Warner Bros. Pictures has given fans of The Lord of the Rings something exciting to look forward to. An extended 8-minute clip from the upcoming anime film, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, is now available for streaming. This preview offers a thrilling glimpse into the epic story that awaits.
Alongside this, Rotten Tomatoes is streaming two additional clips from the movie. Warner Bros. Philippines has also released a behind-the-scenes featurette. This video highlights voice recording sessions featuring Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd.
Fans will recognize them as Merry and Pippin from the original The Lord of the Rings trilogy. While their roles in the anime haven’t been disclosed, their return to the franchise adds to the excitement.
The film, directed by Kenji Kamiyama, takes place 183 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings trilogy. It tells the story of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary King of Rohan. When a clever and vengeful lord named Wulf launches a devastating attack, Helm and his people retreat to the fortress known as the Hornburg, which would later become famous as Helm’s Deep.
In the midst of this crisis, Helm’s daughter, Héra, steps up as a leader. Faced with a desperate situation, she fights to protect her people from total destruction.
The cast is filled with talent, with Brian Cox voicing Helm Hammerhand and Gaia Wise playing Héra. Luke Pasqualino takes on the role of the vengeful Wulf. Miranda Otto, who portrayed Éowyn in the original trilogy, returns as the narrator, connecting the new film to its live-action roots.
Fans will also be thrilled to learn that Sir Christopher Lee’s iconic voice as Saruman will be used through archived recordings, further tying this anime to the beloved trilogy.
The film is set to release in U.S. theaters on December 13, with international premieres beginning on December 11. Japanese audiences can look forward to its debut on December 27.
The screenplay was crafted by Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews, known for their work on The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. The movie also features a captivating theme song, “The Rider,” performed by Paris Paloma. With Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh serving as executive producers, the film remains true to the spirit of the original Lord of the Rings series.
This new anime film is shaping up to be a must-watch. Its gripping story, talented cast, and meaningful connections to the original trilogy promise an unforgettable experience. The extended clip is just a taste of the epic adventure that awaits. Fans of Middle-earth have much to look forward to, and this film is sure to deliver a thrilling chapter in the legendary saga.
