Key Takeaways:
– In spite of being a top choice for action roles, Russell Crowe rejected the role of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings.
– Crowe felt that the director, Peter Jackson, had another actor in mind for the role.
– Despite being a huge fan of J. R. R. Tolkien's work, Crowe doesn't regret his decision.
Russell Crowe is famous for playing iconic characters on screen. One of his most memorable roles is that of Maximus in Gladiator. With such performances under his belt, it's no surprise that he was considered for the role of Aragorn in The Lord of the Rings franchise.
Declining the Call to Middle Earth
It may have seemed like a golden opportunity. After all, Crowe was a major fan of J. R. R. Tolkien's works growing up. He was even approached for the role of Aragorn. However, he ended up turning it down. Crowe felt that filmmaker Peter Jackson didn't consider him the best fit.
His sensation of being misfit for the role was further confirmed when he spoke to Jackson over the phone. The conversation nudged him into believing that Jackson already had someone else in mind for the role. Following his intuition, Crowe stepped aside, believing his acceptance might interfere with the director's plan.
A Decision without Regrets
As a significant figure in the action film genre following his Gladiator success, Crowe's decision might have come as a shock to many. Yet, he does not regret turning down the role. Being a big Tolkien fan growing up, the chance of being a part of The Lord of the Rings saga must have evoked a thrill. Despite this, he believes that his withdrawal was the best decision for everyone involved.
Understanding the Subtleties
Crowe, in a convo with British GQ's ‘Actually Me' series, highlighted that as fellow New Zealanders, he and director Jackson share certain nuances in conversations. Recognizing that Jackson may have another plan for Aragorn's role – even though it was not explicitly stated – he decided to step down.
The Audience Verdict
While fans could have enjoyed seeing Crowe as Aragorn, his decision led to Viggo Mortensen playing the character. Mortensen's portrayal drew immense praise from the audience, and he became an integral part of The Lord of the Rings saga.
Looking back, Crowe affirms that he doesn't regret missing out on the role. He understood that a character as vital as Aragorn required the perfect fit, and he trusted Jackson's vision for the role.
In hindsight, his decision seems to have worked out best for everyone involved. The Lord of The Rings series emerged as a monumental success, and fans have come to love Mortensen's portrayal of Aragorn.
In Conclusion
Having earned his place in the industry with outstanding performances, Russell Crowe's decision not to play Aragorn gives us insight into his respect for directorial vision and storytelling. It is an anecdote that reminds us of the dedication and passion that goes into crafting every cinematic experience, such as The Lord of The Rings.
No matter the “what ifs” that may surface when reflecting on these cinematic decisions, the films and performances we have enjoyed over the years are cherished memories that we wouldn't trade.
Now, we can enjoy streaming The Lord of the Rings film series on Hulu, and embark on the epic journey through Middle Earth whenever we wish.
