Aragon's arc from Strider to King was so beautifully and convincingly played by Vigo. He had the look, the swagger and the intensity needed for that demanding character. The stars were aligned for Mr Jackson and us the benefactors of Tolkien stories.
I just rewatched the the three movies... And even now it moved me. Thanks Jackson for making my childhood enjoyable. Also to Viggo Mortensen for embodying the role of Aragon.
I don't see it possible for anyone but Viggo to have been Aragorn, especially after some of the stories that came out from the set, like the famed knife throw and helmet kick. Sure, other actors have pulled off similar things, but sometimes they end in tragedy or weeks to months of missed filming, and that's all very hard. Plus, I'm frankly not sure who else would have been quite as hot doing it all.
This trilogy truly was 100% lightning in a bottle with NOBODY knowing what the end result would be. Robert Shay took a massive risk green-lighting not 2, but 3 films with no evidence it would pay off for the studio, Jackson probably gave up a good 5-10 years of his lifespan with the stress of creating this pure work of art, and the CG team literally lived out of their offices for the final months desperately trying to complete scenes before the reels shipped out to Hollywood at the expensive of their families and personal lives. This will, and can never be repeated. And the end result.. is some of the finest cinema that has EVER been made, and in my humble opinion, the greatest film score ever composed with Howard Shore alluding to everything from pre-WWI Wagner to Beethoven & List with over 3 dozen little leitmotifs. Incredible!
@@madshader ….I always feel such an intellectual numpty when these deep thinkers take flight. I came out of the cinema and said something like “Cor! That was good!”
to anyone reading this: I hope you understand that viggo mortensen is 10x more amazing than this video describes. the person who convinced him to accept the role was his son, henry. the director of the movie called mortensen at home asking him to get on a plane to new zealand and viggo HADN'T read lotr before so he was unfamiliar with the character, the storyline, everything. his son was the one who had read lotr and he loved the books so he told his father that he had to accept the role of aragorn, so viggo did! AND he had NO preparation since they were already shooting the film when he was offered the role. he got off a plane and went on camera the next day. the sword fight scene they talk about in the videos was one of his first days of shooting, with only a few days of sword training. he also had to learn how to speak another language! sindarin or "elvish" is a fictional language created by jrr tolkein and viggo was easily able to deliver his elvish lines because of the fact that he is multilingual. he also mirrors in real life the kingly character he portrays in the movies. viggo mortensen did an incredible job as aragorn because he's an incredible person, and a truly fantastic casting decision by the directors.
He did have some advantage over the others in that what they wanted them to learn - swordfighting, horse riding - Viggo was already familiar with. He was basically a ranger before he became Aragorn. Which he would need because of the drastically reduced prep time he would have for the role. They really hit the jackpot with him.
He was also really hardcore during the shoots, refusing to use stunt doubles except where he had no choice, and opting to always carry a "real" sword, not a lightweight prop, even when not in combat scenes because he felt the weightlessness of the sword hanging in its sheath would throw off the scene. He was also injured several times during shots but kept going.
Aragorn is by far my favorite character in the trilogy and it is hugely due to Viggo’s portrayal. I felt the character’s mystery, struggle, wisdom, courage and the goodness of his heart through the screen. You will find yourself emphatizing and rooting for his character throughout the whole film.
Towsend would never replace the actor Viggo Mortensen, because Vigo was born to play aragorn. Townsend wishes he could have. Great Job on this vid. Would watch again 10/10
Quick fact: Vigo was not willing to accept the role due to the time he would be away from his family, but his son who was a teen fan of LOTR said something like "will you deny me the opportunity for my father to be Aragorn?" and the rest is history
fake
@@rad6554 Nope, that's true, his son convinced him to play the role.
Google could've helped you... Although... Yeah not even sure... nevermind 😗
Thank Henry for saving us all 😂
@@rad6554 Google would've saved you looking like an a$$
His son said "what say you?"
Viggo as Aragorn is one of the best casting in book-to-film adaptation history, possibly only matched by Christopher Lee as Saruman or Robbie Coltrane as Hagrid.
true, tho I think Christopher Lee shoud've played Gandalf (even if I have huge respect for Mc Kellen)
@@Glorfendil Lee doesn't have the kindness of demeanour for Gandalf. He is to aloof and and his decades of work in horror films would've brought baggage for the audience
Would probably throw in Robert Downey Jr as Iron Man/Tony Stark as he nailed the rich, playboy, egotistical, philanthropist character Tony Stark is generally portrayed as (can't see another actor int he role now lol) and while not a book to movie move even Johnny Depp as Jack Sparrow is an example of an actor more or less being perfect choice when they start acting for the character they portray.
Some additions to a good list. Maggie Smith was just phenomenal as Minerva McGonagal, eventhough the dialogue writers didn't develop the character that much. It's in how she carries herself, the looks, the tone...
Whenever I read Saruman’s dialogue, it plays in my mind like Chris Lee is saying. Although Tolkien did give his blessing for Lee to play Gandalf, his experience as a villain in acting shines through as Saruman.
Viggo's Aragorn is so good that every time I watch the movie, I don't see Viggo at all, I see Aragorn.
I wish he was so good in Captain Fantastic that I didn't see his penis.
Agreed!
Same with me.
True
Who's this Viggo guy I keep hearing about?
"No-ego Viggo" was the absolute hammer-smash of success. Relatively unknown enough to aid in the suspension of disbelief, yet professional enough to throw himself into the character so totally, it's impossible to imagine another actor as Aragorn. He, Christopher Lee, Sir Ian McKellan, and Brad Dourif (Wormtongue) gave performances that gave me chills the first time I drug my family to the theater for Fellowship. I had long given up on ever seeing my favorite story on screen. My kids wondered why I was so emotional. Now, they understand.
Truly. The casting in these films was perfect, truly lightning in a bottle.
You drugged your family???
You drug your family?? How has not anyone caught this in a year?
@@kristinapaxton9686 note, I said drug, not drugged. A little literary license. (Ooh, look... A little alliteration.)
@FZMello Please just say dragged the next time. "Drug" is just incorrect and is not the past tense of "drag". Check your facts before calling someone alliterate. It really doesn't make you look good.
The last chapter of Return Of The King, Aragorn, “My friends, you bow to no one”…. Could have never come from anyone but Viggo Mortensen. Greatest movies ever
Best line in the trilogy!
Ha ha!
And that scene always cuts the onions for me... 😭
@@robbob5302 Right up there with "For Frodo"
@@ghoppr71 oh hells yes that scene is everything!
I think Viggo brought a humility in Aragorn that you rarely see most actors pull off. Russell Crowe or Nicolas Cage would've been too big of a name to give Aragorn that same humbleness Viggo did. And it allowed Aragorn to be less of a main character and gives other characters more weight when they interact with him, and it is when these character interacts that you truly see how heroic Aragorn is. His kindness given to a dying Boromir who just betrayed the Fellowship and gentleness in putting off Eowyn advances towards him is what sets him apart as a character in the film.
Yeah, he also gave an edge to the Devil in `The Prophecy aka God's Army´ part one.
you articulated it so well like EXACTLYYY
And that is what makes all us ladies swoon. Humility/kindness... and knowing the appropriate time to show strength.
That humility is what shines the character. That's why it's the best film that's ever made! The middles earth has that Peace and Heavenly fairy folk tapes feeling and that's what I love about it!
Mortensen played a similarly humble character in 'Hidalgo', but a redeemable arrogant jerk in 'GI Jane'. A true pro that one.
Viggo has a natural grace and poise. He is full of valour and charisma. That other guy looked a bit snide and lacking substance. So glad Viggo got the part.
Brandon Lee would have been interesting in that role. Tragic that he died filming the crow.
Townsend would have made a great pompous elf.
I read Viggo would sleep outside when Aragorn did to look more authentic.
Totally. Russell Crowe lacks that poise and grace imo. He's much more brutish seeming.
@@mat5473 oh yeah, i agree. You're picking up on the brute side of him, and you can see that in the film Romper Stomper.
Virgo is the best choice for me for the role of Aragon can't imagine other actor.He really nailed it.
And I think that he would be good role as Ned Stark .
Ironically I think the fact Viggo wasn't in the character yet in the inn made the scene better... Like you can feel the uncertainty and hesitance in the character almost immediately.
