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Middle-earth fans have something exciting to look forward to this December, with Warner Bros. announcing the upcomingThe Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. This original anime film, set nearly two centuries beforeThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy, explores a lesser-known chapter of Tolkien’s lore focused on the legendary King Helm Hammerhand.
Warner Bros. just recently released a poster forThe War of the Rohirrim, offering a glimpse into the vibrant world of Rohan. The artwork features the central figures of the story: Helm Hammerhand, the Shieldmaiden Héra, and the antagonist, Wulf.
The visual paints a vivid contrast between Rohan’s organized warriors and the wild Dunlendings, effectively setting the tone for the epic clashes to come. The aesthetic of this anime clearly borrows heavily fromPeter Jackson’s original film trilogy, a clear nod to the world-building that fans have cherished over the years.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim Release Date
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrimis slated for a theatrical release on Jun 01, 2025, in the US, with an international release starting December 11.
The movie was actually supposed to air way back in April 2024, but the date was pushed due to industry-wide delays. The wait should be worth it though, as Warner Bros. didn’t settle for an OTT release, which means they are confident in the movie’s appeal. After its theatrical run, the film is expected to be available for streaming onMax, Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming service.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the RohirrimPlot and Characters: A Return to Helm’s Deep
Set 183 years before the events ofThe Lord of the Rings, this film delves into the origin story of Helm’s Deep and its founder, King Helm Hammerhand. It centers on Helm’s battle against the vengeful Wulf, a Dunlending lord whose actions lead to a brutal conflict that shapes the future of Rohan. The narrative explores Helm’s strength and leadership amid growing hostilities, alongside the struggles of his daughter Héra, a Shieldmaiden seeking her own path amidst the chaos. Héra’s storyline also draws parallels with other strong women in Rohan’s history, particularly Éowyn.
This focus oncharacters grounded in Tolkien’s lore, combined with new faces crafted just for the movie, aims to expand the mythology of Rohan in a meaningful way.
The Team Behind the Scenes
The voice cast is led by Brian Cox as Helm Hammerhand, a perfect fit for the mighty King of Rohan, with Gaia Wise portraying Héra and Luke Pasqualino as Wulf. Most importantly though, fans will also hear Miranda Otto, who is reprising her role as Éowyn to narrate the tale.
Anime veteran Kenji Kamiyama, known forGhost in the ShellandBlade Runner: Black Lotus, is directing the film. The screenplay is by Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, with the story crafted by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews. In an effort to maintain continuity with previous adaptations, the film brings back notable talents like Richard Taylor and John Howe, known for their work on Jackson’sThe Lord of the Ringstrilogy.
