Peter Jackson has officially reignited hope for more Middle-earth stories — and it’s not a remake or reboot he has in mind.

In a new interview with Empire Magazine (published January 15, 2026), the Oscar-winning director of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit films revealed the one new story he would love to bring to the screen next.

The Untold Tale Peter Jackson Wants to Tell

Jackson was asked directly: “If you could return to Middle-earth for one more film, what would it be?”

His answer was immediate and specific:

“I’ve always wanted to do the story of Young Aragorn — his years as a Ranger, before he becomes king. Not the Aragorn we meet in The Fellowship of the Ring, but the man he was in his 20s and 30s, wandering the wilds, protecting the North, learning who he really is. That period is rich with untapped story. There’s heartbreak, danger, self-doubt, and the slow realization of destiny. That’s the film I’d love to make.”

He went on to emphasize:

“It wouldn’t be another trilogy. Just one standalone film. No hobbits, no ring quest — just Aragorn, the Rangers, the threat from Angmar, and the weight of a crown he doesn’t yet want. Viggo [Mortensen] would be too old now, so it would need a younger actor, but the heart of it would be the same: a man running from his birthright until he can’t anymore.”

Why This Story Feels So Right

Jackson’s idea taps into one of the most beloved but underexplored parts of Tolkien’s legendarium:

• Aragorn spent decades as Strider, a ranger protecting the Shire and the North from evil forces (including remnants of Angmar and orcs).
• He served the Steward of Gondor in disguise under the name Thorongil.
• He met Gandalf long before the events of The Fellowship, and their friendship began during these wandering years.
• This era is filled with loneliness, battles, and the slow forging of the man who would become king.

Jackson stressed that the film would stay true to Tolkien’s tone — epic but grounded, heroic but deeply human.

Viggo Mortensen’s Reaction & Casting Thoughts

When asked if Viggo Mortensen could return, Jackson laughed:

“Viggo is 67 now — he’d have to play Aragorn at 80! No, it would need a new actor in his 20s or 30s. Someone who can carry that same quiet intensity Viggo had. But I’d love Viggo to have a cameo — maybe as an older ranger who mentors the young Aragorn. That would be beautiful.”

Where This Project Stands (January 2026)

• No official green light from Warner Bros. or New Line Cinema yet.
• Jackson is not actively developing it — he’s focused on other projects (including The Beatles documentaries follow-ups).
• However, he said: “If the stars align and someone wants to make it, I’d be there in a heartbeat.”

Why Fans Are Already Losing It

• Aragorn is one of the most beloved characters in fantasy history.
• The idea of seeing young Aragorn — hardened, lonely, discovering his destiny — fills a huge gap in the existing films.
• Social media is exploding with fan-cast suggestions (Sam Claflin, Harris Dickinson, Taron Egerton, and Tom Glynn-Carney are trending names).
• Many are calling it “the Aragorn prequel we didn’t know we needed.”

Peter Jackson may not be directing tomorrow, but his words have planted a seed that fans won’t let die anytime soon.

Would you watch a Young Aragorn movie? Who should play him? Let us know in the comments!