Agreed. Also, kudos on using ironically correctly.
This makes so much sense, that scene always felt off to me with his character, but now that I know the real backstory it's much more authentic and makes me appreciate the masterful job Viggo did in the rest of the movie(s).
Yep, Aragorn is still uncertain how much of himself to reveal and too used to hiding his true self. Worked out perfectly in that scene as Viggo was trying to figure it out as well.
Yes, I agree. The situation in the movie was dire with Gandalf MIA and black riders closing in. Aragorn being tasked with taking care of the Hobbits in such a spur of the moment situation mirrored Viggo's situation being thrown in the deep end with no prep time. Both character and actor were more than capable though. Can't imagine anyone else playing Aragorn.
He had an Irish accent in that. "Yew have a st-out hart little hawbbit"
Viggo told us in an interview that he hadn’t even read the books, and it was his son who exitedly told him to accept the role.
John Rhys-Davies said that too lol
@@AP-eq6fv
I’m happy that John agrees with me.
good son..
maybe he was a fan of the films
Great story
Russel Crowe as Aragorn would vacuum all the attention to his character, making the other events mere side-quests. Viggo Mortensen's portrayal blended perfectly to the whole story.
It is NOT that Mortensen lacks charisma. I'm not sure how I feel about Crowe. I would have LOVED Sean Connery as Gandalf. It would have been such a fine way to top off his career.
@@Kermit_T_Frog Disagree Sean Connery is nice but I don't think he fits Gandalf
@@Kermit_T_Frog He definitively don't lack charisma but considering Russell Crowe where fresh out of Gladiator which was probably the biggest hit in a long time. Man was on top of the world at that moment. I dono about Sean Connary as Gandalf, I just see double o 7
@@Kermit_T_Frog Sean Connery would have slapped the Balrog.
@@YurimoHikashi All these people who look at Connery and STILL see James Bond! Only proves my point. If he had taken the part, they'd be seeing Gandalf.
Viggo Mortensen is a hero on and off-stage. No one else could have played Aragorn as well as he did. I always pictured Aragorn just like that, and I have been a Tolkien fan for many many years.
This was Viggo Mortensen's role. No one else could have brought the emotional intensity and grown ass man energy to demonstrate the complexity of the character. The universe made the right decision.
Viggo's bio was basically Aragorn without the crown.
Oded Fehr would have been better.
Heh... ass man
Betty White would’ve done it better
You're indulging in 20/20 hindsight. Much as I love Mortensen in this role, if it had been someone else, we'd all be saying how "perfect" the fit was. I've never even heard of Stuart Townsend before, but this one-sided assessment of his character flaws strikes me as tremendously unfair.
Viggo Mortensen as Aragon is possibly the most seamless fit ever in cinema history. The circumstances, the background for the character and the actor. Everything came together
i agree. even though the movie version is very different than the book version he is capable of preforming both roles. While Vigo is directed and written to show Aragorn as being reluctant to becoming "more than a ranger" he clearly shows strong leadership qualities during the entirety of the film. The only major difference in characterization between the book and the movie are that Strider does not "turn away" from his heritage but embraces it as a duty he carries. But he is still not "entitled" and puts the mission first during the books. The main difference between the books and movies is that Gandalf and Aragorn confer a lot more early on before Moria with each being a leader but Strider deferring to Gandalf's wishes.
I heard Viggo would go out and sleep in forests. Hilarious to imagine him out there snoozing, a desperation bid by the studio, while the hobbit boys blast music in their trailer, and an angry wizard pounds on the wall from the other side. Viggo belonged there as much as Christopher Lee, who had the right to be anything he liked in Tolkien's world.
@@michaelscott-joynt3215he didnt even read the books until he got casted.
He spent most of the flight reading the books and by the timr the day of shooting was discovered the books were fresh in memory.
Its imo why he did such a great job. It wasnt like christofer lee who was a tolkien scholar that had rigid ideas of the book. Not saying he did a poor job. But aragon did a great job making it feel real.
He was a fan that happened to be a great actor and really wanted to fit that role.
New playets in dnd are usually the most inspirational due to them not knowing their limits. They do thints techinally not possible but you cant really deny them because it makes a damn good story.
He looks more mature and fitting as a person with responsibility.
@@michaelscott-joynt3215 Yeah he already embodied a ranger BEFORE becoming Aragorn. His role was perfect casting.
Even as Viggo was fully discovering his character during filming, Aragorn as a character seemed to be re-discovering himself in the timeline as well. In a way it's kind of perfect...
Honestly, Viggo's first filmed scene being when he confronts the Hobbits at the Prancing Pony is actually kind of perfect, since prior to this moment Aragorn had been traveling Middle-earth alone for the most part for years. Finding himself in the company of others again - especially company so accustomed to comfortable, sedentary, provincial village life - would have required Aragorn to take some time to adjust as well!
The whole world owes Henry Mortensen a HUGE "Thank you !!" - for having convinced his dad to take on the role of Aragorn with such short notice - on a chance - as it were. That role was made for him - and he for it. He was brilliant as Strider/Aragorn/King Elessar . . . I had been reading those books since I was 19 - 56 yrs ago -. . . in fact, I still have the original set of three books in their sleeve with the map of Middle Earth on it, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, Leaf by Niggle and Farmer Giles of Ham - all bought that same year. They've traveled across the country with me twice (to Toronto and back) - and for two years up North, as well.
Viggo was only 10 yrs old when I bought those books (during my 2nd year at University). Did he even know he was going to be an actor, then ?!? And how could he ever have known that he would forever be identified with one of THE most beloved characters in story-telling, movie history ?!? He was equally brilliant in all his other movies since . . . but LOTR was absolutely magical - and so much of the magic came to life because of him.
Here's some fun trivia: Henry Mortensen (bless his LotR-loving heart) got his reward for casting his father. He was an extra in the Helm's Deep scenes.
@@IntotheBangtanUniverseWormhole That's awesome
@@IntotheBangtanUniverseWormhole Here's some more fun trivia: Mortensen and his younger brother Ian were both good swimmers growing up, holding records at their high school. Mortensen almost drowned during the filming of the scene where he's floating down the river after the warg attack. Had he not been as good a swimmer and outdoorsman as he was, he might've actually drowned.
@@zamboughnuts interesting!
Leaf by Niggle is kind of sad... but very good. Subtle life lessons in there that many people could benefit from. I don't meet too many people who've read it.
Viggo is a man of substance. The movie would have been severely lacking without him.
Amen!
Substance. I wanna just say that word....like moist.
Your right I have watched the other actor in the movies quoted to be honest I did not really like him.
@@dawsie Substance is the perfect word.
I adore him, it was made for Viggo
Mortensen was the absolute perfect actor. He truly made the audience feel like he doesn't play Aragorn, but he IS Aragorn. The depth with which he portrayed this (without doubt) very hard role to play near-impromptu is awe-inspiring.
Yes. Not too many can pull of regal, threatening and humble.
Too true. I fell in love with Aragorn😊
Nothing like the aragon in the book
@@seanfarley8382 Movie aragorn is more human and relatable.
Some castings are iconic. Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn is one of them. I cannot imagine anyone else in that role. Even better: Viggo is a leader in real life as well. Everybody loved him on set, he's professionnal and well liked by the directors and all crew, he's funny, he's great with horses, his son is super smart (thanks Henry!). It's like Illuvatar himself willed for Viggo to be Aragorn.
Viggo unwillingly said yes to being Aragorn as Aragorn unwillingly steps in as king❤
Watching the stuntmen honor him when filming was complete tells you all that you need to know about Viggo Mortensen.
The other guy looks more suited to playing an elf. Mortensen much closer to the person I imagined.
@@GITMachine Dude sacrificed his broken foot. Respect.
Not only that but there was few (if any) amoung the cast and crew who where not fans of Tolkien or at the very least highly respectful of the man.
Also Chistopher Lee who had actually knew him.....probably would have reverted to some older skills had anyone tried anything to disturb the magic of Middle Earth.
One thing I notice is that somehow Vigo brings a sort of ‘nam glare to Aragorn the other dude could not.
Like, when he’s standing calm, when he’s on the move, even as a king he looks like a guy who hasn’t slept well in years due to a past he can’t get rid of, which keeps his spirit strong but tired.
