Explore the untold story of Rohan’s legendary ruler Helm Hammerhand, set 200 years before the original trilogy.

Warner Bros. has unveiled the first trailer for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, an animated prequel set 200 years before the events of the iconic Lord of the Rings trilogy. Scheduled for release on December 13, this film delves into the rich history of Rohan, focusing on its former ruler, Helm Hammerhand, voiced by Brian Cox.

The trailer provides an in-depth look at the film’s plot, which centres on a fierce war between the kingdom of Rohan and the Dunlendings. The conflict ignites after an arranged marriage between Helm’s daughter, Hèra (voiced by Gaia Wise), and the Dunland prince Wulf (Luke Pasqualino) ends in tragedy, leading to the death of Wulf’s father, Freca (Shaun Dooley). In retaliation, Wulf declares war on Rohan, forcing Helm to rally his people. In the midst of this turmoil, Hèra emerges as a pivotal figure in the kingdom’s survival.

Miranda Otto reprises her role as Éowyn from the original trilogy, serving as the film’s narrator, further connecting this prequel to the beloved Lord of the Rings films.

The War of the Rohirrim draws inspiration from the appendices of J.R.R. Tolkien’s novels, much like The Rings of Power series on Prime Video. However, the film takes creative liberties by expanding on characters like Hèra, who was only briefly mentioned in Tolkien’s work. Producer Philippa Boyens, alongside screenwriter Phoebe Gittins, has crafted a more detailed backstory for this unnamed daughter of Helm, exploring her role in the epic conflict.

As fans eagerly await the release of The War of the Rohirrim, there’s also excitement for the return of The Rings of Power on August 29, and the recently announced The Hunt for Gollum, directed by Andy Serkis, which is set for release in 2026.

Analysis:

Political: The narrative of The War of the Rohirrim mirrors themes of leadership, duty, and the consequences of political alliances, resonating with real-world political dynamics. Helm Hammerhand’s struggle to protect his kingdom against external threats reflects the challenges faced by leaders throughout history in maintaining sovereignty and peace.

Social: The expansion of Hèra’s character in The War of the Rohirrim highlights the increasing focus on strong female characters in modern storytelling. By giving depth to a previously unnamed character, the film aligns with contemporary movements that emphasize gender equality and the importance of women’s voices in historical narratives.

Economic: The release of The War of the Rohirrim represents Warner Bros.’ continued investment in the Lord of the Rings franchise, which remains a significant cultural and financial asset. The success of this animated film could lead to further expansions of the Middle-earth universe, generating revenue through box office sales, merchandise, and streaming rights.

Gender: The decision to explore Hèra’s story in The War of the Rohirrim underscores the evolving role of female characters in fantasy genres. This reflects a broader shift in media to portray women as central figures in narratives, challenging traditional gender roles and providing more representation for female audiences.