Jamie Dornan will play Aragorn in “The Hunt for Gollum”

The next film in the Lord of the Rings universe continues to reveal its cast. Presented at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, The Hunt for Gollum confirmed that Jamie Dornan will reprise the role of Aragorn, previously played by Viggo Mortensen in Peter Jackson's trilogy. The film, directed by Andy Serkis, is expected in theaters on December 17, 2027, and will be set between the events of The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring.

A new Aragorn for a central character

Viggo Mortensen's absence is no longer a surprise: Jamie Dornan will inherit the role, under the identity of Strider. This choice is also explained by the chronology of the story, which shows a younger Aragorn, at the time when he participates with Gandalf in the hunt for Gollum. This character will be central to the plot, since the film will recount this mission, essential in the fight against Sauron.

Alongside Dornan, Warner Bros. has also officially confirmed Leo Woodall as Halvard, another Dúnedain ranger who will accompany Aragorn. Lee Pace will return as Thranduil, a role he previously played in The Hobbit trilogy. The studio is thus continuing its strategy of blending new faces with characters already familiar to audiences.

Expected returns and a film under close scrutiny

Several iconic actors from the saga will indeed be returning. Ian McKellen will reprise his role as Gandalf, Elijah Wood as Frodo, and Andy Serkis will of course return as Gollum, while also directing. Kate Winslet, whose casting had already been announced, will also be part of the project in a significant role.

With this new film, Warner Bros. and New Line aim to further enrich the franchise launched in the early 2000s by Peter Jackson. The Hunt for Gollum will be one of two feature films in development set in Middle-earth. It remains to be seen whether Jamie Dornan will be able to establish his own version of Aragorn in the face of Viggo Mortensen's powerful legacy.