A world premiere event for the long-awaited animated film The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim was held on December 3 at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London. Directed by renowned Japanese animator Kenji Kamiyama, the film explores legendary tales that connect to The Lord of the Rings and marks the first full-length animated entry in the series.

In attendance were Kenji Kamiyama, executive producer Peter Jackson, original voice cast members Brian Cox and Gaia Wise, and returning actors from the live-action Lord of the Rings films, including Dominic Monaghan and Billy Boyd. Special guests such as Ian McKellen, Cate Blanchett, and Andy Serkis also graced the red carpet, adding to the event’s glamour.

Kamiyama’s Vision and Ambition

Speaking at the premiere, Kamiyama admitted, “This is my first time attending such a grand premiere.” He described his approach to the film:
“Though it’s an animated feature, we used techniques similar to live-action filmmaking. By recreating structures in 3D space, we carefully chose camera angles and compositions to craft a sense of realism. I hope audiences will take note of this.”

With the film set to release in over 3,000 theaters across the U.S. and tens of thousands of screens globally, Kamiyama expressed excitement about its reception:
“I look forward to hearing what people think of this film. It represents three years of dedicated effort and challenges. The entire team’s passion is embedded in this project. I hope many will enjoy it.”

Peter Jackson’s Thoughts on the Film

Peter Jackson, who served as executive producer, praised the completed film:
“From the opening scene, it was magnificent. The way the story unfolded and built momentum toward the climax was captivating.”

Reflecting on the connections to the live-action trilogy, Jackson highlighted the film’s significance:
“Fans who watched The Two Towers 20 years ago will remember Helm’s Deep. This film not only delves into the story of King Helm Hammerhand but also explains why it became known as Helm’s Deep. It’s incredible that this film sheds light on such an essential part of The Lord of the Rings lore.”

Jackson also addressed Japanese fans directly:
“Kenji Kamiyama has created an extraordinary piece of work. This film was brought to life by hundreds of Japanese animators and artists whose craftsmanship deserves immense praise. I hope you’ll love this film as much as we do.”

Brian Cox on Kamiyama’s Genius

Veteran actor Brian Cox, who voices King Helm Hammerhand in the film, shared his admiration for Kamiyama’s talent:
“Kenji Kamiyama is truly a genius. Even during the early stages of development, when I saw unfinished drawings, I was blown away. Later, during the voiceover sessions, I witnessed how life was breathed into the film—it was astonishing. His creativity is simply remarkable.”

Source : ORICON NEWS