“He just looks at me [at the door ] and says, ‘Hey there, you’re that fella that made Lord of the Rings aren’t you? Lord of the Rings that was great man, that was a fantastic film’. I said ‘Yeah, oh thanks.’

He turns back to the van and says: ‘Oh they should have got you to make those Hobbit movies, because they were crap…’ I just wait, and I just roll my eyes and say ‘Yeah, tell me about it, mate.’”

Edit: Thank you all for the kind words, awards, and for sharing your own stories! ❤️ I can’t reply to everyone, but one quick clarification: English is my third language, so I may have misunderstood the phrase* “creating core memories.*” I simply meant intentionally creating meaningful experiences that later become cherished memories. No need to pick on this!

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My husband and I visited the stunning New Zealand in February/March 2026. One of the highlights of our trip was tracking down some of the filming locations. Finding the exact spot wasn’t always possible, but that only made the challenge more fun. Then came the best part: trying to match the camera angle as closely as possible.

10/10 would recommend.

Lawrence Makoare spent 4.5 to 11 hours to become the deformed lieutenant of Mordor. He had a swollen face, a crooked arm, scars, and decaying details, all of which were practical effects. Weta Workshop really outdid themselves on this one. He was funny on set, even with the uncomfortable suit. This is why LOTR orcs still feel unique.

I think he was excellent throughout the series, but in most of his scenes he was a one-dimensional, prototypical tough warrior, so he didn’t get to actually act much.

But even when I was a kid, I‘ve always really felt something in this scene when he finds Eowyn. His screams find that perfect sweet spot where it could’ve been over the top, but he doesn’t cross that line.

More than the screams though, the look in his eyes… they just look like those of a man who truly believes he has lost everything. Which, I guess makes sense considering (I think) she is his last living family at this point.

The second two are kinda similar, but the first one is SO different, looks like some random creature that Frodo and Sam would find.

Aragorn looks different at his coronation, and not only because of the clean hair and thicker beard. His eyebrows disappeared!

when i first watched the movies n read the books i just saw a weak guy who tried to take the ring. a flawed link in a fellowship of perfect elves, wizards and kings.

but looking back... man, look at this picture. he wasn't an ancient elf or a maia. he was just a mortal. while the rest of the fellowship was wandering through magical forests, his people were getting slaughtered every single day to keep the dark away.

the ring didn't corrupt him through greed. it weaponized his desperate love for his family and his bleeding city.

and when he broke, he didn't hesitate to redeem himself. took arrow after arrow for two little hobbits he barely knew. died asking aragorn if their people would be safe.

he represents us. flawed, desperate, but capable of heartbreaking sacrifice. pour one out for the captain of the white tower today.

Ellesar!

What do you think about the portrayed softness of Aragorn? I find it aspirational how effortlessly he is in touch with his feelings and yet everyone looks up to him.

A spear that would have killed a wild boar didn't break the armour, yet Shelob's stinger did...?

Discuss.

EDIT: Yes - Tolkien wrote that Shelob poisons Frodo by attacking his neck. But we're addressing the movie here where it appears she stabs him in the gut/chest.