The most important question is, can you bring an actor back 20 years later to play a character in a prequel? In this case, the surprising answer is probably yes. In fact, it’s definitely yes. Viggo Mortensen is in his mid-60s and still looks great.
Another factor to keep in mind is that Mortensen wasn’t the first choice for Aragorn in “The Lord of the Rings.” Stuart Townsend was originally cast, but a week into filming, Jackson had to swap him out for Mortensen. The reason for the switcheroo? The 27-year-old Townsend was too young for the part. Mortensen was in his early 40s at the time and had the perfect look for the hale, resilient 87-year-old Ranger.
If you’re wondering how someone in their early 40s can play someone in their late 80s, the answer lies in Aragorn’s unique ancestry. The ranger is technically part immortal (ever so slightly) and comes from a lineage of kings that, at their height, lived for centuries at a time. Aragorn himself doesn’t die until he’s 210. He ages to adulthood and then remains in the primacy of life and health for decades.
This makes it much easier to imagine a 65-year-old Mortensen playing the role without much of an issue as far as looks and performance are concerned. Aragorn even acts like a veteran adventurer. He’s capable of fighting and exerting incredible strength when necessary, but never unnecessarily. But, for instance, in “The Fellowship of the Ring” book, when the question of foraging and hunting comes up, he says, “gathering and catching food is long and weary work, and we need haste.” Translation: let’s not waste time and energy if we don’t have to.
