10 Extreme Movie Scenes That Left Stars Scarred

Blockbuster legend/ world’s most inconsistent director Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy is perhaps the crowning achievement of fantasy film history. An incredibly detailed, meticulously researched, and perfectly executed adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s massively influential book series, the films are a three movie masterpiece.

And stellar casting played a huge part in this incredible achievement, as well as some off-the-cuff on-set ingenuity. For example, casting Viggo Mortensen as the heroic Aragorn ensured the film’s protagonist had the right balance of charm and gravitas necessary for the role.

That moment when he cries out in rage and sadness at the apparent deaths of Merry and Pippin in The Two Towers? One of the trilogy’s most harrowing scenes.

Admittedly, less so when you know how it came about.

The helmet Mortensen kicks out of the way before letting out his anguished cry? That full weight metal head gear broke two of his toes, and the roar is actually the actor processing the pain of broken bones.

Hey, whatever it takes to get the take. The important thing is it works in the film.