One may attribute it to film schedule, but man the guy was on par with the whole thing, he even was an amazing guy with the cast and crew!
Viggo is a king. Everyone on set said it. He was their head. He embodied all that was Aragorn. Noone else could have pulled it off with such grace and power.
With a Hakka in his honor 💪🏼
Amazon be like: I think Whoopie Goldberg would make the perfect Aragorn! And the """fans""" on Tumblr, Twitter and Reddit would lap it up. And call anyone who objected a racist transphobic bigot. That's literally what they did to The Green Knight, Dune, The Wheel of Time, Macbeth, 1917 and every other major Western sci-fi/fantasy/period property in the last decade.
@@TomorrowWeLive lol. Indeed, dont forget "subverting expectations", and "its a fantasy world, innit, we can do whatever...you racist".
@@TomorrowWeLive relax man you sound fuckin looney
@@TomorrowWeLive How long did you chew on this nugget of wisdom before you found the slightest excuse to post it?
Very interesting (and mostly accurate) account, well done. Coincidentally this exact series of events had a big impact on my life also….I was cast as a body double for Sean Bean as Boromir and went in for my first wardrobe and makeup test the day after they cast Viggo. Wardrobe dept got the schedule mixed up and dressed me as Strider (costume, wig, makeup, beard etc..) and just as they were finishing the casting director walked in to check on them and said “no!…..this is supposed to be our Boromir double!” Then when I stood up she got me walk around the room and suddenly said “ok wait, you’d be a better match to our new Aragorn (Viggo), “…..so I landed the role in three films instead of just the first! Great luck. Incidentally, as I’m a manufacturing jeweller by trade I went on to make Aragorn’s coronation crown and then lead the Jewellery team on Hobbit trilogy….but that’s another story. Keep up the good work and cheers from Middle Earth!
So cool that you were a part of making this. Amazing films.
You're an actual piece of cinema history. Edit: terrible spelling.
@@RawandCookedVegan Thanks, yes it was an amazing time - playing Aragorn for 18mths of principle photography was a privilege and a highlight for me at the start of a 15yr career in Film. I can honestly say the first trilogy was a labour of love for all involved, and I think it shows in indefinable ways on screen. Hobbit is brilliant but didn’t have quite the same feel for our crew as by then it was a massive industry.
@@dallaspoll I agree, PJ dropped the ball with the Hobbit. It amazes me that he could so nail LOTR n so ruin the Hobbit. I guess it was interference fromm the companies. Missed opportunity.
Is your real name Kirk?
I honestly have to thank Stuart. His blunder allowed for the true heir to the throne of Gondor to come forth. Viggo was born for the role.
I would have found it ironic and hilarious if Stuart had been re-cast to be Boromir or Faromir... Those who were set to rule Gondor before the true king arrived :P
@@BYERE Stuart might have been a pretty good Boromir. A young man with flaws who struggles to overcome them. There would have been a certain tragedy to his death. But Sean Bean was excellent as well and by the sounds of it easier to work with.
Stuart the Steward.
Honestly it sounds less like a blunder and more like he was overwhelmed by the whole experience and wanted out.
That bit about Sir Ian pulling Stuart Townsend aside and asking him "do you even want to be here?" struck me. Could you imagine being a professional at something (as in, this is your job, that you've trained for years for, you are getting paid handsomely for this), and having someone who has been working in your profession for nearly 40 years pulling you aside and basically saying "wtf is your problem?" As someone who takes great pride in his work ethic, and takes huge hits to his self esteem and personal feeling of self worth when that work ethic falters, something like that happening would absolutely feel like a kick to the gut.
Viggo Mortensen nailed it, fun fact he bought one of the horses that he worked with in the films because of the bond they made with each other in a behind the scenes clip the horse can be seen rubbing his head on Viggo's shoulder
he bought two horses..
Wow tht is so awesome 🤗
@@merkox7857 yeah, the other horse he gifted to the stunt actress who couldn't afford it at the time because she too had formed a bond with her assigned horse
Is that the horse that kissed Aragorn after he fell off the cliff?
@@OmegaWolf747 Yes, that is the horse.
Viggo brought a humility and modesty to Aragorn, he’s a king in exile but he doesn’t want people to know it, he’s a reluctant leader but when it’s time to lead he knows exactly what he must do. He puts others before himself.
So true
I never knew any of this. He was my favorite character and this makes his performance even more amazing.
You have said it perfectly!
"Imagine a king who fights his own battles."
Like many others, I just can't picture anyone but Viggo as Aragorn. The Boromir death scene with Viggo and Sean Bean makes me cry. Every. Damn. Time.
I know right? I watch the trilogy at least once a year, with the extended edition of Two Towers on New Year's Eve, because I like hearing Theoden say, So it begins when the clock strikes midnight (start watching at 21.10). And every damn time it gets me in the feels when Boromir dies.
sean bean ...NOOOO ...he dies everytime in everything ...
Me too!
me too!
Many others who have no discernment or taste. I could have accepted him but for the changes in his character and storyline of him. He bore no resemblance to the real Aragorn of the books. None of them did.
Am currently rewatching the series. Viggo IS Aragorn. I could not and cannot take my eyes off of him whenever he is on screen.
Viggo was perfect as Aragorn. I can’t imagine the films without him. He’s also a good horseman. He bought a couple of the horses from this film. And those beautiful blue eyes! Viggo was great. What is hard to believe is Stuart Townsend refusing to rehearse or do sword work. You’re getting such a great opportunity and you don’t put in the work. Apparently, even Mr. Jackson realized this. We’re lucky they made the change.
Oh Viggo brought a lot of other things in the backstage in terms of knowledge of combat and also had a very good sense of improv. Also yeah so weird for Townsend to refuse swordfight or riding, like did the guy realize what kind of movie he was in? What would you do.then? Let a stuntman do 90% of the scenes?
he was a bad ass in that russian gangster movie. the naked steam bath knife fight in the nude.. too much viggo peen tho
Viggo also bought the horse from Hidalgo, too.
@@jaginaiaelectrizs6341 Did he? That ‘s so cool. Thanks for that info.
@@babyfry4775 Yep, he did! I think it's super cool as well. You're welcome. And thank you, too-for some reason, I didn't actually know he'd also bought the horses from LotR until reading your comment.
Peter Jackson, on Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn ~
«Looking back on it now, Viggo's last-minute addition to the Lord of the Rings team was a turning point. It feels like fate steered us there, since he has come to embody the heart, soul and spirit of the production»
"Cinema Therapy" did a great episode on Aragorn that I've watched twice. "Aragorn vs. Toxic Masculinity"
@@veramae4098 Hi, Thanks. Yes, I had already seen it. Lately there has been a proliferation of analyzes on Film Aragorn's masculinity qualities.
«Aragorn: Healthy Masculinity on Screen» from The Vanishing Point channel
«Why We Need Aragorn’s Example of Masculinity» from Master Samwise channel
«Why Aragorn is the Epitome of Masculinity» from Pilgrims Pass channel
«Aragorn = Masculinity» from Anti.Prophet channel
So on...
@@veramae4098I love that episode
Viggo was literally perfect for Aragorn. The whole cast was amazing ✨
agreed
It's funny. I agree but when I first watched the movie, having been a huge LOTR nerd for years, I had very specific images for a lot of the characters and Aragorn, Frodo, and Samwise were some that did not mesh with my internal image to the point where I thought they were bad choices. I was wrong of course, but at the time I did think, these are not the characters I know.
@@no_nameyouknow I watched the first film when I was 11 without knowing a THING, so this LOTR nerd was born with the films unfortunately!! But having read a tonne since and seen film adaptions after reading their books - it’s true that nothing quite lives up to imagination.
Ngl his voice kinda bothered me
Stuart is a pretty boy and seems weak.
Viggo is a man and has great presence with an inner strength.
Nuf said.....
The whole cast fit in every role SO god damn perfectly it's crazy to imagine, what the odds are to even consider how many actors there are and how different each of them is.
There's been tons of movies, where a different actor would do a "better" job at some role.
Most people are just not able to imagine someone else once the movie is out, but just try to imagine Frodo played by Sean Astin instead of Elijah Wood.
It's REALLY hard to imagine that once you've seen the movies, but that's what I love about the Trilogy, the perfect actor for every role.
Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Orlando Bloom, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellen, Christopher Lee, legendary performance of Andy Serkis ... just ALL of them did their best and it's so awesome to see they all enjoyed their roles so much.
I must do a big bow towards Fran Walsh and her incredible talent to transform the books into a screenplay so good and faithful to the books.
Peter Jackson for respecting the Tolkien's vision, yet adapting it into a movie that came out decades after the books.
Just all REALLY talented people came together, all the stuntmen and women, all the people from effects and light departments... ALL who put their hands on making this movie did such a great job I don't think it's gonna be beaten EVER. At least not when I'll be alive and I'm willing to put my head on the train tracks for that.
There should be an Academy or BAFTA award for Best Ensemble Cast!
It's amazing that Peter Jackson had such (imo) poor first choices for Aragorn and Sean Connery as Gandalf, and seemingly lucked into far superior options with McKellen and Mortensen. Each of them did such incredible work in bringing their characters and the entire story to life, and I can't imagine the series working nearly as well without them.
Connery brings screen presence and star power.
Truly …
@@williamjordan5554 ehhh more like mysoginistic, woman slapping power lmao
That is easy to explain, Peter jackson has zero empathy with anything on Earth (middle or not) apart from Peter Jackson
@@richardjones2006 is he really an a hole like that ? Lmao haven’t heard anything about this
Little nitpick: The people of Middle Earth do not age more slowly. Remember Eowyn was flabbergasted at hearing about Aragorn's age. Only the Númenorians, of whom Aragorn is a direct descendant, reached much older ages and age more slowly along the way. Númenorian blood still runs in Gondor and even Rohan to some extent, but only in the line of kings is it still dominant enough to result in super slow aging.
Sadly, the scene where Aragorn tells Eowyn his age was cut in the theatrical release. So some people are not aware of its existence and the lore it brings.
Its not being nitpicky! UA-cam now days a full of wrong facts. Keep pointing it out.
I the future luke skywalker took the tardis from harry potter to destroy it in a black hole while being chased by Thanos.
Isn’t Aragon once ridding along with her grandfather or something? He is older than the king of Rohan 😂
Bilbo was 144. (One gross as mentioned as impolite by Tolkien)
@@bobbarclay316 Bilbo wasn't even the oldest hobbit, either!
Viggo Mortensen is to Aragorn what Johnny Depp is to Captain Jack Sparrow, Patrick Stewart to Piccard - neither character could exist without these specific men playing them! I was honestly surprised to hear that there were others in contention for the part - I had always believed that the screen adaptation of Aragorn was written with Mortensen in mind.
I agree. I think a lot of actors exist for one perfect part, and Aragorn is Viggo.
I agree on this so much. When I think of Aragorn, I picture Viggo Mortensen. Same with Jack Sparrow and Piccard.
Bryan Cranston to Walter White
@@jayquoproductions that is also a fabulous choice
Ummm Hugh Jackman wolverine
Nearly all of the LOTR cast was stellar and committed. Jackson went the right direction in the end. I love the extended versions.
Damn, this just solidifies my respect for Viggo. By all accounts he's a consummate professional and a great actor to work with, but realizing that he just jumped into Fellowship with literally no prior warning or preparation, then went on to play one of the most important roles in the trilogy not just well, but perfectly-that's another level of talent and craft altogether.
He broke two toes kicking a helmet and still stayed in character. Ultimate professional.
It was perfect. How many actors ride and sword fight AND know the Lord of the rings.
Bruh, Viggo Mortensen is one of the rare few Hollywood actors that I actually like as a person. Immensely talented yet so genuinely humble and kind, and isn't on social media giving his opinions on things nobody asked for which is a double win in my books. Can't see anyone else in the role of Aragorn than him.
Thank goodness because all the snowflakes would be upset at another talented celebrity that doesn't agree with their alt-right beliefs.
He's anti semitic and u hate that cause otherwise he's great
@@datsmeyall he isn't. That's a weird thing to say
Yeah I only share my opinions online when someone asks me to 😒
The irony of your statement. To heck with a person and their opinion but you can have one.
Viggo was so committed to Aragorn he broke his toe kicking the Uruk-Hai helmet (the shot is used in the second film), chipped a tooth and refused treatment until Peter Jackson stepped in and nearly drowned filming the Fellowship's journey down the River Anduin. He also greeted the stunt team with headbutts, got addressed as 'Aragorn' during conversations and carried his sword with him everywhere he went (this got him into trouble with the New Zealand authorities, who had to verify it was a prop) He's one of the most consistent and dedicated actors working today.
That's a man dedicated to his craft.
I think Jason Patrick could have made a good Aragon as well.
He also almost died in the role. That Uruk-Hai that threw the sword at him in that fight when the Fellowship broke up was supposed to throw a near-miss but accidentally threw a perfect shot at his head. That desperate parry is 100% real, and was badass enough (and convincing enough, for obvious reasons) that the had to put it in the movie.
@@MurderNotMukduk holy shit that parry was real
He also insisted on hiking to film locations in the mountains, so that his costume would look realistically worn. The rest of the actors flew there in helicopters.
4:16 Viggo did NOT know swordsplay until the shooting of the film, he was trained on the spot very quickly, but thankfully Viggo picked up on it very quickly
Viggo has this romantic vibe and free spirit that resonate with Aarogorn's story arch so well that creates drama and conflict like no any other acter can deliver.
romantic vibe and free spirit - you're so right! I think that worked especially well with how Aragorn is a ranger.
Viggo is so convincing in this role. He has the nobility and yet you can feel he had had such a challenging life before he actually became the king. Can't imagine anyone else as Aragorn
You see… Peter Jackson said that he couldn’t see Viggo as Aragorn in the first scenes at the prancing pony, but honestly I think that perfectly encompasses the character. At that point, Strider really isn’t Aragorn, he is in this limbo state of his character, and he’s confused with who he is and should be. It’s not until he saves the hobbits at weathertop that he’s really a hero and heir to a kingdom like Aragorn. Great analysis, I think it all worked out quite well :)
I think that is more of the movie interpretation than the book interpretation of the character, so it's no wonder it fits the movies.
@@blechtic It is more of the movie interpretation. In the book, Aragorn in the Prancing Pony declares PROUDLY that he is Isildur's heir, and is already ready to accept his role as King of Gondor.
@@thegamersguild9953 exactly, Aragorn of the books never would have played footsie with Eowyn. He was made of vastly sterner stuff than the movies made him out to be. One of the reasons I never bonded to the movies.
they could still use townsend as some veasly character since he just looks like that to me
After all, it's Strider (humble ranger) that we meet in the Prancing Pony, not Aragorn (rightful heir to the throne of Gondor).
He was a great fit and really went all in on his role, a good number of actors put so much spirit into the films and it will remain a fantastic beloved movie series.
Viggo M is one of the most well-cast actors in the franchise. I don't think the franchise could have been quite what it was without him and Ian McKellen. Those two were indispensable.
Also Elijah Wood. Any of the others might possibly have been successfully cast differently, but those three were critical.
@@serendipityshopnyc And Liv Tyler as Arwen. You could hang the rest of the cast on fence posts, but those four were essential.
@@tadghsmith1457 Respectfully disagree. I loved Liv Tyler and Hugo Weaving and Cate Blanchett as the elves in this series, and am not sure who could have done as good a job, but none of them were *essential* in the same way as Wood, Mortensen, and McKellen.
SIR Ian Mckellen
@@serendipityshopnyc Elves, not fairies, and not elfs. That point, even down to the spelling was important to Tolkien. Likewise, it was dwarves, not dwarfs.
Viggo Mortensen is a generous actor and a thoughtful man. He embodied the self-doubt of a man hiding from his heritage, while figuring out how to show the future king’s true heart and commitment to the overall war while constantly supporting individual people fighting by his side. He was ferocious, calm, explosive and sorrowful, sometimes within fleeting moments of the same scene. It’s impossible for me now, to see anyone else as Aragorn. He was born to it.
I completely agree. I was not familiar with him (or most of the actors) before the trilogy, but nearly all of them were just perfect for their roles. The only ones that I believe should have been replaced are Elrond and Arven. They don't look elvish to me.
@@peterrevens8454 that's because they're technically half elves, as they have elven and human ancestry.
