Viggo Mortensen has made his displeasure known regarding Amazon’s handling of Ron Howard’s film Thirteen Lives. Speaking recently to Vanity Fair, Mortensen voiced concerns over the streaming giant’s treatment of the critically acclaimed film, calling it appalling
and shameful
.
Hollywood Franchises Under Fire
The star, best known for his iconic role as Aragorn in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy, didn’t hold back in criticizing blockbuster franchises. He said Hollywood franchises are not usually that good
and are often kind of predictable
. This sentiment comes from a seasoned actor who chooses roles based not on the budgets or directors but on the story itself. This approach, according to Mortensen, should come first.
A Career Built on Choice
Mortensen’s comments stem from a philosophy that emphasizes quality storytelling over following trends. He elaborated, saying he doesn’t particularly seek out or avoid any genre or budget size: I just look for interesting stories… if I think I’m right for the character. That always comes first.
The Industry Evolution Since LOTR
The success of The Lord of the Rings, released well before franchise domination became common in Hollywood, contrasts with today’s landscape. Mortensen pointed out that such franchises are now chasing the massive success of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This shift has stirred significant changes in how studios like DC hire high-profile names such as James Gunn and Peter Safran to revamp their offerings.
Concerns Over LOTR Franchise Direction
The recent expansions of the LOTR universe have fueled these debates further. Amazon’s ongoing efforts with The Rings of Power, alongside WB’s upcoming animated project The War of the Rohirrim, illuminate different strategies at play within the entertainment industry.
The Return of Familiar Faces?
Amidst these conversations, there is significant interest in potential returns. Andy Serkis is set to direct and star as Gollum in the 2026 release of The Hunt for Gollum. The project, co-written by Jackson and Fran Walsh, aims to delve deeper into Gollum’s complex storyline.
Notably, Ian McKellen expressed his willingness to reprise his role as Gandalf: “If they asked me, I’d say yes. Gandalf is over 7,000 years old, so I’m not too old.
Mortensen himself hasn’t entirely dismissed returning to familiar roles under suitable circumstances, much like his original stance detailed during his Vanity Fair interview: “If somebody came to me with … a great character … I would do it… But they’re not usually that well written.
A Future Steered by Business Strategies
A key player in this ecosystem is Warner Bros., with CEO David Zaslaz labeling LOTR as a largely underused franchise
. Collaborating with New Line Cinema, their approach aligns with Embracer Group CEO Lars Wingefors’ vision to exploit the property significantly.
The context provided by Mortensen’s critique emphasizes not only artistic integrity but also how strategic decisions impact beloved franchises. Whether it’s through creative direction or financial stake, this complex interplay will inevitably shape what audiences experience in theaters and on streaming platforms in the coming years.
