Who plays the character Legolas in Peter Jackson's film trilogy?

Orlando Bloom plays Legolas in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, released from 2001 to 2003. Bloom’s portrayal made the Elven archer one of the trilogy’s most recognizable characters.

Legolas is the son of Thranduil, king of the Elves of Mirkwood, and joins the Fellowship at Rivendell. In the films, he is portrayed as an exceptionally agile fighter and expert archer, often performing spectacular feats that go beyond Tolkien’s detailed descriptions in the novels.

Bloom was cast in the role after graduating from London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama. He had originally auditioned for Faramir, but director Peter Jackson chose him to play Legolas instead. Bloom also appeared as Legolas in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and The Battle of the Five Armies.

A common mix-up is Viggo Mortensen, who played Aragorn, or John Rhys-Davies, who played Gimli. Legolas is an Elf, while Gimli is the Fellowship’s Dwarf.