Maybe, but that's not who Aragorn was supposed to be.
AND he knew how to play a love scene.
@@gailfinke8318 This is true, but even as much as the script messed with Aragorn's character, I still think Viggo managed to capture his essence.
Thank God, this was happened. Viggo is perfect to portray Aragorn, He doesn't looks old, neither looks young. Not looking soft, but also not harsh. He looks like a gentleman. He looks like a person who has been through a lot, and sparks nobility just like who Aroagorn is. She looked like a gentleman who is wise but also has a burden in mind. He is Aragorn. I can't imagine other actor will be as good as Viggo to portray Aragorn. 🌿
Aragorn doesn’t have facial hair.
Viggo was stupendous, awesome - just wonderfully perfect - as was Liv.
Two things: The "people" of Middle Earth don't age more slowly than we do - The Númenorians did. Every other human is the same as us. Also Viggo wasn't familiar with The Lord of The Rings prior to the film - his son was. His son convinced him to accept the last minute role.
They said he was ‘familiar with the folklore which the lord of the rings was pulled from’ -rather than lotr itself, which I think I remember from the appendices with the films. I think he had some familiarity with some European folklore.
Thank you. Saved me from having to say it.
I was searching the comments hoping to find someone pointing this out
I knew a fine LOTR nerd would point this out. Good show Lux! An Ent draght for you on me.
Yes the Dunedain, and the Gondorians to a lesser extent, are descended from the Numenorians. Because of that they have a much longer life span than other Mortal men, especially Aragorn's line. In fact Aragorn being a descendant of Elros the first King of Numenor, who was the brother of Elrond, lived to be 210 years old.
I cannot imagine a better choice for Aragorn. He was intense, charismatic, haunted and confident all at once. Exactly how Aragorn was written.
he sounds like kermit tho
@@user-ci4qq1om4o I see no issue there
No one could have played Aragorn as well as Viggo Mortensen, no one. He brought the character alive, and every woman in the audience fell in love with him. In these dark days I watch Lord of the Ring movies often, they remind me of what honor, courage, and true grit can accomplish when all seems to be lost.
Love your statement "they remind me of what honor, courage, and true grit can accomplish when all seems to be lost." Truer words were never spoken... dark times indeed... I saw Jordan Peterson's video from yesterday - "wicked globalists..." His courage and honesty give me hope in these dark days...
@@yoursoulknows6444 you’re an idiot lol
@@Hasbulla761 seriously LOL - maybe re-read the comment I replied to... if these aren't currently very dark days on Earth you must be the idiot.
@@yoursoulknows6444 Courage and honesty, really? Have you seen the video where he talks about how he and some past coworkers used to make fun of a man who worked with them and throw rocks at his head? And basically acted like he "deserved" it?
@@HereForTheCatContent 'He' and past coworkers? WHO is 'he'? Jordan Peterson or Viggo Mortensen? Couldn't find anything on either one. Post me a link if it's true.
Viggo Mortensen really depicted Aragorn with his heart and soul. His contribution to the making of the three films was awesome.
I recently rewatched this trilogy, hadn’t watched it in probably 10 years. Viggo Mortenson is so perfect in the role. He gives Aragorn so many great layers. He’s grizzled and brooding but also soft and kind. You can see the weight of the world on his shoulders with the humility of one who has seen friends die in battle. Love him in these movies. So glad he ended up in the role.
Same, I couldn't agree more. He's a one off, that's for sure.
By chance did you watch the full extended trilogy? The added scenes for The Return of the King make it so much better.
I normally watch the 3 extended films straight on newyears Day at work but I didn't work that day this year. That's why I watched this vid my lord of the rings itch needs scratching.
When Strider was first revealed on the theater screen I gasped. He was so beautiful. The fact Viggo fell into it with no prep and had to grow quickly into it actually worked!
I'm glad that Viggo ended up in the part. He was completely perfect. And he seems like a good guy too.
I recall he went on Charlie Rose with a t-shirt that said "No blood for oil" written in sharpee. Viggo is pretty awesome.
He was born to become Aragorn.
Nerdstalgic stole Legend Loop's video, he even stole the thumbnail.
@@jas8840 holy crap!!! This video is nearly word for word what he did. This is terrible!!!
I actually live in his home town and my friend has met him on several occasions, very down to earth guy every time.
Vigo's version of masculinity was absolutely the secret ingredient for Aragorn in the movie. His strength tempered by emotional maturity and compassion made Aragorn the perfect companion, fighter, and king.
A reminder that Viggo stopped a knife with his sword because the actor who played the Uruk-Hai Lurtz didn’t miss it. Viggo also was behind the idea that he would wear Boromir’s bracers so he could keep his promise to a brother, son of Gondor. He also broke his toe after kicking a Uruk-Hai helmet: that’s why he did scream.
Viggo Mortensen became the one true king. They gave Aragorn a story arc beyond the simple concept of a leader and protector. He earned the name Elessar.
Well, I believe he was supposed to scream during that scene but actually breaking his toe on that helmet made the scream all the more convincing. 🙂
He also broke one of his front teeth but wanted to keep filming. They sent him to a dentist quickly to repair the damage but there's a photograph of him with a huge broad smile showing the missing chunk of tooth. Viggo is a real professional and, from what I can tell, a really great person and those qualities show through into his character and add authenticity to the role that few actors could. He *is* Aragorn as far as I am concerned and I just don't see myself getting teary-eyed over the scene between Aragorn and Boromir while Boromir is dying if Stuart had been playing the role. Same thing with the other tear-jerker scene at the end of the trilogy when the (now king) Aragorn says to the hobbits about nobody kneeling to them.
@@matthewrawls1184 i watched a period Spanish film starring him the other day about a musketeer.. didnt realise it was all in spanish but really enjoyed it any way
@@awakeandwatching953 Wait! What? You can't just Splash it out there in the comments like that. Details 🙏 plz.
@@paulnicholson5997 That film is Alatriste (2006), and Mortensen's knowledge of Spanish let him play the whole script in that language. As an Spaniard myself, I can say he did a great job.
Viggo wasn’t versed in Lord of the Rings at first, his son Henry was and we have him to thank for convincing his father to take the role! 💕 Viggo became Aragorn very quickly, he melts into his characters!
Similar to John Rhys-Davies then, who wouldn't even have gone to the auditions if it weren't for his son, if I'm not mistaken.
i was just gonna write that, but wanted to see if anyone else noticed this mistake.
@@Thund3rstorm I adore JRD so much, in indiana jones and sliders he was such a great actor. Although Gimli got kinda given the Jar Jar treatment in the movies, He did great as a Dwarf, the look and swagger i totally bought him in that role. On the other hand Thorin looks and behaves pretty much like a hobbit sized man and i thought was pretty bad.
good video, many things wrong here tho. Viggo didn't want the role due to the long ass shooting and him not wanting to be away from his family. He only had 1 day to reply and it was his son who loved the books that talked him into it. Also, Viggo did NOT have lot of sword training before hand. The fight at weathertop was actually his first one ever on screen, with only 1 training done before the shoot. The sword trainer has afterwards said Viggo was the best student he has taught.
Yeah, I was surprised by how many things were wrong, especially relating to the source material. LotR was not intended to be one book, but six, for one (albeit published at the same time).
The portrayal of Aragorn in the books was completely different from how the content creator here put it. In the books there are several scenes remarking on how Aragorn had, at the start, looked and behaved like a woodsman, turning into a regal figure, standing tall in a different way, as the story came to a close. I don't think anyone who has touched the books would get things like these wrong.
Damn, he was more awesome than the video suggests him to be.
Not the first actor who learned swordplay quickly and was great at it. Nakadai Tatsuya also didn't have any swordfights before shooting Harakiri, and it has one of the best sword duels of all time.
An alternate universe, good for views
I think all you said is on the DVDs commentary/documentaries, so not hard to find out.
I cannot imagine anyone else as Aragorn now.The films are made and it would take a very brave producer to want to go through it again.
Can you imagine working on such an incredible movie set with such incredible actors when Gandalf himself asks you, “do you even want to be here?”
Id rethink my entire life's choices being pulled aside by him and asked that question!
