The highly anticipated anime film, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, is set to make history as the first in the franchise to feature a female protagonist. Scheduled for release later this year, the story will explore the life of Hèra, daughter of Helm Hammerhand, the ancient king of Rohan after whom the legendary Helm’s Deep fortress is named.
Hèra, voiced by Gaia Wise, stands out as a fierce and rebellious character who embodies both strength and vulnerability. Her journey is framed within a familial drama that escalates into a full-scale conflict, presenting a richly layered narrative of leadership and sacrifice. Wise has described Hèra as a spirited young woman who evolves into a warrior for her people, drawing comparisons to the heroines of Hayao Miyazaki films like Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.
The film, set 200 years before the events of The Lord of the Rings, dives into Tolkien’s lesser-known appendices. Directed by Kenji Kamiyama, it blends anime aesthetics with the epic tone of Peter Jackson’s films, creating a unique visual and emotional experience. Animation for the project has involved over 60 studios worldwide, showcasing a combination of traditional and digital techniques to bring Middle-earth’s landscapes and battles to life.
Producers, including Philippa Boyens and Peter Jackson, have highlighted the significance of giving voice to a character originally left unnamed in Tolkien’s writings. This marks a pivotal moment in the franchise, broadening its appeal to a new generation while honoring its timeless themes of courage and resilience
