First Look at The Lord of the Rings Animated Prequel War of the Rohirrim

Warner Bros. Animation, New Line Cinema, and Sola Entertainment have revealed an enticing first look at The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, previewing 20 minutes of this highly anticipated anime feature at the Annecy Animation Festival. The audience was captivated and responded with enthusiastic applause.

Director Kenji Kamiyama’s Inspirations

Director Kenji Kamiyama shared his inspiration behind the project, drawing from J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic works The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, as well as Peter Jackson’s film adaptations, with Jackson and Fran Walsh confirmed as executive producers.

An Epic Tale Set 200 Years Before Bilbo

The story is set nearly 200 years before Bilbo Baggins’ discovery of the One Ring, focusing on Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan, voiced by Brian Cox. Notably, his strong-willed daughter, Princess Héra, voiced by Gaia Wise, also plays a central role.

Key Conflict and Characters

A pivotal conflict unfolds in a dramatic council meeting scene where Wulf, a ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance, leads to intense intrigue. This scene’s eye-catching anime style was meticulously designed to bridge Eastern and Western animation aesthetics.

The Power Behind the Story

There is such power to the story, remarked Kamiyama about the narrative, underscoring the strength and drama inherent to Tolkien’s tales. Discussing this in a highly anticipated session, Kamiyama was joined by producers Philippa Boyens, Jason DeMarco, and Joseph Chou.

The Stylish Anime Look

Emphasizing their unique vision, producer Jason DeMarco noted they aimed not just to create another animated Peter Jackson film but aspired to craft a distinctively Kamiyama movie reflecting his original style.

Merging Iconic Stories With New Styles

This film promises a unique fusion of Tolkien’s revered lore with modern anime artistry. Andy Serkis expressed unwavering excitement for this new project, stating,The fans are gonna go nuts for this. Serkis will once again grace us with his iconic portrayal of Gollum in an upcoming film titled The Hunt for Gollum.