The actor who is set to replace Viggo Mortensen as Aragorn in the new ‘Lord of the Rings’ movie

“The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum” is shaping up to be one of the biggest movie events of the next few years. With its theatrical release set for December 17, 2027, new details are slowly emerging — including one major surprise: Viggo Mortensen will not return as Aragorn.

So who’s stepping into the boots of the iconic Ranger?

According to well‑known industry insider Daniel Richtman, the role is expected to go to Leo Woodall, the British actor born in 1996 and best known for standout performances in The White Lotus and Nuremberg.

While the casting hasn’t been officially confirmed, Woodall fits the studio’s goal of choosing a younger actor for the part. One key reason Mortensen reportedly declined to return was his reluctance to undergo digital de‑aging.

A new Aragorn for a new era

If Woodall is indeed the choice, he’ll be portraying a younger version of Aragorn — still known as Strider at this point in the timeline — as he sets out on a mission to track down Gollum. The film will once again feature Andy Serkis, who not only reprises his legendary role as Gollum but also directs the movie.

And he won’t be the only familiar face. Sir Ian McKellen is set to return as Gandalf, bringing another beloved character back to Middle‑earth.

What to expect from “The Hunt for Gollum”

Plot details remain tightly guarded, but everything points to a story centered on Aragorn’s early years as a ranger and his pursuit of Gollum — a crucial chapter in Tolkien’s lore that has never been fully explored on screen.

With a new Aragorn, the return of iconic characters, and Serkis behind the camera, the film is already generating huge anticipation — and plenty of questions — as fans wait for Middle‑earth to return to theaters.

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