It’s a long wait for fans between seasons of Prime Video’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. For the show runners, cast and crew, the hard work continues during the year ‘off’ for us viewers – and now, in just one week, we’ll all be able to enjoy the fruits of their labours. We have some images and content to keep you busy until then – with interviews coming soon!
A couple of weeks ago Prime Video invited various influencers and press to get ‘Close to the World’. Our staffer greendragon was lucky enough to join them in the English countryside – where amid bucolic scenes reminiscent of the Shire, insight into all the crafts and talents which go into the show were shared. Here’s what greendragon had to say:
Getting Closer to the World
Arriving into London, a merry meeting awaited! Old friends such as Nerd of the Rings, Varking Runesong, Tea with Tolkien, Airplane facts with Max, the Tolkien Professor, and Fellowship of Fans were gathering, thanks to a very exciting invitation from the good people at Prime Video. Reunited with admirable and excellent folks – and delighted to be making new friends – on the first day we were taken to Shepperton Studios. There the remarkable team behind wigs, make-up, prosthetics and costumes lavished their care and attention on us, as we were fitted for character overhauls – to come later in the week. I felt unworthy of such diligence – but of course, whatever they created for us would be seen over the interwebs, so naturally they wanted it to be worthy of their amazing talents!
Nerd of the Rings, Varking and Tea with Tolkien admired Elven costumes
That evening, we were delighted to have a chance to say hi to the very busy (and surely exhausted – so nice of them to take the time!) showrunners, Patrick McKay and JD Payne. Then we scattered to our various evening plans (mine included a swim in a rooftop pool, which I had all to myself). Sleep was needed – as the next day, we were going on an adventure!
Into the wild…
Little buses picked us up outside our central London venue, to whisk us into the English countryside. It was a misty, atmospheric Autumnal day as we slowly passed by Oxford in the late afternoon twilight. Further into the wild we ventured; towns became fields and trees. A wooden sign with a familiar ‘swoosh’ logo shepherded us the way we were to go. But then – a security guard told us we should not pass… Dismounting from the bus, out of the foggy gloom towards us loomed riders in black – Naznagôl! Arranged as though we had intruded on a film set, complete with lighting and music, we were able to approach the daunting ringbearers and their stunning steeds – before we ventured through what seemed to be a magic portal, to the realm which awaited us beyond…
We were at Soho Farmhouse, where wooden signposts had been topped with golden rings, doorways were festooned with dried flower wreathes, and everything was carefully arranged to transport us to Middle-earth – or at the very least, to a filming location for Tolkien’s world. Cosy cabins were as snug as Hobbit-holes; and tables groaned with enough food to satisfy even Merry and Pippin. Cast joined the fun and were ready to chat and share the excitement. Leith McPherson, the show’s dialect coach, delighted us with an exuberant presentation on Tolkien’s languages (focusing particularly on Elvish). In one of the venue’s barn-like spaces were displayed all manner of treasures: wigs, props, set designs, costumes, weapons and prosthetics. Even better – the heads of these various departments were there to talk to us, to explain the labours which go into creating what we see on screen. Best of all – we were even allowed to touch these wonders, as we asked the wizards behind them to explain just how they came into being.
The team from our Shepperton visit arrived to transform us into Elves, Dwarves and Númenóreans. It was astonishing, to see everyone unrecognisable. I was a Númenórean woman – certainly a noble, maybe even royalty, judging from my golden garments and shoes! The wig was a thing of beauty – painstakingly curled and shaped around my head. Once again, I was humbled by the care and time taken by these amazing artists.
Action!
