Early Reactions Praise 'The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim' as a Stunning Anime Adaptation

The upcoming anime prequel explores the story of Helm Hammerhand and the origins of Helm's Deep, with a theatrical release set for December 13, 2024.

Set 183 years before the events of Peter Jackson’s trilogy, the film follows King Helm Hammerhand of Rohan defending his kingdom against Wulf, a vengeful Dunlending lord.
The movie features a blend of anime-inspired 2D and 3D animation, directed by Kenji Kamiyama, known for his work on 'Ghost in the Shell' and 'Blade Runner: Black Lotus.'
Critics highlight the film's breathtaking visuals, epic battle sequences, and deeper exploration of Middle-earth lore, though some note its story lacks depth and memorable characters.
Miranda Otto reprises her role as Éowyn as the film's narrator, with a voice cast that includes Brian Cox, Gaia Wise, and Luke Pasqualino.
Fans can now watch the first eight minutes of the movie online, showcasing a dark and snowy setting, intense battles, and the emotional stakes of Rohan's last stand.