For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic The Lord of the Rings saga, one of the most iconic moments is King Theoden’s rousing speech before the Battle of Helm’s Deep, where he invokes the mighty warrior-king Helm Hammerhand. This Christmas, we’ll finally get to witness the legendary confrontation that forged Hammerhand’s legacy when The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim hits theaters.
The upcoming anime film from New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animation takes us back nearly 200 years before the events of the original LOTR trilogy. In those days, the kingdom of Rohan was ruled by Helm Hammerhand. When the ruthless Wulf leads his Dunlending forces in a vengeful siege on Helm’s fortress, the king and his people must make a heroic last stand to survive.
At the center of this desperate battle is Helm’s daughter, Hera, who finds herself summoning incredible strength and leadership in the face of overwhelming odds. The first look images recently released (thanks to People) reveal striking anime designs for the key characters, with Helm’s imposing figure contrasted by the wiry menace of the antagonist, Wulf.
Director Kenji Kamiyama sees relevance in revisiting this pivotal chapter of Middle-earth’s history. “We live in an age where, all over the world, we face the reality of war again,” he says. “What, then, is power? What is the responsibility of those who possess it?” On all accounts, the mythic tale promises an exploration of hubris, valor, and the harsh realities of warfare.
Succession star Brian Cox will lend his voice to the mighty Helm Hammerhand, alongside Gaia Wise as his daughter Hera and Luke Pasqualino as Wulf. While Tolkien fans will be treated to the welcome cameo of Miranda Otto narrating as the future Lady of Rohan Eowyn, the real draw is the chance to experience an unprecedented look at Rohan’s glorious yet grim past through the innovative animated style.
Given the disappointing first season of Amazon’s Rings of Power, many will be hoping that The War of the Rohirrim will be a worthy new chapter in the Lord of the Rings canon.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim will march into theaters on December 13.
