10 More Best Actor Replacements In Movies

Viggo Mortensen is Aragorn. 

The Danish-American heartthrob did such a good job bringing the future King of Gondor to life that millions of people around the world will always think of him when they think of Tolkein’s chivalrous hero. 

Also, did you know he broke his toe when he kicked that helmet? 

In another world, Daniel Day-Lewis could have played the part in Peter Jackson’s epic Lord of the Rings trilogy, as he was discussed by the director and studio, but no serious offer was even made. Instead, they first reached out to Stuart Townsend, who would go on to play Dorian Grey in the film version of The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. And he said yes.

Unfortunately, the powers that be thought that Townsend wasn’t old enough to play Strider, and he was sent home even though shooting had already begun. In came Mortensen to take his place, and that was that. 

Mortensen embodies so many of the qualities that make Aragorn such an amazing literary character. No offence to Mr. Townsend, but there is simply no way he could have done a better job than the man with the piercing blue eyes.