Image: Warner Bros. Pictures
Following the moderate success of the Amazon Prime series "The Rings of Power," there will be a refreshingly different addition to The Lord of the Rings franchise coming in 2024. Currently in production is an animated feature film titled "The War of the Rohirrim" by Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema, directed by the renowned Japanese filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama. Find more details in this article!
No, you're not misreading. Next year, you'll likely experience The Lord of the Rings in a whole new way on the big screen. With Kenji Kamiyama, a true expert in anime, leading the production, fans can rest assured that the necessary expertise for an animation of this magnitude is in place. His notable projects include Ghost In The Shell and Akira. While there's no teaser available yet, we'll keep you updated! We are already quite excited about the blend of Middle-earth style and anime.
Tolkien in Anime Format - Something Completely New?
The idea of The Lord of the Rings as an animated film might seem unthinkable to many fans familiar with Peter Jackson's popular trilogy. However, those who know a bit more about the history of The Lord of the Rings adaptations are aware that the first adaptation of the famous Tolkien trilogy was a 1978 animated film. Granted, it wasn't particularly successful - although many fans are still convinced of its potential. Numerous designs from this version can be found in illustrations and later adaptations. The second part of the story was not filmed until 1980 by the Japanese film studio Topcraft, the same studio that produced "The Hobbit" in 1977 - which later evolved into the globally successful Studio Ghibli!
After a Soviet live-action adaptation in 1985 and a Finnish series in 1993, which both failed to achieve international reach, Peter Jackson's highly acclaimed films followed from 2001 to 2003. Jackson added his adaptation of The Hobbit in three films from 2012 to 2014. After that, there was a long silence around the franchise. Jackson's films have long achieved cult status: most fans see no need for further adaptations. However, in 2022, Amazon Studios launched the live-action series "The Rings of Power," based on narratives from Tolkien's Silmarillion and set before the plot of The Lord of the Rings series. The first season did not achieve overwhelming success, but a second season is already in the works. However, no start date is currently available.
Image: Amazon Prime Video
Did you know? J.R.R. Tolkien sold the film rights to his books during his lifetime for little money. He believed the works were unfilmable. And above all, he wanted to ensure that the rights did not go to Disney! Their adaptations and portrayals of fairy-tale worlds were not at all to his liking.
But now to the most important question: When is "The War of the Rohirrim" coming to cinemas? The adaptation is set to hit theaters on April 12, 2024. Fans of Tolkien's fantasy world will certainly not be bored. We should get a first look earlier than that - which you are probably as hopeful for as we are.
Plot, Cast, and Old Friends
What the film will be about can be somewhat inferred from the title. Viewers of Peter Jackson already met the people of the Rohirrim in "The Two Towers" and "The Return of the King," led by King Théoden. However, the horse people of Rohan have a rich backstory. And it is precisely this that will be narrated in "The War of the Rohirrim" by none other than Éowyn herself. Indeed, she will once again be voiced by the Australian actress Miranda Otto. The plot will revolve around Helm Hammerhand, a past king of Rohan, who was even mentioned in the books and previous films.
“The horn of Helm Hammerhand will sound in the deep. One last time.”
~ King Théoden of Rohan, The Two Towers
This character was instrumental in the construction of the fortress at Helm's Deep, which is central to the film's action in the second part of the trilogy. He now faces a battle against the Dunlendings, led by the character Wulf. To protect his people, he creates the Hornburg.
In addition to Miranda Otto, the project features more creative minds that die-hard fans will surely recognize. Philippa Boyens serves as the project leader; she also worked as a screenwriter on Jackson's films. Alan Lee and John Howe, renowned illustrators of Tolkien's works, are also involved again, along with special effects expert Richard Taylor. With this team in mind, we can rightly have high expectations for the film, can't we?
Shop The Lord of the Rings Merch at Impericon
If you need to gear up for the next film marathon or maybe even take a look at the older adaptations, we have the perfect The Lord of the Rings merch ready for you. From casual T-shirts to posters, figures, and accessories, there's something for everyone in our assortment. You can even bring home the impressive soundtrack by Howard Shore on vinyl for your next Hobbit dinner!
