The Lord of the Rings: The War of Rohirrim, directed by Kenji Kamiyama and set for a December 27 release, dives into the history of Middle-earth with an animated feature that marks the first of its kind in the LOTR franchise. Taking place 200 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, this film explores the lore of Rohan, focusing on a story of war, honor, and sacrifice that connects to Tolkien’s iconic world.

A Young Heroine with Legendary Strength

At the heart of The War of Rohirrim is Hera, a young warrior princess of Rohan, voiced by Fuka Koshiba. Driven by the duty to protect her kingdom and its future, Hera rides into battle, showcasing her remarkable skill with both sword and steed. Recently released stills reveal Hera in action, astride her noble white horse Ashra, evoking memories of epic LOTR scenes like Gandalf’s charge across the plains of Rohan.

Familiar Faces and New Rivals

Hera’s story is filled with personal stakes. Her father, Helm Hammerhand (voiced by Masachika Ichimura), leads the proud and resilient people of Rohan with strength and dignity. Opposing Hera is Wolf, a former childhood friend who has become a deadly adversary, and his loyal general, Tag (voiced by Koichi Yamadera), adding layers of personal conflict and tension. The images show Hera and Wolf locked in intense battle, promising powerful moments that echo the deep emotional and moral battles in Tolkien’s world.

Grand Battles and Nods to Peter Jackson's Trilogy

The film also includes scenes that pay homage to iconic moments from Peter Jackson’s LOTR films. Giant eagles, reminiscent of the creatures that aided Frodo and Gandalf, make a majestic appearance, as does the fearsome Mûmakil, a massive war elephant that smashes through barricades, evoking the legendary battles at Pelennor Fields. These elements hint at the thrilling, large-scale battles and sweeping visuals that fans of the original trilogy love.

Hand-Drawn Animation on a Global Stage

Brought to life by Sola Entertainment’s animation team, The War of Rohirrim uses hand-drawn animation to capture the rich atmosphere of Middle-earth. This epic will debut in over 3,000 theaters in the U.S. alone and is set for a worldwide release across tens of thousands of screens. Multiple countries will also offer the Japanese dub, providing a unique experience of this Japanese-helmed adaptation.

Anime The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim Official Web Site

Source : ORICON NEWS