The beloved world of J.R.R. Tolkien returns to the silver screen this December with a fresh twist. The War of the Rohirrim, a Japanese anime-style prequel to The Lord of the Rings, hits theaters on December 13, delving into human drama rather than mythical beings.
Set nearly 200 years before the events of Peter Jackson’s acclaimed trilogy, the film shifts focus from hobbits, dwarves, and Dark Lords to the kingdom of Rohan and its horse-riding warriors.
“You look at the original trilogy, you’re talking hobbits and elves and dwarves and monsters,” said director Kenji Kamiyama at a recent press conference. “The new film is rooted in human drama and emotion… greed and power.”
A New Chapter in Middle-earth
Drawing inspiration from Tolkien’s expansive histories, the film explores a civil war sparked by a rebellious nobleman, Lord Freca, and his fallout with the proud king of Rohan.
When the king rejects Freca’s proposal to wed his son to his daughter, Hera, the insult triggers a rebellion that spirals into a kingdom-wide conflict.
Central to the story is Hera, a character briefly mentioned in Tolkien’s notes but fleshed out as a complex, flawed heroine for the film.
“We didn’t want her to be some warrior princess or superhero,” said producer Philippa Boyens, who co-wrote Jackson’s Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. “She’s full of curiosity and makes mistakes.”
Blending Anime and Tolkien
Warner Bros. announced the anime adaptation in 2021, with Kamiyama, known for Blade Runner: Black Lotus and animated Star Wars projects, at the helm.
According to Boyens, the anime medium felt intrinsically suited to the story, embracing themes of honor, loyalty, and hubris reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke.
The film revisits iconic locations such as Helm’s Deep, last seen in Jackson’s The Two Towers, and features narration by Miranda Otto, reprising her role as Éowyn.
A Unique Vision
While Peter Jackson served as an executive producer, Kamiyama was encouraged to infuse the film with his distinct anime style.
“Storywise, we wanted to stay true to the Tolkien universe,” Kamiyama said, “but also to what we do best—making anime.”
Fans can expect familiar elements from Jackson’s live-action films, but, as Boyens noted, these “crept in beautifully around the edge,” ensuring a balance between Tolkien’s lore and anime’s vibrant storytelling.
The War of the Rohirrim promises to offer a compelling new perspective on Middle-earth, blending the rich legacy of Tolkien with the artistry of Japanese anime, and ushering audiences into a tale of power, betrayal, and resilience.