Having gone ‘Closer to..’ characters, costumes, language and craft, my favourite part of the adventure was getting ‘Closer to the Action’. A stunt team – lead by Stunt Coordinator Roy Taylor – taught us some basics, including the all important ‘how to fall’. They then showed us a fight sequence from Season 3 – featuring Hannah and Jordan, stunt doubles for Galadriel and Arondir. And then, to our amazement, they taught US the sequence – and we performed it! I’m now considering a change in career path, given my newly discovered orc-abilities…
After far too short a time, the hour came to leave this realm of wonders and return to the real world. As I wended my way back through Cotswold countryside, I reflected on all I had seen. What struck me – not as a surprise, but as an underlining of a truth I already suspected – was the level of care and attention taken over every aspect of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Whatever one’s own feelings about the show – whatever nitpicks one may have with plot lines, or characterisations – there can be no doubt that everyone working on the show is of the highest calibre. They pour their energy and skills into everything they do, taking pride over every detail – whether they are working behind the scenes or in front of the camera. The camaraderie was also evident; this is a fellowship, a huge but intimate group of people who support and cherish one another.
Cheers to the fandom and to fellowship!
That kinship comes from the top. Payne and McKay have built a team who look forward to working together – who, rather than feeling it is a long slog, wish the show would never end! The love and respect shared by all was extended to us for this magical glimpse into their world. The generosity of the show runners, allowing us to see so much, was matched by the warmth of everyone we met. I am in awe of what Prime Video and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power invited us to share – and I am grateful to have been lucky enough to join the fun. It makes me all the more eager to see what these folks have built together, playing out in Season 3. Just a few days until we can ALL share that magic…
Exclusive Interviews
During the ‘Closer to the World’ event, greendragon sat down with some of The Rings of Power team. We’ll be sharing those videos over the coming days, as we head back to the Second Age of Tolkien’s realm. Coming soon! Meanwhile, if you haven’t already seen it – watch the Season 3 trailer here!
If you’re a follower of TORn Tuesday, you’ll have seen Royd Tolkien and Jed Brophy guesting on the show, in advance of a special appearance at the Newport Beach Film Festival. Royd, a film maker who happens to be the great-grandson of the Professor, was presenting the US premier of his film There’s a Hole in my Bucket . They joined host Quickbeam (aka Clifford Scott Broadway) to talk about this inspiring film.
Royd’s brother Mike was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (known in America as ALS). Before he died, he created a ‘bucket list’ – tasks and challenges that Royd would fulfil on Mike’s behalf. There’s a Hole in my Bucket tells the story of the quest to complete that list. It’s a beautiful and moving film, which will be heading to more cities for screenings – comment on the movie’s Facebook page if you’d like it to play in a city near you!
Meanwhile, we were delighted that in addition to taking time to join TORn Tuesday, Royd also shared some thoughts with staffer greendragon – discussing the challenges, loss, living life to the full, and the Tolkien fandom.
Royd Tolkien with his little brother Mike
greendragon: Somehow a decade has already passed since Mike died. How did all the challenges go? Are you still setting yourself new challenges, imagining what Mike might be asking you to do if he were still here?
Royd: The challenges were all difficult in their own unique way. Some were terrifying and pushed me completely outside my comfort zone, others were incredibly awkward (and I avoid awkwardness at all costs!), and some were so emotional that they made the pain of Mike not being there all the more real. But they all pushed me in directions I never imagined I’d go.
It’s very easy to slip back into what’s familiar and comfortable. I still find myself pottering around in the garden, imagining Mike shouting at me saying, “Get out there! Do something! You can garden tomorrow!”
And I do try to carry that with me. So much of this journey has been about learning to grab life by the balls, to say yes to things I might normally shy away from and to make the most of the time I’ve got. I don’t always get it right, but I think Mike would be pleased to know I’m still giving it a bloody good go.
GD: What has the reception of the movie and your book been? I imagine people really relate to it – do you get people sharing tales with you, of their own grief, or of their goals to live more fully?
RT: I’ve been totally blown away by the reception, particularly to the book which has been out for a few years now. The film’s currently doing the festival circuit, including Newport Beach Film Festival, and is due for release in Australia and New Zealand next year.
