Prepare for a spectacular return to Middle-earth with “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” an upcoming anime feature film. Delve into the intriguing details surrounding its release date, captivating plot, and the talented individuals driving this new cinematic journey.
Release Date and Streaming:
“The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” is set to grace the big screen on December 13, 2024. Originally scheduled for April 12, 2024, the film faced delays due to industry strikes. While the theatrical experience is a priority for Warner Bros., fans can also expect the film to be available for streaming on WBD’s Max service following its initial release.
Trailer Release:
As of now, no official trailers have been released for the film. However, a sneak peek was unveiled at the Annecy Film Festival on June 11, 2023, sparking excitement for the imminent arrival of the trailer. Meanwhile, fans can relive memorable Rohirrim scenes from “The Two Towers.”
Plot Overview:
“The War of the Rohirrim” transports viewers 183 years before the events of “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.” The narrative revolves around Helm Hammerhand, the ninth king of Rohan and the final ruler of its original lineage. Amidst Helm’s reign, Rohan grapples with turmoil, facing conflicts against the Dunlendings—a tribe of wild men driven by vengeance. A pivotal moment occurs when Helm slays Freca, a Dunlending landowner with ambitions of marrying Helm’s daughter, Hera. This action leads to a Dunlending attack on Rohan and Helm’s strategic retreat to Helm’s Deep.
However, the story’s momentum continues as Helm valiantly defends Rohan, and Hera discovers the courage to lead her people against those determined to obliterate them. While the film likely follows these historical events, the precise direction of the story remains a captivating mystery.
Voice Cast:
The film boasts an exceptional voice cast, featuring Scottish actor Brian Cox as King Helm Hammerhand. Luke Pasqualino assumes the role of rival leader Wulf, while Shaun Dooley lends his voice to Wulf’s father, Freca. Gaia Wise portrays Hera, Helm’s daughter, and Miranda Otto reprises her role as Eowyn from Peter Jackson’s original trilogy.
The cast further includes Lorraine Ashbourne, Michael Wildman, Bilal Hasna, Jude Akuwudike, Yazdan Qafouri, Benjamin Wainwright, Laurence Ubong Williams, and Janine Duvitski.
Behind the Scenes:
“The War of the Rohirrim” is directed by anime veteran Kenji Kamiyama, renowned for his contributions to works like “Ghost in the Shell” and “Ultraman.” Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou pen the screenplay based on a story by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews. Joseph Chou serves as the film’s producer, with distinguished industry figures such as Carolyn Blackwood, Philippa Boyens, Richard Brinner, Jason DeMarco, and Sam Register as executive producers. This collaboration promises to bring an exciting and immersive journey to fans of Middle-earth. “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” beckons fans to immerse themselves in an epic anime adaptation of Tolkien’s universe. With a captivating plot, a remarkable voice cast, and a dedicated team behind the scenes, this cinematic experience is set to deliver the magic and wonder of Middle-earth once again.