The actor, known for his legendary portrayal of Elrond in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies, has no plans to return in any upcoming Middle-earth projects.
Why Hugo Weaving Won’t Return as Elrond in Middle-earth
Speaking with GamesRadar+, Weaving discussed his current project Slow Horses, but the conversation quickly turned to his time as Elrond in Middle-earth. Weaving was clear about his stance.
“Personally, I’ve had enough of that. It was great being in New Zealand on and off over a ten-year period. I did then go back and work with the same team [director Peter Jackson and writer Fran Walsh] on a project called Mortal Engines, which was going to be their next big franchise, but it died on its arse. So, I’ve had enough of Middle-earth. I don’t imagine anyone would ask me to do it again,” Weaving said.
Weaving’s Reasoning: Elrond’s Immortality and His Aging
Even if the opportunity arose for a return, Weaving isn’t convinced it would make sense due to his ageing and Elrond’s immortal nature. He shared: “Elrond is meant to be immortal and I’m ageing. Elrond is one of the few characters who spans through The Silmarillion, The Lord of the Rings, and The Hobbit. But even when we went back to reshoot certain parts of The Lord of the Rings, I was aware I was older than I was before.”
His point resonates when thinking about the consistency needed in portraying such a timeless figure in a franchise known for its meticulous attention to detail.
Andy Serkis Returning as Gollum and Director
While Weaving is done with Middle-earth, some of his co-stars are eager to return. Andy Serkis, who played Gollum, will not only reprise his role but will also direct the upcoming prequel The Hunt for Gollum, set for release in 2026.
What’s Next for Hugo Weaving?
Weaving hasn’t left the acting world behind, though. He’s currently starring in the hit British spy thriller Slow Horses on Apple TV+, where he takes on the role of Frank Harkness, a villain you won’t soon forget. The series has been a hit with critics and fans alike, and if you haven’t caught it yet, it’s definitely worth a watch.
Though he’s moving on from Middle-earth, it’s clear Hugo Weaving’s versatility will continue to impress audiences across different genres.
Conclusion: Hugo Weaving’s Legacy as Elrond Lives On
While Hugo Weaving may never don Elrond’s robes again, his performance in the Lord of the Rings trilogy will forever stand as one of the most iconic in film history. As he shifts to new projects like Slow Horses and leaves behind the world of elves and wizards, fans can still revisit his unforgettable portrayal of the wise and immortal Elrond.
Want to know more about Hugo Weaving’s latest projects? Check out our full Slow Horses Season 4 review.
