Elijah Wood, known for his role in the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy, has shared insights into his evolving experience as a father of two. The actor and producer’s fatherhood journey has taken a new shape as his children, a 6-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter, move beyond the toddler years and into what he describes as “kid-dom.” Wood discussed this transition in an interview with The Times published on March 6, emphasizing the unique challenges and rewards of parenting alongside his career in entertainment.
Introducing His Children to His Film Legacy
Although Wood is a household name thanks to his portrayal of Frodo Baggins, he revealed that his children have yet to watch the Lord of the Rings series. “They have not,” he said about showing the films to his kids, clarifying that the delay is intentional to ensure they are emotionally ready.
“But only because I genuinely don’t think they’re old enough. I feel like it might be appropriate when they are 8,”
Wood explained. Meanwhile, the family has introduced them to safer childhood classics like The Wizard of Oz.
Challenges of Sharing Film Choices with Young Kids
Wood candidly spoke about the difficulty of selecting movies suitable for his children, citing unexpected content in films once thought family-friendly. He pointed to the 1995 Robin Williams film Jumanji, calling it
“way scarier and more f***ed up than I remember.”
His own shift toward horror and thriller roles since his Lord of the Rings success means many of his projects are not suitable for young viewers just yet.
Upcoming Roles and Their Impact on His Family Life
Wood’s upcoming movie, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, features him in a dark, violent role as a lawyer linked to a sinister group. He described the film as
“an action movie with comedic elements,”
acknowledging its horror traits. Wood emphasized the cathartic nature of horror, explaining,
“Yes, it does have trappings of a horror. There are literally exploding bodies. But the reason that horror never goes away is that, as a society, we always have something to be afraid of in real life, but horror is a safe way to experience fear because nothing’s actually going to happen. It’s cathartic.”
Finding Light in Fatherhood During Challenging Times
Away from the camera and his intense roles, Wood focuses wholly on his role as a father. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, he previously expressed to The Guardian how the lockdown period allowed him to fully dive into parenting.
“The silver lining of the pandemic has been that it’s enabled me to enjoy fatherhood in a way I might not have done,”
he said.
“My son was born seven or eight months before lockdown, so we’ve had this kind of unbelievable, uninterrupted family time that we’re probably never going to have again.”
He added,
“I love being a father. It’s all-consuming and it’s everything.”
These statements illustrate how fatherhood profoundly influences his life beyond his Hollywood career.
Balancing Stardom and Parenthood in Everyday Life
While he remains a celebrated actor, Wood emphasizes that at home, he is simply “dad.” His wife, Mette-Marie Kongsved, and their children form the center of his daily life, shaping how he views success and fulfillment. Despite the ongoing demands from his professional projects and public appearances, Wood’s priority continues to be providing a nurturing environment for his kids as they grow up.
Looking Ahead: Fatherhood and Future Projects
As Wood’s children mature, it is expected they will gradually discover the films that helped define their father’s career, including the legendary Lord of the Rings trilogy. Meanwhile, Wood’s evolving roles in genre films, especially horror, present a contrast with his private, family-focused life. This balance of fame and fatherhood illustrates the complexity behind his personal and professional identity, hinting at how fatherhood will continue to shape his choices and public persona in the years ahead.
