New 'Lord of the Rings' Anime Explores Helm's Deep Origins

The War of the Rohirrim combines Tolkien's lore with Japanese anime, offering a fresh take on Middle-earth's history.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is an anime film set 200 years before the main trilogy, focusing on the legendary King Helm Hammerhand of Rohan.
Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, the film blends 2D and 3D animation to recreate Middle-earth while drawing inspiration from Japanese storytelling styles.
The movie introduces new characters, including Helm's daughter Héra, whose development aims to resonate with modern audiences while expanding Tolkien's lore.
Critical reception has highlighted the film's bold visual approach and strong performances, particularly Brian Cox as Helm, though some reviews note its narrative limitations.
The project is seen as both an artistic endeavor and a strategic move by Warner Bros. to retain rights to the Lord of the Rings franchise.