Well not without reason
Ian McKellen was right to call him out. dude wasn't aware of the sheer privilege given to him when he was cast for the role of Aragorn and just how great the trilogy would be.
its hands down the best films in history and nothing else even comes close to being just as legendary, its basically perfect in every way.
i imagine that arrogant brat Steward-whats-his-face regrets this for the rest of his life.
thank goodness for the rest of us though, since we got one of the greatest character portrayals of all time as a result.
@@ZugzugZugzugson Perfect is a reach. Great, sure. But not perfect. Many things thrown in the directors cut, that was cut in the theatrical version... which i´m glad for. Peters wild imagination and sometimes childish tendencies made it into the films, like the skull-scene, which made no sense except him showing of his effects. Or the scateboarding done by legolas down the stairs on a shield. Cool in Peters eyes, and sure for a kid it is, but for others(not all tough) just silly.
So... great acting, great movies, but not perfect.
@@henriklarsson5221 No film is perfect, to be fair. They all have flaws. Those flaws give them a character of their own, for better or worse.
Personally, I think Viggo's initial portrayal of Aragorn is spot on. At that point in the film, he's been living rough as a ranger in the wild for a long time, so it works that he's rough around the edges to begin with. This disappears once he's back around the elves in a more royal and peaceful setting. In fact, if I remember correctly, Aragorn has a much more "graceful" manner once they reach Rivendell in the books too, so this is actually quite accurate to the book.
I mean that's pretty much direct from the book. The Strider/Aragorn duality. And Bilbo's poem about him:
All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost;
The old that is strong does not wither,
Deep roots are not reached by the frost.
From the ashes a fire shall be woken,
A light from the shadows shall spring;
Renewed shall be blade that was broken,
The crownless again shall be king.
I agree. When I read Fellowship for the first time Aragorn, specifically during the period where he's exclusively referred to as 'Strider' came across as a surprisingly weird guy.
@@bendover2649 The way I read him, as a survivalist and someone who'd spent his whole life fighting the forces of evil, he was exasperated by the carelessness of the hobbits, and that made him brusque.
Exactly , perfection for me ..from prancing pony to Rivendell looked right and planned to me
He was only truly safe amd home, therefore himself , at Rivendell
Thank you, I agree with you. To all the other excellent points I want to point out that Aragorn knew the Hobbits were carrying something pretty precious and I'm sure he was worried and exasperated by what happened in the inn. He's also a Ranger living rough so it's not hard to imagine he was a little brusque at first. I read this as part of his character arc I like that the films at times make some of the most noble and helpful characters seem at first as though they are antagonists rather than allies. This contrasts perfectly with Gollum, who is the exact opposite.
Viggo Mortensen was the perfect choice I think, not only for his acting chops but also for his skills - Namely his ability with horses and the fact that the guy is fluent in like 9 languages which allowed him to handle the Elvish language parts so damn well.
Mortensen is also a poet. He composed the song that he sings immediately upon his crowning in "The Return of the King."
@@Sharoney is that true? Because if I recall properly, the song he sings is “Elendils Oath” and Elendil sings it the moment he sets foot on middle earth founding the High Kingdom of Arnor, while his sons formed the kingdom of Gondor. I could be wrong, I did just get 7 old Tolkien’s books for this Christmas including the Fall of Numeñor so it may be in the end of that book when the 9 ships of the faithful land on middle earth.
@@trevor3194 That is correct. Viggo did set it to music, however.
Viggo’s humbleness was close to how humble Aragorn was in the books I think he was the right choice and glad he accepted the role.
Aragorn by Viggo is the best hero character I've ever seen in movies. He has the strength to destroy the Uruks and agility to match Legolas, yet very humble, kind and fiercely loyal to his friends. Long live The King!
Amen
"and agility to match Legolas".......well ....almost lol
In the books, the Uruks were no match for Aragorn. He dismantled them easily, whereas in the movies one alone nearly beat him. Ridiculous!
@@theexile6605 yeah man but then he and Legolas just plough through the Uruks in the seige of Minas Tirith like they were nothing hehe ( oh dang I unintentionally leave out gimli again)
@@rekonzuken1 Excellent point, though the orcs at Minas Tirith may not have been Uruks per se as bred by Saruman. Also Aragorn fought better at Helm's Deep vs. Uruks in the movies than he did at the end of the Fellowship. My main complaint about Aragorn in the movies btw is the whole "reluctant king" theme. The books and appendices make it clear that he and Gandalf had planned and prepared for a long time for Aragorn to claim the throne, with Elrond's aid. Furthermore to marry Arwen Elrond demanded he be no less than the high king of all Gondor and Arnor. If he hadn't prepared to take the throne, Aragorn would not have been so ready for his coronation. Cheers to you. Regrets to Gimli, ha.
I've known the books for almost fifty years. I never thought I'd see the story made into movies. There was just too much magic in it for a decent film for a long time. Being very clear in my mind about how the characters looked and acted, I was always going to be hard to please. Viggo is just perfect as Aragorn - smoldering, savage, intelligent, fearless and tender. The way he moves is seared into my mind by watching the movies over and over. I need to buy digital copies so I can watch them again since the DVR died.
I also grew up with the books, and have firm ideas about what the characters look like. Mortinson was a very good choice. The bad casting was Kate Blanchett and Hugo Weaving. Good actors, but very wrong IMO.
@@dianatrueblood7109 Hugo Weaving was "wrong" only because the films changed the character of Elrond so much (and so much for the worse, IMO). I think Cate Blanchett was fine as Galadriel. She had an other-worldly look and "feel" that fitted the Elf Lady who was both beautiful and intimidating in her power.
Agreed. Won the books at school as a woodwork prize in 1969
I'm interested. Who else did you think fit perfectly, and who did you think did not?
@@elainechubb971 nope, nope, disagree
Viggo was the perfect Aragorn. It’s in his eyes. He’s supposed to be tall and lanky. Check. He’s supposed to be a bit threatening at first. Check. And yet he has amazing Grace. Just look at the way he places the shards of narsil back on the plinth or how he gently closes Frodo’s hand around the ring. Or how he cools faramir’s brow with Athelas. He’s the whole package. It’s hard to believe Jackson wanted anyone else.
EDIT: I made a mistake, Viggo's son Henry is in the scene in background, Phillippa Boyen's son Calum Gittins plays Haleth. Henry is in the big helmet in the background of the shot, carrying a pole arm. Sorry!
Beautiful. But I'd also like to point out, the extended edition behind the scenes DVDs show that Viggo would've NEVER taken the role if it wasn't for his son being such a huge fan. "THEY ASKED YOU TO BE *ARAGORN!?*"
He got his son a role in the Two Towers, the young lad who expressed his fear and lack of a good sword.
Pleasure to meet you Kim, best wishes
@@wren7195 That was his son? Something son of Hamlin?
@@Trick-Framed Hi Christopher! I made a mistake I'm so sorry, Henry Mortensen is in the background in a huge helmet in that scene. Calum Gittins is Haleth, screenwriter Philippa Boyens' son. It's still true that Henry convinced Viggo to take the role though. I'm sorry for my mistake. Best wishes to you!
Well, at 5'11" he is about 7 inches shorter than the original Aragorn in the books. At least the other actors weren't real tall, either, and he gives a good subjective impression of being a mighty warrior, regardless of height. Hanging around with Hobbits certainly doesn't hurt, either. By the way, Gandalf is supposed to be fairly short--about a foot shorter than Aragorn. No complaints, though--getting the right actors is more important than their heights.
@@rbrtck Holy $h!t I must've missed that enormously, I know there was an exTREMELY vague concept that "sons of Numenor" and other men held a very long removed essence of the Valar, but I didn't know Aragorn was supposed to be that tall. I poured through RotK's appendices but I never did read the silmarillion.
Thank you so much. Strider indeed!
Viggo in fact didnt know swordfighting prior to the movies, but he was a quick learner and had a great teacher/coreographer
Viggo wasn’t a trained swordsman. In the weathertop section of the appendices on the extended edition of Fellowship, Peter Jackson says Viggo had never used a sword before landing in New Zealand, Viggo says that Bob Anderson was his first guide to sword fighting and Jackson says that Bob had to give Viggo a crash course in sword fighting as he had not had the 6 weeks of training prior to filming that the other cast members had received. By the end of filming Anderson would say that Viggo was the greatest student he had ever had but this is down to effort Viggo put in including taking his sword with him everywhere he went including when he would go out for dinner.
when you do that you always get a good table.
