New Anime Film: “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim”

New Line Cinema’s original anime feature, “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” transports audiences back to the epic world of J.R.R. Tolkien’s revered books, previously brought to life in “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy.

 Miranda Otto played the role of Éowyn of Rohan

Award-winning filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama (Blade Runner: Black Lotus, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex), the film features a talented voice cast led by Brian Cox (Succession) as Helm Hammerhand, the mighty King of Rohan; Gaia Wise (A Walk in the Woods) as his daughter Héra; and Luke Pasqualino (Snowpiercer) as Wulf. Miranda Otto reprises her award-winning role as Éowyn, Shieldmaiden of Rohan, serving as the tale’s narrator. You may remember Miranda Otto played the role of Éowyn of Rohan, niece of King Théoden, in The Lord of the Rings. Her character debuted in the second movie, The Two Towers, at Edoras.

Éowyn, a prominent and complex female character in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, defies societal expectations and forges her own path. Though she develops feelings for Aragorn, he does not reciprocate, as his heart belongs to Arwen. Éowyn, recognizing her duty to her people, embraces the responsibility of ruling Rohan in Théoden’s absence when the war-host departs.

Éowyn’s significance lies not only in her strength and defiance of traditional gender roles but also in fulfilling a prophecy. During the Battle of the Pelennor Fields, she remains steadfast alongside Merry when the Witch-king attacks. After Théoden falls, Éowyn fearlessly challenges the Witch-king. Boldly removing her helmet to reveal her identity as a woman before declaring, “I am no man.”

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

Set 183 years before the events of the original trilogy, The War of the Rohirrim recounts the fate of the House of Helm Hammerhand. Wulf, a cunning Dunlending lord seeking vengeance launches a sudden attack. Which forces Helm and his people to make a desperate last stand in the Hornburg fortress—later known as Helm’s Deep. Helm’s daughter, Héra, must rise to the challenge and lead the resistance against a relentless enemy.

Oscar-winner Philippa Boyens, from the screenwriting team behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies, produces the film alongside Jason DeMarco and Joseph Chou. The screenplay is by Jeffrey Addiss & Will Matthews and Phoebe Gittins & Arty Papageorgiou, with a story by Addiss & Matthews and Boyens, based on characters created by J.R.R. Tolkien.

A New Line Cinema presentation, a Warner Bros. Animation / Sola Entertainment production, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim will be released in cinemas worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, beginning December 11, 2024.