Hugo Weaving first portrayed Elrond, the half-elven Lord of Rivendell, in Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings films and reprised the role for The Hobbit trilogy that followed. However, Weaving confirmed he has no interest in returning to the character for future Lord of the Rings projects.
While Weaving has appeared in multiple blockbusters film since his time on Lord of the Rings, including Captain America: The First Avenger and the Transformers films as the voice of Megatron, he now feels such high-profile projects would have to have a “different twist” in order to catch his interest. The Australian-based actor added that he’s more interested in projects that keep him closer to home, saying, “I’m not saying ’no’ [to those kinds of tentpole films] because I’m sort of open to anything. But I suppose my interests have always lay with this country and trying to find really interesting projects out here. That’s my primary focus.”
Weaving’s decision to sit out of future Lord of the Rings projects may come as a relief, even to fans of his performance as Elrond. After The Hobbit trilogy failed to resonate with audiences, it may be best for all involved to move forward.
Still, others may find it hard to believe Weaving would turn down what could presumably be an easy paycheck. While Weaving’s decision may be baffling, from a financial standpoint, it certainly is admirable.
Source: Variety