@@djkymaera LMAO
I used to do that.
Thank you. You saved me having to say it. You only have to watch the 'Making of' on the DVDs to know that.
I heartily agree with most of the comments on this video that Viggo was perfect for Aragorn. I'm sure there a lot of actors who would have given it their very best, but they couldn't have equalled him.
@@djkymaera until someone calls the cops.
Good video. A few points to clarify: (1) Vigo Mortenson said in an interview that he was unfamiliar with TLoTR and asked his son about it and (2) people of Middle-Earth do not age slower, only those who are descended from the kings of Numenor are granted longer life spans.
Viggo absolutely nailed the role of Aragorn and his acting is one of the many reasons the trilogy is as big as it is, but for some reason I think Sean Bean could've also acted the part if need be. That being said, he ALSO nailed Boromir so... yeah lol
I think Sean Bean could have been good as well, but I will give Viggo the edge because he is better looking. He also moves more convincingly. Both Bean and Crowe (who was considered) are great actors but look like mortal men on screen which is part of their appeal and makes them suitable for their iconic roles. I feel with Viggo there is a sense of nobility in his demeanor that leads one to believe they are in the presence of a man with Numenorean lineage and raised by elves.
Sean Bean played a great Ned Stark. He‘s got Aragorn in him. But Mortensen‘s Aragorn is hardly beatable
does Sean even consider roles where he isn't supposed to die? XD
jokes apart, I'm sure he would have done great.
@@CPKraglund Sean Bean would have done the Aragorn role well... and Viggo probably would have done the Boromir role well... but ya, Viggo did bring a certain charisma to the role with his experienced warrior-king look and vibe, which Sean Bean (and even Russell Crowe) might not have done as well... which begs the question, why wasn't Viggo playing some important role in the original Game of Thrones series. I feel he would have fit several roles well...
Yes, now that I think about it, Sean would be 10/10 as Aragorn. But, Viggo has that extra X-factor, which made him 11/10 so yah. I'm sure the producers of New Line would have considered Sean as Aragorn but they made the right call as Sean always seem to do better as the tragic character in movies & games.
I'm 100000% sure that Thompson wouldn't break his foot for his role at all. That's how perfect our Aragorn is.
The reason why Aragorn aged slower is that he came from the Numenoreans, who were given longer life, but eventually abused it. Viggo is perfect as Aragorn.
Not really abused, but their slower aging diminished with generations.
@@astingilbert582 after the fall of númenor
The Numenoreans were basically middle-earth Atlantians.
@@astingilbert582 well, they got obsessed with immortality and ultimately made god blow up a good part of the world
@@planescaped Or Sayians (DBZ) for us Anime fans ;p Seriously.....dude fell off a fucking cliff and i swear he got a power boost from it......
Well, if Stuart Townsend couldn't recognise the awesome opportunity of the LOTR trilogy then he didn't deserve it. Viggo Mortensen is Aragorn and played the part beautifully. He had the command and nobility of royalty, the wisdom of long life and the cool rugged toughness and efficiency of a man who had seen many battles. I really can't imagine anyone bettering his performance.
Stuart Townsend should have headed over to Twilight, where he really wanted to be.
Viggo was perfect for that role. Everybody was perfect, except for Elrond and Arven. The Elrond dude was perfect as Agent Smith, but didn't look like an elf. Arven didn't look elvish either.
@@peterrevens8454 Concerning Elrond and Arwen, your statement is sort of fitting. They were both considered half-elven
@@rostifardian I wasn't aware of that. But they are still immortal despite being "polluted" with human dna?
@@peterrevens8454
Half-Elves under Eärendil and Elwing lineage were given a choice to choose to become immortals and elven or become mortal and a man. Elwing chose immortality for herself and Eärendil after doing a series of heroic acts.
Their children, having fought against Morgoth, were given the same option. Elrond chose to be immortal, and Elros chose to be a man. Elros' descendants were the Númenor, which were really special men - which Aragorn descended from.
Arwen was given the same option, and she chose to be mortal to be with Aragorn.
It seems that if your parents chose to be Elves, you would have the choice. If not, it is man all the way down.
Just a detail: Viggo said he didn't really know anything about the Lord of the Rings when he was cast for the role, but his son was the one to encourage him when he learned about the role of Aragorn, being an avid reader of the books himself
To be fair, he said he knows the folklore SURROUNDING lotr, not lotr itself.
Can you imagine being that son?? "Oh my God. DAD, you HAVE to take this role!!" Don't know how old the son was, but: imagine the on-set visits, if you are LoTR fan as a youngster.... :Homer Simpson-level drool/revery:
@@stormflyerdt01 I’ve talked to Viggo during his filming of The Road at my Fathers amusement park. He did not know much at all about the books and it was indeed his son Henry who gave the thumbs up and he agreed to do the job.
It was a real pleasure to meet him and he answered my questions in my fathers office for probably 30 mins. That was 15 years ago already. The scenes filmed at my fathers park made the final cut and it was good to see that.
I’ve also talked to Sean Astin too. Another great person who was happy to talk about his experience on the films.
@@skat1140 Henry, his son, was born in 1988
@@GNXXRAY don't you just love these great actors who stay simple and humble! truly great people.
No one could have played Aragorn like Vigo not only did he nail it but he actually became him , one of if not the best performance in the film just phenomenal, my preciousss..
My daughter and I where at the cinema when we saw a preview of the Lord of The Ring. Viggo Mortensen, and not only him, but every member of the company where so much themselves that my daughter and I - we had read the books more than once - recognize every persona, not making a single mistake. Definitely, Viggo Mortensen IS Aragorn and none other.
wait so you recognized them all before the movie just based on looks? that's awesome
Nice.
Totally don’t agree. I pictured him from the books as a big man with an outstanding voice. I was so disappointed when I saw him as Aragorn. I pictured someone more like Liam Neeson, not Mortensen with his wispy, mumbling voice.
@@Bob-fk8vd I’ve read the whole trilogy at least 3 times and yes I always pictured Aragorn as a big, tall man - after all his nickname is Strider - more of a guy like Liam Neeson than a Viggo Mortensen. Also, Mortensen’s voice is not up to par. He slurs his word and his supposedly rousing speech before the last battle was ridiculous. You could tell he was straining as hard as he could to belt it out and it came out thin and reedy instead of booming and commanding. I don’t agree at all that he was the “perfect” Aragorn. Besides, hind sight is everything - if anyone else had played the role, people would be saying whoever (insert random name) was the only one who could have done it!
Mortensen is able to take interest in no longer practical, but aesthetic sports such as medieval fencing and horse riding. It means he has depth and vitality. And it can be seen on his face. He was born to be Aragorn.
Most sports aren't practical. If anything, fencing and horse riding are among the most practical when you're an actor, since as you say, they are aesthetic, and thus work well in movies.
Isildur's heir!
Viggo Mortensen has been great in every movie I have seen him in. He really immerses himself in the character to the point where you don't see 'Viggo', you only see the character.
Superlative, humble and under-rated talent.
That quality, Lorna, is that of an Actor.
@@patriciaclements9457 Yup ...but so many actors we see just can't do it. They remain stereotypically themselves & not the character. Even very enjoyable or talented actors,Luke Johnny Depp, do not disappear into their character - they make the character their particular form of acting. Which is very far from the same 'acting' talent I am speaking of.
@@lornalong6468 This is the difference between an actor and a movie star. Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio are movie stars, guys like Tom Hanks, Cristian Bale, and Daniel Day-Lewis are actors. I have much more respect for the later group.
I find Bradley Cooper is really good at that as well
Viggo was not a "trained swordsman" before he accepted the role, they make a very big deal on the behind the scenes commentaries that he did the scene at Weathertop without virtually ever having done any sword choreography or fights before this. Which is all the more reason that his performance is so amazing in spite of the lack of prep tbf
Viggo gave so much emotion to the role. You felt he would be a great king because he was a great fighter but had so much heart. It was lovely. I think someone younger might have played him with more macho energy which wasn't necessary. Viggo had the perfect balance.
