Russell Crowe, known for his award-winning performance in Gladiator, revealed that he was once considered for the role of Aragorn in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings trilogy. However, Crowe decided to pass on the opportunity, a choice he does not regret to this day.
In a recent interview with British GQ, Crowe expressed his belief that the studio, rather than the director, was the driving force behind the casting decision. He recalled a phone conversation with Jackson, noting that the director’s lack of enthusiasm led him to believe that he was not the first choice for the role.
Reflecting on the situation in 2019, Crowe explained that he picked up on subtle cues in Jackson’s voice that indicated a lack of interest in casting him. As a fellow New Zealander, Crowe claimed to have a deep understanding of Jackson’s tone and perceived a disinterest in his candidacy for the role.
A Change in Casting
Ultimately, Stuart Townsend was initially cast as Aragorn before being replaced by Viggo Mortensen. Crowe acknowledged Mortensen as a great fit for the character, suggesting that perhaps he was not the right choice for the role after all.
Despite his success in Gladiator, Crowe expressed reluctance to reprise his role in the upcoming sequel, Gladiator 2. The film is set to be released on November 22, but Crowe will not be part of the cast due to the fate of his character in the first installment.
Crowe’s decision to turn down the role of Aragorn in Lord of the Rings may have been a missed opportunity, but he remains firm in his belief that it was the right choice for him. While reflecting on the past, Crowe continues to focus on his future projects and the opportunities that lie ahead in his career.
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