Last Updated on August 9, 2024 by Alaina Bullock
The excitement of the Lord of the Rings continues, and Tolkien fans will be thrilled to know that Warner Bros. has several new movies in the works. However, before those are released, the first one we’ll get to see is the standalone animated production, The War of the Rohirrim.
Based on the novel The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien, this film is a prequel to Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. It will be produced by New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animation, and from the glimpses that we’ve seen so far, it looks like it could be a hit, showcasing animated films as high art.
Plus, they have the perfect director on board with Kenji Kamiyama. So if you are a Lord of the Rings fan, let’s take a look at what’s happening with The War of the Rohirrim.
Animated, Not Live Action
The first thing worth noting is that the movie is animated rather than live-action. This might seem surprising, especially since Hollywood loves turning popular stories into live-action films, as Disney does with their cartoons. But animated films appear to be making a comeback.
Just look at how popular anime has become. Netflix and other platforms are adding anime shows all the time, and anime games like Dragon Ball Fighter Z and the cute and fun Starlight Christmas are booming. Choosing animation might seem risky, but with Kenji Kamiyama (known for Ghost in the Shell) directing, many believe it will be a hit.
Plot Details and Cast Highlights
Setting and Storyline
Okay, let’s get into some of the plot details. The movie is set 183 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings, which is a relatively short time in Tolkien’s vast world. It focuses on the war between the armies of Rohan and the wild men of Dunland.
Brian Cox (from Succession) voices Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan, who has to defend his nation against the Dunderlings. Although New Line Cinema hasn’t shared many other plot details, we can expect a big showdown at Helm’s Deep, the fortress named after the legendary king.
Creative Team
The War of the Rohirrim is loosely based on Tolkien’s works, with many gaps for the screenwriters to fill in. We know a bit about Helm Hammerhand from The Lord of the Rings and other Tolkien writings, but there isn’t a complete script to follow.
The screenplay and story are handled by Phoebe Gittins, Arty Papageorgiou, Jeffrey Addiss, and Will Matthews. Phoebe Gittins, Peter Jackson’s daughter, is involved, as is Phillipa Boyens (LOTR co-writer) as a consultant. While Peter Jackson isn’t officially part of the project, the good news is that several other LOTR alumni, including the revered Alan Lee, are serving as creative consultants.
The War of the of Rohirrim Release Date and Cast
When Can We Watch It?
Expect the movie to hit theaters next April. Given that the movie was fast-tracked through production by Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema, there is high confidence it will meet the deadline, despite many other films facing delays.
The big question is, will it be a hit? Lord of the Rings IP has been hit and miss with The Hobbit Trilogy and Rings of Power. But the, early signs of The War of the Rohirrim are promising. While you can’t always predict a movie’s success based on early buzz, there’s a sense that this project is in good hands with Kamiyama directing.
Who’s in the Cast of The War of the Rohirrim?
Joining Brian Cox as Helm Hammerhand are Gaia Wise (as Helm’s daughter, Hera), Laurence Ubong Williams (as Helm’s nephew and heir to the throne of Rohan), and Luke Pasqualiano (as Wulf, the presumed antagonist).
Miranda Otto will reprise her role as Eowyn in a narrator’s role. Several other cast members have been announced without naming their roles. These include Lorraine Ashbourne, Yazdan Qafouri, Benjamin Wainwright, and Janine Duvitski.
Conclusion
The War of the Rohirrim is shaping up to be an exciting addition to the Lord of the Rings universe. With a talented creative team, an impressive cast, and the unique choice of animation, there’s a lot to look forward to. Whether you’re a longtime Tolkien fan or new to Middle-earth, this film promises to deliver a thrilling adventure. Mark your calendars for next April and get ready for a journey back to Rohan!