Jamie Dornan cast as 'Aragorn' in new 'Lord of the Rings' film

Jamie Dornan is set to portray Aragorn in the upcoming fantasy film The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, marking a major casting shift in the beloved franchise.

The role was previously made iconic by Viggo Mortensen in the original trilogy.

The announcement was made at CinemaCon 2026, where the film’s ensemble cast was officially unveiled. 

According to People, Dornan will play Aragorn under the name “Strider,” the character’s ranger alias, as the story explores events set before The Fellowship of the Ring.

Directed by Andy Serkis, who will also reprise his role as Gollum, the film promises to expand the mythology of Middle-earth. 

Moreover, the narrative centres on Aragorn’s mission to track down Gollum, preventing him from revealing critical secrets about the One Ring.

The project brings together a mix of returning stars and new faces. Ian McKellen and Elijah Wood are set to reprise their roles as Gandalf and Frodo, while Kate Winslet and Leo Woodall join the cast in new roles.

Furthermore, the decision to recast Aragorn reflects the film’s timeline, which depicts a younger version of the character than previously seen on screen.