Jamie Dornan Feels 'Pressure' Playing Young Aragorn in New LOTR Movie

Jamie Dornan is opening up about the daunting task of playing a younger Aragorn in the upcoming "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum." Per Variety, the actor is taking on the role made famous by Viggo Mortensen in Peter Jackson's original trilogy.

In an interview with L'Officiel, translated by Slash Film, Dornan directly addressed the challenge. He said there is definite pressure in following such a performance, acknowledging he has been cast in a legendary part. Dornan stated he will give it his all, but emphasized that Mortensen's portrayal will always be the definitive one for him.

The actor called Mortensen's work one of his personal favorites and said he feels honored to attempt to channel some of that original spirit. He was clear that his goal is not to surpass the previous performance, but to honor it.

Andy Serkis is directing the film and will reprise his role as Gollum. The cast includes returning franchise veterans Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood, alongside new additions like Kate Winslet and Anya Taylor-Joy. The story will follow Gollum's point of view, with a mission from Gandalf that involves the ranger Strider, before he becomes king.