I’ve had people reach out from all over the world to tell me how the story has affected their lives, often in ways I could never have anticipated. And it’s not necessarily people who’ve experienced motor neurone disease or a similar loss. I’ve had messages from people who’ve realised how ridiculous a petty argument with a brother or sister was, and how my journey has encouraged them to rebuild those relationships. Others have told me it’s made them reassess their priorities and reminded them of the importance of getting out there and grabbing life by the balls.
That’s been an extraordinary and completely unexpected reward. When I started this journey, there was no grand plan. I was simply following Mike’s instructions: ‘You make films, make a film about this.’ And if I was going to use my name for anything, I should use it to raise awareness of motor neurone disease.
That was always the purpose, but the story has taken on a life of its own. It’s become about more than the disease and grief. It’s about relationships, the fragility of life and remembering to actually live it while we can.
To hear how people have connected with that message, and in some cases made real changes in their lives because of it, has been a genuine honour.
Royd prepares to bungee jump – in a tutu, a challenge requirement!
GD: You’re part of the Tolkien family AND the Tolkien fandom family. What does the fandom mean to you? How have the fans – or the connections made through the fandom – helped you with your journey and your adventures?
The fandom means an enormous amount to me. I’ve been surrounded by it for as long as I can remember, the Tolkien Society gatherings in Oxford that we went to when I was growing up was the beginning for me. Because of that it’s always been a familiar and wonderful part of my life.
And I completely understand the passion because I’m a fan myself. What makes it so special is that it really does feel like an extended family. I’ve made lifelong friends through our shared love of Tolkien, and those friendships have been a huge part of my life and, in many ways, my own adventures.
I was lucky enough to spend International Hobbit Day in Hobbiton recently with Jed, and we spent the day just hanging out with everyone. It was heaven. There’s something incredibly comforting about being surrounded by people who share that same enthusiasm and love for something. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or what your background is, there’s an immediate connection.
It’s a wonderfully warm, welcoming community, and one I feel incredibly lucky to be part of.
You can watch the trailer for There’s a Hole in my Buckethere.
Thirteen years ago, I interviewed Peter Kenny, as part of my Getting to Knowseries of features. He very graciously agreed to answer the, sometimes, well often, crazy questions. Revealing a truly Hobbit-like enjoyment of our world and the world of Middle-earth.
Now Peter has released his memoir, My Unexpected Journey. His memoir takes the reader on an unexpected journey of a life full of adventure, good and bad. Peter describes how Tolkien, and Middle-earth, helped him navigate these devastating lows and amazing highs. He discusses the lifelong friendships he has formed, and his ongoing delight with the Tolkien fandom.
“My Unexpected Journey is a remarkable piece of work for which the writer himself thanks Tolkien. I recommend this memoir highly. You will love the book; you will love the man.” – John Callen, actor and director.
My Unexpected Journey will make a wonderful addition to any Tolkien fans bookshelf. It is an honest, heartfelt reflection on facing misfortune and overcoming it. It is a lovely homage to J.R.R. Tolkien, and all the fans who love Tolkiens work.
I guess I would like to be recognised for my contribution I have given to Tolkien Fandom over the years and my Memoir is my Magnum Opus and tribute to J.R.R. Tolkien. – Peter Kenny.
My Unexpected Journey is available for purchase at online bookstores.
If you have a Tolkien/Middle-earth inspired poem you’d like to share, then send it to poetry@theonering.net. One poem per person may be submitted each month. Please make sure to proofread your work before sending it in. TheOneRing.net is not responsible for poems posting with spelling or grammatical errors.
Here’s a Holiday gift for us all – The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim will be available to watch digitally from Friday December 27th! We still heartily recommend seeing it on a big screen – with amazing surround sound – but if you can’t find a cinema near you, (or if you’ve seen it and want to watch it again), from this Friday, you can stream it at home.
What’s more, there is exciting Extra Content to be seen – and we are thrilled that Warner Bros. have given us an EXCLUSIVE clip to share with you as a sneak preview. Take a look:
Here’s the official press release about the digital release:
Burbank, CA, December 23, 2024 – New Line Cinema’s original anime feature “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim,” which returns audiences to the epic world brought to life in “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, based on the revered books by J.R.R. Tolkien, debuts Digitally at home on December 27.
