The excitement surrounding the upcoming animated film “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” is palpable, particularly for its lead actor, Gaia Wise. Upon receiving the call that she had landed the coveted role, her exuberant reaction was so loud that it prompted concerned neighbors to alert the police. “The first two people to find out were two Camden coppers,” Wise recounted in her interview with CNN, illustrating her delight in a comical yet telling manner about the intensity of her enthusiasm.
Wise steps into the role of Héra, the youngest and solo daughter of Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan, whose character is voiced by the acclaimed Brian Cox. The film is set 183 years prior to the events of Peter Jackson’s iconic “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and explores the epic struggle of Héra and her father against the threat to their kingdom. This narrative offers an engaging extension of J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendary universe, creating an entirely new chapter for fans of Middle-earth to explore.
The significance of playing Héra isn’t lost on Wise, who identifies as a lifelong fan of Tolkien’s works and the film adaptations. “I love the films. I watch them two or three times a year. I’m a Tolkien fan,” she expressed, revealing a deep-rooted passion for the stories that have captivated audiences for years. As a 24-year-old actress and the daughter of actors Emma Thompson and Greg Wise, Wise’s journey has taken her from past roles in films like “Last Chance Harvey” and “A Walk in the Woods” to a thrilling position in an animated adaptation of a beloved franchise.
Although her initial scream of joy may have seemed irrational to her local police, Wise humorously speculated that they might begin to understand her exuberance now that the film is set to premier. This film, a collaborative endeavor between New Line Cinema and Warner Bros. Animation, takes inspiration from the appendices of “The Return of the King” and expands upon a brief mention from Tolkien’s literature regarding Helm Hammerhand, showcasing Héra as a pivotal character in a narrative that has previously placed male figures at its forefront.
While the trilogies certainly showcased several powerful female characters — like Arwen, Éowyn, and Galadriel — they lacked a woman at the heart of the narrative. “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” the Amazon Originals series that debuted in 2022, marked a pivotal moment in bringing strong female leads into the mix, creating a more comprehensive exploration of women within this expansive lore.
The plot of “The War of the Rohirrim” introduces Héra’s turmoil as Wulf, the son of Freca, proposes marriage. After her father rejects this overture, the situation grows violent and ignites conflict, thrusting Héra into a leadership position as war explodes around her. As the narrative unfolds, Héra must embrace her strength and courage, positioning herself as a central figure against the looming threat while also fostering a bond with her father that adds depth to the Helm Hammerhand portrayed in Tolkien’s writing.
Brian Cox appreciates this father-daughter dynamic, sharing that his experiences as a father allow him to connect deeply with the emotional core of his character’s relationship with Héra. Upon discussing the relationship, Cox remarked on its profound resonances, emphasizing how his connection with his daughter shapes the character’s development in a meaningful way.
Philippa Boyens, a key player in the film’s production, accentuates the importance of placing Héra at the story’s core. Recognized for her contributions to the “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit” trilogies, Boyens articulates how Héra’s actions are instrumental in shaping the conflict central to the film.
Through Héra’s bravery and evolution, the film maintains the essence of Tolkien’s legendary storytelling while addressing contemporary themes such as honor and morality. Fans can expect not only a glimpse into Rohirrim culture but also potential Easter eggs linking back to beloved characters from the original film adaptations. Miranda Otto’s return as Éowyn to narrate the film showcases this continuity, appealing intensely to superfans of Tolkien’s work.
As revealed by Wise: “Women’s voices are important, and I hope young girls use this film as a way into the Tolkien world that I know and love.” The animated film, scheduled for release on December 13th in US and UK cinemas, promises to resonate with audiences by exploring the legacy of female warriors while honoring the expansive lore that has captured hearts around the globe.