A decade has passed since the cinematic world last saw the sprawling landscapes of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth on the big screen, with Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit trilogy concluding in 2014. Now, fans of Tolkien’s rich fantasy universe are getting a new chapter, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, an anime feature film that opens in Singapore cinemas on December 5, 2024.
The film, set 183 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings, delves into the history of Helm Hammerhand (voiced by Brian Cox), a king who faces a dire territorial dispute and the threat of war. This marks the first time that a Tolkien story has been adapted into anime—a genre of animation that originated in Japan, bringing a fresh visual and narrative style to the beloved franchise.
At a fan event held earlier this year in New York, the creative team behind the film explained the unique choice to tell this tale through the anime medium.
Anime’s Fit for Tolkien’s World
Philippa Boyens, the New Zealand screenwriter and executive producer of The War of the Rohirrim, was instrumental in adapting Tolkien’s works to the screen. Boyens, who co-wrote the live-action Lord of the Rings films and won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for The Return of the King (2003), discussed why the story of Helm Hammerhand was ideally suited for anime.
“We had been discussing ways to return to Middle-earth, and when Warner Bros Animation proposed the idea of using anime, I immediately thought of the story of the Rohirrim,” said Boyens. “The themes of loyalty, honor, and moral complexity in Tolkien’s works align well with the traditions of Japanese storytelling.”
Boyens highlighted the nuanced portrayal of good and evil in Tolkien’s works, noting that these elements made the story of Helm Hammerhand an excellent fit for anime. “In anime, these themes are explored deeply, and at the heart of The War of the Rohirrim is the idea that no one is purely good or evil—it’s all about the choices people make,” she added.
Director Kamiyama Sees Tragedy and Opportunity in Helm’s Story
Kenji Kamiyama, the Japanese director of The War of the Rohirrim, echoed this sentiment. Kamiyama, renowned for his work on the Ghost in the Shell anime franchise, was drawn to the tragic elements of Helm Hammerhand’s tale. Speaking through an interpreter, Kamiyama explained that Helm’s story—marked by the downfall of a legendary figure and the end of his bloodline—offered rich storytelling potential.
“The tragedy of Helm Hammerhand resonated with me,” said Kamiyama. “There is a great deal of room to explore the consequences of his actions and the impact on his legacy. This was a compelling narrative to adapt into an anime film.”
Kamiyama also saw an opportunity to expand on the character of Hera, Helm’s daughter. While Hera is only briefly mentioned in Tolkien’s writing, she becomes a central figure in the film, voiced by Gaia Wise, the 24-year-old English actress and daughter of Academy Award-winner Emma Thompson. “Hera is essentially the emotional core of the film,” Kamiyama remarked. “She observes the events unfolding around her and undergoes a personal journey of her own.”
A Family Drama at Its Heart
For actor Brian Cox, who voices Helm Hammerhand, the film is not only a tale of war but also an intense family drama. “The one constant in Helm’s life is his daughter,” said Cox, who is best known for playing media mogul Logan Roy in the HBO series Succession. “Their relationship forms the emotional center of the story.”
The 78-year-old Scottish actor also noted the personal joy of working in an animated project. “Although I’m older now, I still think of myself as a nine-year-old,” Cox said with a laugh. “Animation lets you tap into your imagination in a way that live-action can’t. It’s like rediscovering the child inside.”
Tolkien’s Influence on Japanese Fantasy
Kamiyama also emphasized the lasting impact of Tolkien’s work on Japanese fantasy storytelling. “Tolkien’s work revolutionized the fantasy genre, elevating it from simple fairy tales to complex, mature narratives,” said Kamiyama. “His influence is felt not only in Western fantasy but also in anime and manga in Japan.”
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim brings together the epic world of Tolkien and the distinctive artistry of Japanese animation. The film’s blend of both traditions promises to captivate audiences with its rich themes of family, legacy, and the choices that define us.
The movie opens in Singapore cinemas on December 5, 2024, marking a new chapter in the Middle-earth saga that will resonate with both Tolkien fans and anime enthusiasts alike.
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