December 13 marked the release of New Line Cinema’s much-anticipated anime feature, “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.” However, the film’s performance at the box office has been underwhelming, garnering only $4.5 million in its opening weekend. This rapid downturn forced studio executives to pivot quickly, as a digital release is set to happen just 14 days later on December 27. This immediate transition to home viewing reflects not only the film’s lackluster performance but also a broader trend in the film industry where theatrical windows are shrinking significantly.
Adding to the challenges, “War of the Rohirrim” is entering a saturated market this Christmas. Competing against established franchises like “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” “Mufasa,” “Wicked,” and “Moana 2,” it faces stiff competition for viewers’ attention. It is increasingly difficult for a film to maintain screen space when it fails to attract an audience within its initial run. The stakes are high for this venture, considering the film’s production budget of $30 million and the striking 72% drop in ticket sales during its second weekend, bringing the total to a mere $7.3 million.
The decision regarding the release timeline goes beyond mere box office numbers. Warner Bros. had greenlit “War of the Rohirrim” as a means to keep the rights alive with the Lord of the Rings holder, Embracer Group. Given that the last big-screen adaptation of Tolkien’s work was over ten years ago with “The Battle of the Five Armies,” the studio faces urgency in maintaining relevance in this beloved franchise. The combined gross earnings of the six previous films stand at an astonishing $6 billion, matched by a remarkable collection of 17 Oscars. This legacy casts a long shadow over the current production and illustrates the high expectations that accompany any new endeavor in Middle-earth.
While “War of the Rohirrim” struggles to find its footing, future projects in the pipeline signify that the franchise is far from over. Warner Bros. is actively working on a follow-up feature tentatively titled “Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum.” This new installment promises a fresh perspective, with key figures like Andy Serkis involved both in front of and behind the camera. Writers Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Phoebe Gittins, and Arty Papageorgiou aim to infuse the upcoming film with authenticity while remaining faithful to Tolkien’s universe.
Set 183 years prior to the events of the original trilogy, “War of the Rohirrim” explores the legendary saga of Helm Hammerhand, King of Rohan. This rich narrative potential offers ample opportunities for character development and world-building. However, the film must transcend its current challenges to resonate with audiences who hold high expectations for any narrative connected to the Lord of the Rings lineage.
“The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” finds itself at a critical juncture. While the immediate indicators suggest struggle, the broader context of the franchise’s history and future may still hold potential for revitalization.