“The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” continues the legendary “The Lord of the Rings” film franchise that debuted 23 years ago. The most awarded series in cinematic history, the six films have earned $6 billion at the global box office and won 17 Academy Awards. Directed by Peter Jackson, “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy includes 2001’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” 2002’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers,” and 2003’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King,” which were produced by New Line Cinema and WingNut Films and distributed by New Line Cinema, and “The Hobbit” Trilogy, which includes 2012’s “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” 2013’s “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug,” and 2013’s “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies,” which were produced by New Line Cinema, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, and WingNut Films and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Set 183 years before the events chronicled in the original trilogy of films, “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” tells the saga of the legendary House of Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan. When a clever and ruthless Dunlending lord attacks seeking vengeance for the death of his father, Helm’s daughter Héra must summon the will to lead the resistance or face total destruction.
Under the direction of award-winning filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama (the “Blade Runner: Black Lotus” and “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex” TV series), the talented voice cast is led by Brian Cox (“Succession”) as Helm Hammerhand, the mighty King of Rohan; Gaia Wise (“A Walk in the Woods”) as his daughter Héra; and Luke Pasqualino (“Snowpiercer”) as Wulf.
Miranda Otto, who delivered an unforgettable, award-winning performance in “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, reprises her role as Éowyn, Shieldmaiden of Rohan, who serves as the tale’s narrator. The voice ensemble also includes Lorraine Ashbourne (Netflix’s “Bridgerton”), Yazdan Qafouri (“I Came By”), Benjamin Wainwright (“World on Fire”), Laurence Ubong Williams (“Gateway”), Shaun Dooley (“The Witcher”), Michael Wildman (“Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw”), Jude Akuwudike (“Beasts of No Nation”), Bilal Hasna (“Sparks”) and Janine Duvitski (“Benidorm”).
On December 27, “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” will be available Digitally at home on participating digital platforms including Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Fandango at Home, and more.
DIGITAL ELEMENTS
“The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” on Digital contains the following special features:
Return to Helm’s Deep: History Becomes Legend
Middle-earth and Anime: A Marriage of Creativity
Héra: A New Hero for Middle-earth
BASICS
Digital Availability: December 27, 2024 Running Time: 134 minutes Rating: PG-13
About The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim
The original anime feature “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” returns audiences to the epic world brought to life in “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, based on the revered books by J.R.R. Tolkien. Under the direction of award-winning filmmaker Kenji Kamiyama, the talented voice cast is led by Brian Cox as Helm Hammerhand, the mighty King of Rohan; Gaia Wise as his daughter Héra; and Luke Pasqualino as Wulf. Miranda Otto, who delivered an unforgettable, award-winning performance in “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, reprises her role as Éowyn, Shieldmaiden of Rohan, who serves as the tale’s narrator. The voice ensemble also includes Lorraine Ashbourne, Yazdan Qafouri, Benjamin Wainwright, Laurence Ubong Williams, Shaun Dooley, Michael Wildman, Jude Akuwudike, Bilal Hasna and Janine Duvitski. With Kamiyama at the helm, the original feature is being produced by Oscar winner Philippa Boyens, from the screenwriting team behind “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” Trilogies, alongside Jason DeMarco and Joseph Chou, who, in addition to their many separate animation projects,collaborated on the “Blade Runner: Black Lotus” series. The executive producers are Fran Walsh, Peter Jackson, Sam Register, Ken Kamins, Carolyn Blackwood and Toby Emmerich. The screenplay is by Jeffrey Addiss & Will Matthews and Phoebe Gittins & Arty Papageorgiou, story by Addiss & Matthews and Boyens, based on characters created by J.R.R. Tolkien. The team of creative collaborators returning from “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy also includes Oscar winners Alan Lee and Richard Taylor, along with esteemed Tolkien illustrator John Howe. The music is by Stephen Gallagher, music editor of Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit” Trilogy.