Totally agreed
Viggo is an extrordinary actor, they were lucky to have him.
also i cannot understand how they found this perfect of a man
1. outdoorsman
2. knows how to ride horses
3. looks and performs as Aragorn in a very natural way
4. knows swordfighting
what?! how is this possible
@@KbIPbIL0 luck
So is Stuart Townsend, a wonderful actor whose presence in movies I miss. But Viggo is almost 15 years older than he is. In the book, Aragon is effectively a middle-aged man. So I can understand why Jackson went with Viggo and the results couldn't have been better.
At first, I red “extremely normal” actor and I was so confused 😅
@@thesplashofcolours4383 lol
Viggo shows a king growing in him throughout the movies. He owns it! All cheers to the production team as well, they did really well.
Somehow never seen whole trilogy back to back, especially since I wasn't really into fantasy genre as a kid, it was always random parts of the movies stitched together in my memory into one story. Then somehow youtube threw into my recommendations behind the scene video and now half of my feed is this. Now I'm convinced it's finally time to watch it properly.
VM wasn't a swordsman before the movies. However, the sword master for the trilogy - the legendary Bob Anderson, said he has never had a more natural student. Which is pretty damn impressive! :)
Also, I am pretty sure he has never read the books either and asked his son about them and if he should take on the role. To which his son said he would be stupid not to.
Yeah the guy who made this video didn't know very much.
@@doomnova1946 Yea, I also remember an interview where it was mentioned that he only knew his son was reading the books and asked him if he should do the role he got offered. And it was because of his son that he actually did it.
@@doomnova1946 The video never said he was familiar with the books though. It said he was familiar with the folklore or mythology or whatever that the books were inspired by.
@@jaginaiaelectrizs6341 yes and that would imply knowing the books, in my opinion... But who cares, Viggo was cast and I had a blast (732962 times and counting lmao)
The fact that Jackson fought the executives and won to get Townsend cast makes his behaviour on set even more damning.
It's amazing that Jackson was able to recognize his own error. Most egos aren't capable of that.
considering the avalanche of other things Peter had to get to fall into place, totally understandable
What?
@@matthewweflen too bad he couldn't do that with that abortion of the hobbit adaptation.
@@alpacapines8553 i have watched the LOTR trilogy 12-15 times atleast. The Hobbit maybe 2 times all the way through. I just do not have the same remorse, sadness, Happiness for the characters.
I personally think this role was meant for him. And no one else could have done it justice. I loved Lord of the Rings and all who were in it. 💜
I have to say that in the casting process there was one man other than Viggo Mortensen who could've done it; Daniel Day-Lewis.
He’s never looked better…hubba hubba
same :)
@Let Your L⚡️GHT Forever Shine ❤️ what? you really are a stupid. if LoTR is violence so are 90% of works of fiction that were ever created.
@Let Your L⚡️GHT Forever Shine ❤️ Please, violence is literally the smallest part of the Lord of the Rings.
I never knew Virgo Mostesen before. but after watching LOTR i believe he is one of the most hardworking
and underrated actors we have around. I hope he would be given more film work where he can explore his capability and deptness as an actor. Youve got a fan here ...Mr. Virgo,,actually aside from Frodo LOTR gravitates around him and what he is going through being the number 1 supporter of Frodo and he played the part very well..apllause and standing ovation to You Mr. virgo.
If you haven't seen his more recent film Thirteen Lives, it's fantastic. And a true story!
I can't imagine anyone else as Aragorn... Viggo was born to be Aragorn, period... The balance between fragility and strength of that character could not have come to life without him... No one, absolutely no one else can be My Aragorn ❤️
I am amazed that Peter Jackson didn't see it though... Viggo's roles in Eastern promises is also an extension of the Aragorn character.
Viggo plays an FSB agent in the film who has infiltrated the Russian mafia. A nurse falls in love with him and has come into possession of a baby borne by a teenager raped by Viggovs boss. Viggo helps her out and causes the downfall of his boss, but he refuses to divulge to her why he does what he does or that he is in fact one of the good guys. The ending of the movie with Viggo flipping a coin to decide (seemingly) to remain in the mafia or call it quits was touching
Viggo imo plays characters with deep internal emotional struggles well.
On the other hand, this fragility was absent from the books.
Aragon's arc from Strider to King was so beautifully and convincingly played by Vigo. He had the look, the swagger and the intensity needed for that demanding character. The stars were aligned for Mr Jackson and us the benefactors of Tolkien stories.
After reading the books, I would say viggo was one of the few that added more to the character then even the book represented.
Viggo so perfect for Aragorn he took the role days after shooting already started and still played it too perfection.
I just rewatched the the three movies... And even now it moved me. Thanks Jackson for making my childhood enjoyable. Also to Viggo Mortensen for embodying the role of Aragon.
OK, stop pestering me, I'll watch it again too. Geez. Nagging, nagging, nagging. [joke] [But you did convince me to watch it again.]
I don't see it possible for anyone but Viggo to have been Aragorn, especially after some of the stories that came out from the set, like the famed knife throw and helmet kick. Sure, other actors have pulled off similar things, but sometimes they end in tragedy or weeks to months of missed filming, and that's all very hard.
Plus, I'm frankly not sure who else would have been quite as hot doing it all.
This trilogy truly was 100% lightning in a bottle with NOBODY knowing what the end result would be. Robert Shay took a massive risk green-lighting not 2, but 3 films with no evidence it would pay off for the studio, Jackson probably gave up a good 5-10 years of his lifespan with the stress of creating this pure work of art, and the CG team literally lived out of their offices for the final months desperately trying to complete scenes before the reels shipped out to Hollywood at the expensive of their families and personal lives. This will, and can never be repeated. And the end result.. is some of the finest cinema that has EVER been made, and in my humble opinion, the greatest film score ever composed with Howard Shore alluding to everything from pre-WWI Wagner to Beethoven & List with over 3 dozen little leitmotifs. Incredible!
There is quite a bit of Sibelius influence in the film score
Great post and I totally agree! BTW it's Franz *Liszt* (and yes I'm compulsive re spelling).
@@richardmercer2337 I came here to say this. He had such a typically Hungarian surname
Damn dude, you really did a deep dive on this huh?
@@madshader ….I always feel such an intellectual numpty when these deep thinkers take flight.
I came out of the cinema and said something like “Cor! That was good!”
Vigo is perfect as Aragorn! Thank you for casting him!!! And thanks to his son who played a good part in accepting the role!
to anyone reading this: I hope you understand that viggo mortensen is 10x more amazing than this video describes. the person who convinced him to accept the role was his son, henry. the director of the movie called mortensen at home asking him to get on a plane to new zealand and viggo HADN'T read lotr before so he was unfamiliar with the character, the storyline, everything. his son was the one who had read lotr and he loved the books so he told his father that he had to accept the role of aragorn, so viggo did! AND he had NO preparation since they were already shooting the film when he was offered the role. he got off a plane and went on camera the next day. the sword fight scene they talk about in the videos was one of his first days of shooting, with only a few days of sword training. he also had to learn how to speak another language! sindarin or "elvish" is a fictional language created by jrr tolkein and viggo was easily able to deliver his elvish lines because of the fact that he is multilingual. he also mirrors in real life the kingly character he portrays in the movies. viggo mortensen did an incredible job as aragorn because he's an incredible person, and a truly fantastic casting decision by the directors.
He did have some advantage over the others in that what they wanted them to learn - swordfighting, horse riding - Viggo was already familiar with. He was basically a ranger before he became Aragorn. Which he would need because of the drastically reduced prep time he would have for the role. They really hit the jackpot with him.
He was also really hardcore during the shoots, refusing to use stunt doubles except where he had no choice, and opting to always carry a "real" sword, not a lightweight prop, even when not in combat scenes because he felt the weightlessness of the sword hanging in its sheath would throw off the scene. He was also injured several times during shots but kept going.
Aragorn is by far my favorite character in the trilogy and it is hugely due to Viggo’s portrayal. I felt the character’s mystery, struggle, wisdom, courage and the goodness of his heart through the screen. You will find yourself emphatizing and rooting for his character throughout the whole film.
Viggo is perfect as Aragorn. He has the rugged appeal that also carried emotional weight. I cannot imagine any actor better than Viggo in this role.
Towsend would never replace the actor Viggo Mortensen, because Vigo was born to play aragorn. Townsend wishes he could have. Great Job on this vid. Would watch again 10/10