New Aragorn? Viggo Mortensen's Only Son Sports a Beard and Long Hair as Fans Call Him the 'Spitting Image' of His Dad – Photos

More than two decades later, Viggo Mortensen's only son is turning heads with a look that has fans doing a double take. Readers can see just how closely Henry Mortensen now resembles his father during his "The Lord of the Rings" era in the photos at the end of this article.

While Viggo Mortensen has built an acclaimed career with memorable performances across film, he remains best known to many for bringing Aragorn to life in Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

Now, more than 20 years after first appearing as the future king of Gondor, one cannot help but draw comparisons between the actor and his son, Henry Mortensen, thanks to the latter's long hair and full beard, which are reminiscent of the rugged look that made Viggo's portrayal so iconic.

Ironically, Henry played a pivotal role in making that career-defining performance happen in the first place. Initially, Viggo was cast in "The Lord of the Rings" at the last minute.

Director Peter Jackson decided to recast Aragorn, believing that Stuart Townsend, the actor originally chosen for the role, was too young for the character.

Production was already underway when the offer came, leaving the American-Danish actor with little time to decide whether he wanted to step into one of the franchise's most important roles.

Years later, during an appearance on "Live with Kelly and Ryan," Viggo admitted he was reluctant to accept the part because he had never read J. R. R. Tolkien's novels and was being asked to join a production that had already begun filming. He recalled:

"I'm a slow starter, and I'm very aware you have to be talked into most roles. [...] 'Lord of the Rings,' I just hadn't read the books, and I was a last-minute replacement. They were already filming."

When he explained the character to Henry, who was 11 at the time, he described Aragorn simply as "this guy" who spent time "in the woods with the small people," prompting laughter from the audience.

Still, his son immediately recognized the character and replied, "In the woods with the small people? That guy becomes the king." Henry then urged his father to accept the offer, telling him, "You gotta do that."

The advice proved life-changing. Viggo went on to earn widespread acclaim for portraying the reluctant ranger who ultimately embraced his destiny as king, while Henry even made several cameo appearances throughout the trilogy.

However, although Viggo's performance has become synonymous with Aragorn, another actor will soon inherit the role. Director Andy Serkis confirmed that Aragorn will officially be recast for the new installment.

The upcoming film "The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum," which is set between the events of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings," will explore an untold chapter centered on the hunt for Gollum while revisiting familiar faces from Tolkien's world. Serkis stated:

"I don't know what's out there at the moment, but I know there's a lot of speculation, but let's just say we are recasting the role and we are on the way to finding someone."

The decision means a new actor will take on one of fantasy cinema's most recognizable characters, stepping into a role many fans still closely associate with Viggo after his widely praised performance in the original trilogy.

But even though he will not reprise the character, Viggo Mortensen's connection to Aragorn has resurfaced in another way thanks to Henry's latest appearance.

Recent photos of his son, who now wears shoulder-length hair and a thick beard, prompted many to remark that he looks strikingly like his father.

Among the responses, one person shared, "Welcome back. Looking awesome. Looking like this your [sic] are the spitting image of your dad! ❤️" Another typed, "Looking Like Dad In This Pic, Are You Doing Any Acting these Days [sic]."

Others focused on Henry's appearance itself, with one writing, "Awesome dude! Love the hair! Lolol [sic]." Another remarked on his physique, saying, "Henry!! You are THIN now!! And forever tall! Your dad is about 15 centimetres more than me, and you MORE!!"

One person also reflected on his famous family, commenting, "The son of a punk rocker and a great actor! Lucky dude!"

While a new actor prepares to take up Aragorn's sword on screen, Henry's latest look has reminded many fans of the actor who helped define the role for an entire generation. Readers can see the photos that sparked the comparisons below.

Viggo Mortensen

Henry Mortensen