New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animation Present, in Association with Wingnut Films, a Warner Bros. Animation and Sola Entertainment Production, “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.” The film is distributed theatrically worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures.
If you’re curious to know more about this particular story from Tolkien, and its adaptation to the big screen, we have good news for you! TheOneRing.net is partnering with the team at Rings and Realms to create a deep dive documentary all about The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Find out more about this exciting project, here.
It’s almost a week since the official opening in theatres of the epic animated movie The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. It’s definitely a film to see in the cinema; the inspiring soundtrack, rich, lush sound design, and sweeping, stunningly artistic vistas are best served by the biggest screen you can find, with an outstanding sound system.
Earlier this month, staffer greendragon joined the press junket in London, following the red carpet premiere. There she was able to chat with producer Philippa Boyens, writers Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, and actors Gaia Wise and Laurence Ubong Williams. They covered topics such as the challenges – and liberations! – of voice acting; being awestruck by being in a room with Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh and Andy Serkis; and the warmth and ‘family’ nature of the Tolkien fandom. You can find all these interviews on our YouTube channel.
Quickbeam has shared his thoughts on the movie in this review, calling it ‘a terrific film, hands down’. Look for more thoughts and reviews from staffers, coming soon!
Meanwhile, TORn’s friend Dr. Maggie Parke (Director of Signum Studios, Co-Presenter and Producer of Rings and Realms) was able to attend the red carpet in London on December 3rd, and she shared her thoughts with us:
Dr. Maggie Parke with actor Gaia Wise
Premiere Report – London, December 3rd
As a lecturer of film adaptation and fan engagement, it is a rare and exhilarating experience to engage directly with the people behind a project that bridges beloved source material with cinematic innovation while relishing in the energy of the fan community. At the start of December, I had the privilege of attending the red carpet event and worldwide premiere for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim in London, UK. This animated feature is set in J.R.R. Tolkien’s (and Peter Jackson’s) Middle-earth, directed by Kenji Kamiyama. The film, executive produced by Peter Jackson and out of Warner Bros. Studio, is a gorgeous adventure through animation into Middle-earth, 183 years before the events from the trilogy.
The premiere was at the Odeon in Leicester Square, the traditional premiere spot in London, England. The Christmas market in the middle, twinkling fairy lights, market stalls, happy shoppers and holiday-makers, created a joyful vibe walking up to the theatre. Taking my place in the media pen on the red carpet allowed my geek heart to sing! Connecting with the cast and crew whose work on the Jackson trilogy ignited my love for filmmaking, adaptation, and production, was pretty dang magical. I relished the dynamic energy surrounding this ambitious anime project that is so different from what we know, but still so familiar from the visual’s of Jackson’s Middle-earth.
The night was vibrant and the theatre decked out for the Worldwide premiere with photo backdrops, a section for cosplayers and die-hard fans, contest winners, LED screens with video and posters, basins of actual fire, and a stage for cast and crew interviews during the red carpet time, which made the event more engaging, and like a show itself.
Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd on the red carpet
The Red Carpet: Conversations with Cast and Crew
The red carpet event was an excellent opportunity to speak with some of the key figures involved in bringing The War of the Rohirrim to life. My geek heart rejoiced as I was able to chat with Executive Producer Peter Jackson, producer Philippa Boyens, Producer Jospeh Chou, composer Stephen Gallagher, and voice cast members including Gaia Wise (Hera), Brian Cox (Helm Hammerhand), Laurence Ubong Williams (Fréaláf), and the glorious duo of Billy Boyd and Dominic Monaghan who cameo as orcs in WoR.
Phillips Boyens was SO excited to see TORn there, and spoke with passion about their approach to the film, describing how she viewed this as an opportunity fill out what we know of Rohan, and to blend the epic scope of Tolkien’s world with the unique narrative style of Japanese animation; the challenges and techniques that anime supplies are so different from a live-action film. She mentioned nods to deep Tolkien fans and the moments that they’ll appreciate, including adding some Old English (a nod to Tolkien) in the lament for Helm, sung by Lorraine Ashbourne (who voices Olwyn, and whose husband is Andy Serkis). She felt like the story “never let up….” And that while it was a fun challenge, she knew that it would get to where they wanted it to go.
