The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim: release date, plot and more

First-look art from 'The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim' showing hordes of orcs and an oliphaunt
Our first look at concept art for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. (Image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is a new animated movie set to plunge Tolkien fans back into a climactic battle from Middle-earth's past. 

Billed as a companion piece to director Peter Jackson's iconic movie trilogies, The War of the Rohirrim will connect back to the original Lord of the Rings movies with "story and artistic elements woven throughout that will reconnect fans to the excitement and cinematic wonder of Middle-earth", according to a WarnerMedia press release.

It's totally separate from the stories explored in Amazon's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, and instead details the untold story behind the fortress of Helm's Deep.

Here's everything we know about The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim so far...

The War of the Rohirrim release date

Bad news, Tolkienites, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim has been delayed. Whilst it was originally set to air in April next year, the new War of the Rohirrim release date has been set for December 13, 2024. 

The War of the Rohirrim plot

When the movie was first announced in June 2021, Warner Bros released a synopsis that made it clear the movie centers on the fortress of Helm's Deep which was the site of that climactic battle from The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

The synopsis said: "The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim explores and expands the untold story behind the fortress of Helm’s Deep, delving into the life and bloodsoaked times of one of Middle-earth’s most legendary figures; the mighty King of Rohan - Helm Hammerhand."

On June 15, Deadline also revealed offered up a little bit more info about the new movie. According to their report, The War of the Rohirrim is set 183 years before the events of Peter Jackson's trilogy. Their summary of the film reads: 

"A sudden attack by Wulf, a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord seeking vengeance for the death of his father, forces Helm and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg – a mighty fortress that will later come to be known as Helm’s Deep. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation, Hera, the daughter of Helm, must summon the will to lead the resistance against a deadly enemy intent on their total destruction."

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim cast

The voice cast for The War of the Rohirrim has finally been released, and it's packed full of stars (via Deadline)

Succession star Brian Cox is providing the voice of the King of Rohan, Helm Hammerhand, whilst Gaia Wise (A Walk in the Woods) will voice Helm's daughter Hera and Luke Pasqualino (Snowpiercer) will lend his voice to Wulf.

Along with the announcement, New Line Cinema provided another piece of concept art for the film, which you can see below:

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Lord of the Rings alum Miranda Otto is also set to reprise her role as Éowyn, Shieldmaiden of Rohan for The War of the Rohirrim, as Éowyn will serve as the movie's narrator. 

The voice cast also includes Lorraine Ashbourne (Bridgerton), Yazdan Qafouri (I Came By), Benjamin Wainwright (World on Fire), Laurence Ubong Williams (Gateway), Shaun Dooley (The Witcher), Michael Wildman (Hobbs & Shaw), Jude Akuwudike (Beasts of No Nation), Bilal Hasna (Sparks) and Janine Duvitski (Benidorm).

Who's directing The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim?

Kenji Kamiyama (Blade Runner: Black Lotus, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex) has been signed on to direct The War of the Rohirrim.

Joseph Chou (producer, Blade Runner: Black Lotus) is producing The War of the Rohirrim through his anime studio Sola Entertainment; they have been working on the film since it was announced back in June 2021. 

Who else is on the creative team?

Philippa Boyens (part of the Oscar-winning screenwriting team behind The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies) is executive producing the film, with her daughter Phoebe Gittins and her writing partner Arty Papageorgiou writing the screenplay based on a script from Jeffrey Addiss and Will Matthews.

Richard Taylor (who won Oscars for his work in makeup and visual effects for The Lord of the Rings), Alan Lee (who won an art direction Oscar for the original trilogy) and Tolkien illustrator John Howe are also on board.

The War of the Rohirrim trailer

We've still not seen a The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim trailer, but as and when one arrives, we'll be sure to update this guide!

Martin Shore
Staff Writer at WhatToWatch.com

Martin is a Staff Writer with WhatToWatch.com, where he produces a variety of articles focused on the latest and greatest films and TV shows. 

Some of his favorite shows are What We Do In The Shadows, Bridgerton, Gangs of London, The Witcher, Doctor Who, and Ghosts. When he’s not watching TV or at the movies, Martin’s probably still in front of a screen playing the latest video games, reading, or watching the NFL.