“They’re Not Good Movies Overall”: Viggo Mortensen Takes on Major Film Franchises

“They’re Not Good Movies Overall”: Viggo Mortensen Takes on Major Film Franchises



Viggo Mortensen demanding

Coming from His Majesty Aragorn himself, the comment should have a strong resonance among cinema audiences. Actor and director Viggo Mortensen, who this year presented his beautiful western The dead don’t hurtrecently spoke at length in the columns of Vanity Fair. On this occasion, he explained why we haven’t seen him in a franchise film since the trilogy. The Lord of the Rings directed by Peter Jackson. Playing the “Ranger” Aragorn, one of the main characters in JRR Tolkien’s work, this role brought him popular recognition around the world.

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King ©New Line Cinema

“I’m just looking for good stories.”

But in fact, 21 years later The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Kingwho became David Cronenberg’s favorite actor with critically acclaimed performances, has been seen primarily in a dramatic register and in independent film productions. Viggo Mortensen, also a musician, poet, painter and photographer, screenwriter and producer, is a multidisciplinary creator and fully embraces his artistic sensibility. For this reason, he is critical of the so-called “franchise” cinema.

I don’t look for or avoid a particular genre or a particular budget category. I just look for good stories. I don’t care what the genre is, the budget or who produces it. I will never make a film because someone would direct it. It’s all about the story. And if I think I’m right for the character, that’s what comes first.

This is true for franchises. If I get offered a movie like that, the third or ninth role, and I think it’s a great character and I can bring something to the table, I do it. I have no opposition in principle. But generally they’re not good. In my opinion, I think they’re often not well written. They’re predictable. Of course, there can always be a situation where I run out of money…

However, Viggo Mortensen does not rule out a return to this type of cinema. From the question of whether he could reprise his role in the next film The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollumscheduled for 2026, left all options open… as long as the script is good!

Source: Cine Serie

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