SEATTLE — In a small gathering of friends in Seattle, Washington, an annual tradition of rewatching “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers” was marred by one member’s continuous interjections about well-known behind-the-scenes facts. The group’s patience was tried by 34-year-old Brian Braxton’s insistence on sharing, once again, the same tidbit about how Viggo Mortensen supposedly murdered 26 extras during the filming of a specific scene.
Despite their shared love for the Tolkien trilogy, the other members of the group expressed frustration at Brian’s need to repeat these widely-known stories from the making of the movies. They felt that they had heard all the tales and behind-the-scenes facts before and did not need a constant retelling of them.
Over the two decades since the film’s release, the popular tale from the set has taken on a life of its own, generating thousands of viral jokes and memes online about the time Viggo Mortensen effortlessly decimated a comparatively large percentage of the New Zealand populace. Sir Peter Jackson, director of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and Bad Taste, offered his thoughts on the lasting legacy of Viggo’s performance.
Attempts to reach Viggo Mortensen for comment went unanswered. However, recent reports indicate the actor may still be recovering from the multiple surgeries he underwent to remove his own organs during the filming of Cronenberg’s “Crimes of the Future.”
The group’s annoyance with Brian’s storytelling brings to light a common experience among fans – the frustration of having someone constantly repeat the same information, especially when it comes to a beloved movie or series. This highlights the enduring impact of “The Lord of the Rings” films and how fans continue to dissect and discuss every aspect of them, from the on-screen scenes to the behind-the-scenes anecdotes. The endurance of these stories from the set demonstrates the lasting impact of the trilogy and the dedication of its fanbase to preserving and sharing its lore.