Jamie Dornan has described being cast as Aragorn in ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’ as a dream come true, admitting that the news moved him to tears, states Variety.

The actor also acknowledged the responsibility of taking over a character famously portrayed by Viggo Mortensen.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Dornan said he was overwhelmed by the opportunity to join the much-loved fantasy franchise and play a character who holds a special place in the hearts of audiences.

“I cried. I actually cried. It’s like a dream. It’s an absolute dream and an honour to be entering that world in any capacity, let alone playing a character of such significance and such admiration, and that we all love and love what Viggo did with that role in those three films,” he said.

Dornan also revealed that he had finished filming about three weeks before the interview. Describing the experience as incredible, he said he hoped audiences would welcome the new story into the established franchise.

“I’m incredibly honoured and had a brilliant time. I finished like three weeks ago. It was an incredible experience, and I hope people welcome our story into that world because a lot of people care about it, and I really realise that. But yeah, hopefully we’ve done a good job of it,” he added.

The actor had previously spoken about the pressure of stepping into a role associated so closely with Mortensen.

In an interview with L’Officiel, Dornan said he had no intention of competing with the original portrayal.

“There’s pressure when you’re trying to follow in those footsteps. I’ve been asked to play a super iconic role, and I’ll do my best. But for me, Aragorn will always be just Viggo. His performance is one of my all-time favourites, and I feel honoured to try to recapture at least some of the energy he originally brought to the character. There’s no part of me that’s trying to outdo him,” he said.

Directed by Andy Serkis, ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum’ explores events leading up to the original film trilogy.

Dornan plays Strider, the name Aragorn uses before his identity as the heir to the throne of Gondor becomes known.

Serkis, who returns as Gollum, is also directing the film. Ian McKellen will reprise his role as Gandalf, while Elijah Wood returns as Frodo Baggins and Lee Pace as Thranduil.

The new cast also includes Kate Winslet as Marigol, Leo Woodall as Halvard and Anya Taylor-Joy in an elf role.

The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on 17 December 2027.

Source: Variety