New Line Cinema's anime movie titled The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim that premiered December 13 achieved a very low 4.5 million dollars in gross ticket sales leading the film for a digital debut scheduled on December 27th after only a 14-day showing in theatres. The incredibly short theatrical time period for War of the Rohirrim before digital release is a clear indicator for less interest than anticipated by studio production team.
The War of the Rohirrim will be made available through all main streaming platforms which includes Amazon Prime Video AppleTV and Fandango at Home while certain theaters continue limited showings. Several major movies were released in December which include Sonic the Hedgehog 3 Mufasa Wicked and Moana 2 making it tough for movies with slower box office sales.
Box Office Disappointments with 'War of the Rohirrim' Prompt Warner Bros to Release Digital Version
The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim experienced a 72 percent drop in gross sales its second weekend grossing just 1.25 million dollars a significant decrease from original weekend totals while failing to surpass its initial 7.3 million opening. Warner Bros approved production before Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy were in control because they were contractually obligated with The Lord of the Rings license holder Embracer Group to have one Lord of The Rings title available every 10 years the last title being The Hobbit: The Battle of Five Armies which occurred 10 years ago. The entire Lord of the Rings plus Hobbit film franchises had 6 billion dollars in sales along with 17 total Oscar wins demonstrating previous successes with other titles from New Line Cinemas.
Andy Serkis to Star in and Direct Upcoming Film 'The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum'
The first of two Warner Brothers planned movies titled Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum is in production and Andy Serkis will be starring and directing as well as writing screenplay with Fran Walsh Philippa Boyens and Phoebe Gittins plus Arty Papageorgiou all who wrote The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Peter Jackson Fran Walsh and Boyens remain involved in production plus with Ken Kamins Serkis Jonathan Cavendish adding to list of Executive Producers. This title shows Warner Brothers continues involvement with original cast and creative team.
The Animated Prequel ‘War of the Rohirrim’ Centers around Rohan King Helm Hammerhand Before the Original Trilogy
The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim story unfolds about 183 years prior to the primary film series and centers on House of Helm Hammerhand King of Rohan. The story details how the daughter of Helm named Héra must direct resistance after Wulf a Dunlending lord seeks revenge for his dead father. Kenji Kamiyama who is well known for Blade Runner: Black Lotus and Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex TV series acted as director.
Several special features will come with the movie on digital that includes “Return to Helm’s Deep: History Becomes Legend” plus "Middle-earth and Anime A Marriage of Creativity and the last special feature called Héra: A New Hero for Middle-earth." Gaia Wise who voices Héra provides depth and details during each segment.
The film officially premiered December 13 in theatres displaying events happening 183 years prior with House Helm Hammerhand Brian Cox being the voice of legendary King of Rohan. Wulf voiced by Luke Pasqualino launches an attack on Helm seeking revenge for his dead father resulting in battle at the Hornburg also called Helm’s Deep . Helm’s Daughter Héra is forced to become a great leader against the evil enemy forces.
Premium Video-On-Demand for 'The War of the Rohirrim' Starts on December 27 across Platforms
Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment officially announced a digital debut for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim via a premium video-on-demand on Friday December 27th . The movie on Prime Video will be available for 24.99 to buy and for 19.99 to rent over 48 hour period. Digital streaming options for the film will also extend to major services like AppleTV plus VUDU.
Initial Reception: Audiences Versus Critics Reviews for War of the Rohirrim
According to "The Numbers" website The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim has made 7.3 million dollars domestically 8 million dollars internationally combining to a gross revenue of 15.3 million globally. The movie held a production budget of 30 million dollars as reported by IMDB prior to advertising. Rotten Tomatoes critics gave a 47% “rotten” rating to the film using 115 movie reviews citing various character performance and weak storyline complaints. The site's Critics Consensus called the movie "middle of the road". Audiences awarded the film a 83% rating on the RT Popcornmeter via over 500 online verified reviewers. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim which was rated PG-13 is a Kenji Kamiyama title produced by Peter Jackson available by premium video on demand starting Friday December 27. The story was updated December 23 by Warner Brothers Discovery Home Entertainment with release details.
Warner Bros Turns to Digital Platforms Due to 'The War of the Rohirrim's' Poor Box Office Performance
Warner Bros decision to release The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim on many digital formats highlights poor box office showing after 14 days of theatrical release. The movie started in theatres nationwide December 13 and after a slow start many fans and critic responses suggest disappointing outcomes. The title became first of The Lord of the Rings titles in 10 years to have so small box office impact .
'War of the Rohirrim's' Limited Performance with 4.6 Million Dollar Opening Against a 30 Million Budget
While the reported production cost for The War of the Rohirrim was around 30 million the movie’s earnings were lackluster only achieving a 4.6 million opening on approximately 2602 screens placing the title at 5th spot . The War of the Rohirrim despite using the Lord of the Rings well known branding was unable to overtake Kraven the Hunter for lead billing though that title had both low reviews plus no advertisement as well as serving as a concluding Spider-Man title. In contrast to Kraven the Hunters poor 16 percent the The War of the Rohirrim gained 47 percent rotten review which suggests movie is still critically disappointing.
Criticism and Context Surrounding Fast Production on The War of the Rohirrim
Some reviews describe The War of the Rohirrim as an immediate money grab yet some fans say its animation style is good and it also showcases female main character with longer run times. Production on this movie was fast tracked by WBD as a way to maintain Lord of the Rings licensing rights as well as it being a creative element within a pre existing universe. Though the story is using an underdeveloped source of ideas it gives opportunity for movie to do something different while Warner Brothers prepares a live action movie The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum releasing 2026. War of the Rohirrim keeps in line with established lore also providing additional vocals with Christopher Lee's recordings being included.
Currently The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim has shows still available at some theaters highlighting events 183 years prior and Helm’s deep through resistance by daughter Héra during an ongoing war that has impacted the House of Helm.
The location of Helm’s Deep which was created in the 2002 film The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers became highly regarded as the best battle scene by Peter Jackson his cast and crew. The large scale war with real world issues combined the large with human moments of pain and resilience all done beautifully. Peter Jackson's movies showcase a large number of incredible moments with battle of Helm's Deep always remaining a stand out that has set the expectation. The War of the Rohirrim uses familiar settings that it aims to revitalize through expanded character narrative development.
War of the Rohirrim changes up the action setting that has events transpiring over many months in comparison to prior title that happened on one extremely long night with all happening before the known fellowship journey.