While much of the Tolkien related the attention — good and bad — is on current Amazon Prime series, now might be a good time to point Tolkien and classic fantasy lovers to another Middle Earth project in the works, an animated film.

First, it should be noted this film has absolutely no connection to the current series. It is an original movie set in another time, created by an entirely different creative team.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of The Rohirrim is set about 183 years prior to the beginning of Lord of the Rings: Fellowship of the Rings. It focuses on the creation of the place where one of the stories’ most intense battles took place: Helm’s Deep.

Will it be any good?

Well, that’s the billion dollar question, but it seems they are trying to remain a little more respectful of Tolkien’s original vision. I will say the concept art released from Warner Bros. looks impressive:

So far, the project has more than a year to go before it’s done, but there have been several details released. Anime studio Sola Entertainment produces the film, with Kenji Kamiyama (Blade Runner: Black Lotus) directing. One of the main creatives behind the Peter Jackson films, Phillipa Boyens, is executive producer for the anime. Other effects artists and art directors from the Jackson films will also be involved, along with Tolkien artist, Alan Lee. Readers will recognize Lee for his illustrations in many Tolkien books.

Much of the voice talent has been released, as well. This includes veteran actor Brian Cox as King of Rohan, Helm Hammerhand. Miranda Otto, who played Eowin in the Jackson movies, will reprise her role and serve as narrator. Gaia Wise is Helm’s daughter, Hera, and Luke Pasqualino is the main villain, Wulf.

The origin of Helm’s Deep should make for a good, solid story as well, which aligns with Tolkien’s own history of Middle Earth. Here’s the official synopsis: “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.”

This may be all we really have to go on for now, but it looks like 2023 will be an interesting year as more details are released. Either way, I’m looking forward to returning to Middle Earth in this beautifully animated format.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of The Rohirrim is set for release on April 12, 2024.