Warner Bros. Animation, New Line Cinema, and Sola Entertainment unveiled 20 compelling minutes of their upcoming anime feature The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. This reveal garnered enthusiastic applause during a packed session at the Annecy Animation Festival.
Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, who has credited not only J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary works but also Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh as inspirations. Both Jackson and Walsh were confirmed as executive producers during this session.
This new piece is set roughly 200 years before Bilbo Baggins crosses paths with the ring of power. The narrative delves into the House of Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan, voiced by Brian Cox. Attention is also given to his daughter, Princess Héra, portrayed by Gaia Wise. The clip showcased a tumultuous council meeting where Wulf, a fierce Dunlending lord, vows revenge.
Interestingly, Miranda Otto reprises her iconic The Lord of the Rings role as Éowyn but takes on a new mantle as the film’s narrator, lending her voice to pivotal scenes.
There is such power to the story
, stated director Kamiyama, known for his work on series like Blade Runner: Black Lotus and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. He was joined by producers Philippa Boyens, Jason DeMarco, Joseph Chou, and actor Andy Serkis in a lively discussion.
Boyens remarked that although the film boasts an anime aesthetic, they aimed to create a production true to Kamiyama’s distinct style rather than merely replicating Jackson’s earlier films. DeMarco added that they sought to create a unique visual experience.
Andy Serkis, who will reprise his role as Gollum in another project titled The Hunt for Gollum, shared enthusiasm about what fans can expect. He also teased his contemporary reimagining of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, emphasizing its modern relevance in today’s socio-political climate.
The fans are going to go nuts for this
, asserted Serkis during the lively exchange at Annecy.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is scheduled for release across North America on December 13 and internationally beginning December 11. With such heavyweight contributions from notable figures like Peter Jackson and Andy Serkis combined with Kenji Kamiyama’s innovative vision, it’s clear anticipation is building around this new entry into Tolkien’s celebrated universe.
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