Viggo Mortensen Reveals His Most Powerful Lord of the Rings Scene
Viggo Mortensen, who played Aragorn, shares his unexpected favorite moment from The Lord of the Rings trilogy, spotlighting the raw emotion of Boromir’s death and its impact on the story.
Viggo Mortensen, best known for his role as Aragorn, recently opened up about which scene from The Lord of the Rings trilogy stands out to him the most—and it ’s not the one fans might expect. While many would assume his top pick would be a grand, action- packed moment or a scene heavy with visual effects, Mortensen’s choice is surprisingly understated.
During an interview marking the 25th anniversary of The Fellowship of the Ring, Mortensen reflected on the trilogy’s most memorable moments. He singled out Boromir’s death as the scene that resonates with him above all others.
“That scene, I have to say, no offence to anybody else or any other part of the trilogy, but that’s maybe my favorite scene. It’s such a beautiful scene,”
he shared.
“And there are no effects, there are no imaginary monsters. It’s just two people who have a connection in terms of their ethnicity -- you know, Gondor and all that -- but they’ve been at odds. They’ve been kinda butting heads until then. And then there’s just such a strong connection.”
Why Boromir’s Death Stands Out
The moment Mortensen describes is a turning point in the story, especially in the Extended Edition. As Boromir lies dying, he pledges his loyalty to Aragorn, calling him his king. This powerful exchange comes after a long stretch of tension and rivalry between the two characters, making the emotional payoff even more intense. Boromir’s final act—defending Merry and Pippin from a brutal Uruk-hai attack—cements his legacy and leaves a lasting impression on both the characters and the audience.
Sean Bean’s portrayal of Boromir’s final moments is often cited as one of the most moving performances in the trilogy. The absence of special effects or fantastical creatures allows the raw emotion between the two men to take center stage, highlighting the human drama at the heart of the epic saga.
Looking Ahead to Middle-earth’s Future
Fans of the franchise have more to look forward to, with The Hunt for Gollum set to hit theaters on December 17, 2027. The upcoming film will revisit familiar territory, focusing on Aragorn’s pursuit of Gollum. While there’s no official word yet on whether Mortensen will reprise his role, he hasn’t ruled out the possibility.
In a 2024 interview, Mortensen expressed his fondness for the character and his openness to returning, but only if it made sense for him at this stage in his life.
“I like playing that character. I learned a lot playing the character. I enjoyed it a lot. I would only do it if I was right for it in terms of, you know, the age I am now and so forth. I would only do it if I was right for the character. It would be silly to do it otherwise,”
he explained.
What’s Next for the Franchise
As anticipation builds for the next chapter in the Middle-earth saga, fans are also keeping an eye on the upcoming season of The Rings of Power. With new stories and familiar faces on the horizon, the legacy of The Lord of the Rings continues to grow, fueled by unforgettable moments like the one Mortensen holds so dear.