"We will be recasting this role and are already in search of an actor," he noted, adding that there are many rumors surrounding the casting. The decision to replace him seems logical: the events of the film take place between the 'Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogies, when Aragorn is significantly younger. In the original trilogy, the character was played by Viggo Mortensen, who was around 40 years old at the time of filming. The actor is now 67, making a return in the same format unlikely. Mortensen himself had previously not ruled out participation but emphasized that he would only agree if it felt organic to the story. The new film The Hunt for Gollum will tell the events that occur before the main films: Aragorn and Gandalf set out to find Gollum to learn more about Bilbo's ring. Ian McKellen will also return to the project – he will reprise his role as Gandalf. Additionally, Elijah Wood hinted that he might appear again as Frodo, although there is no official confirmation yet. The project is produced by Peter Jackson along with Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens – the team behind the original trilogy. The film's premiere is scheduled for December 2027.