Four different actors could have played the part of Aragorn in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, three of which being A-list stars, but the part ultimately went to Viggo Mortensen. Mortensen was cast as the character in the end, and it’s become his most recognizable role, but things could have turned out very differently if other actors hadn’t turned down the part.
The Lord of the Rings movies featured a huge cast that boasted numerous big-name actors and actresses. Some were well-known at the time, while others were launched into stardom by the trilogy. Due to the size, scope, and budget of the project, as well as the time and effort that went into the casting process, dozens of stories have emerged over the years regarding major casting decisions that almost happened quite differently.
One role in particular, Aragorn, was actually offered to numerous actors before Peter Jackson and Warner Bros. finally settled on Viggo Mortensen. Aragorn is one of the main characters in the Lord of the Rings novel trilogy, and considering that he essentially leads the fellowship throughout the epic tale, it makes sense that the studio initially went for big-name stars first.
Daniel Day-Lewis
It’s been reported that Peter Jackson tried on numerous occasions to convince Last of the Mohicans star and the winner of multiple Academy Awards for Best Actor, Daniel Day-Lewis, to play Aragorn, but was unsuccessful. Considering Day-Lewis’ acting ability and the fact that he looked the part, it’s easy to understand why Jackson would be so keen to cast the actor.
Russell Crowe
One actor who Jackson didn’t want but Warner Bros. did was Russell Crowe, who was offered a deal to play Aragorn that is estimated to have amounted to $100 million. According to Crowe, Jackson may have been “forced” into casting him (via The Hollywood Reporter). Crowe got the feeling from his conversation with Jackson that he wasn’t wanted and declined the role.
Nicolas Cage
Another actor who was apparently under consideration was Nicolas Cage, who also turned down the part. Cage says he made this decision because events in his life at the time prevented him from spending so much time away from home.
Stuart Townsend
Unlike the others, Irish actor and Queen of the Damned star Stuart Townsend actually was cast as Aragorn. After accepting the part, Townsend trained and rehearsed for Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring for two months before being replaced at the last minute with Viggo Mortensen. Townsend claims that he was fired and told that he wouldn’t be paid because he was in breach of contract due to not having “worked long enough” (via Entertainment Weekly). With 28-year-old Townsend playing the character, Aragorn would have appeared significantly younger than Mortensen’s version. 42-year-old Mortensen, on the other hand, was able to capture the look of an experienced and battle-hardened adventurer.
More: What Galadriel Did Before Lord Of The Rings