Joseph Chou, the producer, highlighted the collaborative nature of the project. He discussed how the original idea came from Phillipa, and how they asked ALL of the questions to ensure this story could stay true to the world of Tolkien, but provide an exciting space to tell the story of Helm, and explore the character of his nameless daughter, now the heroine shield-maiden, Hera. He passionately described how carefully they wanted to ensure the film stayed true to the spirit of Tolkien’s world, and also was faithful to the Peter Jackson universe, while adding new layers to the mythology.
Stephen Gallagher, Gaia Wise, and Brian Cox
Stephen Gallagher, the composer, is a familiar friend of Tolkien in Jackson’s adaptation, and he was sound editor on the Hobbit films. He’s a long-time Tolkien fan, from the age 11 he devoured the books and the video games from the 80s. He said Hera’s theme is one of his favourite elements of his work on the film. He was inspired by Eowyn’s theme, but uniquely referenced it, so Hera’s is her own, but it is familiar to the tradition of shield-maidens, the culture of the Rohirrim, and the lineage of Eowyn.
Brian Cox
Brian Cox, who voices Helm Hammerhand, felt his performance came from classic theatre training, and he shared his excitement at bringing such a legendary character to life. He also conveyed his deep respect for Tolkien’s legacy and his gratitude to Peter Jackson for providing his ‘gateway’ into Tolkien’s rich world.
Gaia Wise, the voice of Hera, said she felt in incredibly safe hands, with her ‘walking encyclopaedias of Philippa, Arty, and Phoebe’. She was grateful she was able to focus purely on developing the Hera of the script, because she knew that they had “mined all of the jewels that they could mine” from the text and world of Tolkien, so she used the script, but also them as resources for making Hera come to life.
Peter Jackson
And lastly, Peter Jackson, the ‘godfather’ of this of Middle-earth, impressed his excitement for other perspectives, styles, and artistic interpretations of Middle-earth. He said as they were returning to Middle-earth, he didn’t want it to compete with the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, so “handing it over to a brilliant animator and director like Kenji Kamiyama would at the very least give us an interesting result.” He said it was so exciting to sit back and fell like he was back in the world that he knew watching early cuts, and it only got stronger as the production moved ahead. He was excited to have anime come into the portfolio, although he didn’t know if there’d be another anime to follow, and he mentioned The Hunt for Gollum, Andy Serkis’s upcoming film. He referred to that film as a ‘psychological thriller,’ and was excited for exploring Middle-earth in a different way.
Peter Jackson’s version of Middle-earth in different styles? From informed, and passionate creators who aren’t afraid to take a chance on creative practices? Yes. Please.
Maggie Parke with Peter Jackson
Dr Maggie Parke has her PhD in Film Adaptation and Fan Engagement, and lectures with Signum University. She is the director of Signum Studios, and produces and co-presents on Rings & Realms.
If you haven’t yet seen The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, what are you waiting for? Treat yourself to a voyage back to Middle-earth, and enjoy seeing Rohan, Meduseld, and other familiar sights on the big screen once again.
If you’re curious to know more about this particular story from Tolkien, and its adaptation to the big screen, we have good news for you! TheOneRing.net is partnering with the team at Rings and Realms to create a deep dive documentary all about The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Find out more about this exciting project, here.
If you’re in the UK, this is for you! On Friday November 29 at 14:00 GMT, you can be present for a conversation with Philippa.
Other Minds and Hands: A conversation with Philippa Boyens is free to attend and will take place at Merton College, University of Oxford. Phillipa will be interviewed by Grace Khuri and other other members of the Oxford Tolkien Network: Giuseppe Pezzini, Mark Atherton, Stuart Lee, Catherine McIlwaine.
