On a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, actor Viggo Mortensen made a surprise revelation about his new movie, “The Dead Don’t Hurt.” As the conversation steered away from the iconic “Lord of the Rings” series, Mortensen couldn’t resist sneaking in a clever nod to his past.
During a dream sequence in the film, there is a medieval knight riding on horseback. And if you look closely, you’ll spot a familiar sight – a magnificent sword. Colbert excitedly pointed out that the sword was none other than the iconic Anduril, the Flame of the West, which Mortensen had gifted to Colbert 15 years ago.
Colbert proudly showcased the sword, commenting that this was the real deal. Mortensen admitted that it wasn’t the authentic Anduril since the one Colbert held was just a cheap copy. The genuine article was safely stored in Mortensen’s possession.
Curious about how the sword ended up in “The Dead Don’t Hurt,” Colbert inquired if it was Mortensen’s idea. The actor explained that while filming the knight’s scene, the crew realized that something was missing – a sword. Mortensen suggested a medieval sword, showing them a picture of Anduril as inspiration. The production team presented several options, but none compared to the beauty of the original.
Intrigued by Mortensen’s choice, they questioned if they could use Anduril in the movie. Unsure about the rights, Mortensen reached out to “Lord of the Rings” director Peter Jackson for permission. After a brief conversation, both Jackson and the studio agreed to include the sword in “The Dead Don’t Hurt.”
As Mortensen amusingly pointed out, while the sword’s appearance is only a few seconds long, he believes that any die-hard “Lord of the Rings” fan in the audience will spot it. He assured Colbert that his vast knowledge of the fantasy series would not let him down.
Mortensen playfully urged all fans to see the movie on the big screen, explaining that if Jackson and the studio approved the sword’s inclusion, it must be considered official within the “Lord of the Rings” canon. He cheekily likened the film to the “fourth seventh age” in the mythology, hinting at a connection to the legacy of Aragorn.
With Mortensen’s infectious enthusiasm and Colbert’s obvious delight in possessing a true piece of cinema history, it’s hard not to be excited about “The Dead Don’t Hurt.” So, if you’re a devoted fan of “Lord of the Rings,” make sure to catch this film in theaters. Who knows what other surprises await you?
“The Dead Don’t Hurt” is currently playing in theaters, starring Viggo Mortensen and directed by Mortensen himself.
