Overview of Upcoming Streaming Release
- The animated film, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim, will be accessible on streaming platforms beginning December 27, 2024.
- This feature dives deep into the storyline of King Helm Hammerhand and Wulf, taking place many years prior to the events depicted in The Lord of the Rings.
- Despite its disappointing box office performance, Warner Bros. prioritized retaining the rights to the beloved franchise.
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The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim premiered in United States theaters on December 13. However, it will soon be available on digital platforms, allowing those who missed its theatrical release to watch it during the holiday season. Viewers who enjoyed the film can also look forward to purchasing the steelbook edition.
The narrative unfolds during a tumultuous war, set 183 years prior to the iconic events of The Lord of the Rings. It centers on the conflict between King Helm Hammerhand and a Dunlending lord named Wulf. The story ignites when Wulf’s father, Freca, proposes a marriage alliance between Wulf and Héra, the daughter of King Helm. This proposal leads to Helm killing Freca in a fit of rage, setting off a chain of revenge and brutality.
This film is slated for release on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home on December 27, 2024, indicating it will soon exit theaters.
Disappointing Box Office Performance
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In terms of box office earnings, the film performed below expectations for a production associated with the Lord of the Rings franchise, generating merely $15 million globally during its opening weekend and landing in fifth place in the U.S. The production budget was approximately $30 million, presenting a noteworthy financial setback for Warner Bros. It remains unclear how much revenue the streaming platforms have committed to acquire the film for their libraries.
Warner’s Primary Goals
Feedback from the fan community suggests that the film suffered from an insufficient marketing campaign, with many viewers discovering it only after its release. Audience reviews generally indicate a mixed response, citing the film as enjoyable yet filled with clichés, and some critiquing the animation style for its attempt to merge 2D and 3D techniques.
The lukewarm reception for a project that could have been a more daring venture is believed to stem from Warner Bros.’ primary motivation behind its production: retaining film rights to the Lord of the Rings franchise. This strategy is likely intended to enable continued storytelling within this beloved universe. Consequently, it comes as no surprise that the film will transition to streaming platforms so soon after its release, with some audiences feeling it bore the traits of a direct-to-streaming effort.
As a reminder, The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim will be available for viewing on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home starting December 27, 2024.
Source: Anime News Network
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