This week, we sit down with Phoebe Gittins & Arty Papageorgiou, the screenwriters behind the new animated Lord of the Rings film, “The War of the Rohirrim.” Join us as we delve into the creative process, explore the challenges of adapting Tolkien’s work, and discuss the exciting experience of bringing a fresh perspective to the beloved world of Middle-earth. 

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim is out in Australian Cinemas on DECEMBER 12.

This interview is audio only. For other video interviews check out our YouTube playlist.


Thanks to the team at Warner Bros/Universal AUS.

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Summary

Delving into Middle-earth with the Screenwriters of “The War of the Rohirrim”

This week on the Foyer Reference Podcast, we had the absolute pleasure of chatting with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou, the brilliant minds behind the screenplay for “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.” This animated film, a prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, explores the untold story of Helm Hammerhand, the legendary king of Rohan, and his valiant defense against a fearsome Dunlending invasion.

Phoebe and Arty provided fascinating insights into their creative process, discussing the challenges and joys of bringing a new story to life within Tolkien’s rich mythology. They shared how they found inspiration in Tolkien’s appendices, breathing life into the unnamed daughter of Helm Hammerhand, Hera, and crafting a compelling narrative around her.

Here are some of the highlights from our conversation:

  • Finding Hera: Phoebe and Arty discussed how they developed Hera’s character, drawing inspiration from strong female figures in Tolkien’s work like Eowyn, while also giving her a unique identity. They also touched on the influence of real-world historical figures and the collaborative process with the voice actress, Gaia Wise, who brought her own perspective and energy to the role.
  • The Anime Influence: We explored how the anime style of animation allowed for a unique visual storytelling experience, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in live-action filmmaking. Phoebe and Arty explained how they collaborated with the animation team to ensure the dialogue and action sequences worked seamlessly within the chosen style.
  • Crafting Compelling Dialogue: From iconic lines like “You can wear the crown, but that does not make you king,” Phoebe and Arty shared their approach to writing dialogue that is both impactful and true to the world of Tolkien. They emphasized the importance of structure and story in driving the dialogue, allowing it to become “the icing on the cake.”
  • Balancing Light and Shade: The screenwriters delved into the complexities of the characters, particularly the antagonist, Wulf. They explained how they carefully balanced his motivations and actions to create a nuanced character whose choices drive the central conflict of the film.
  • A Collaborative Journey: Phoebe and Arty emphasized the collaborative nature of filmmaking, highlighting the close working relationships between the screenwriters, director Kenji Kamiyama, and the art department. They shared anecdotes about how character designs and casting choices influenced the script and vice versa.

We wrapped up our conversation with a fun question: What film would you pair with “The War of the Rohirrim” for a double feature? Phoebe recommended “The Princess Bride,” citing its sense of adventure and lighthearted tone as a perfect complement to the more intense themes of the Lord of the Rings film.

Listen to the full episode to hear more from Phoebe and Arty about their experience writing “The War of the Rohirrim.” It’s a must-listen for any Lord of the Rings fan eager to learn more about the making of this exciting new addition to Middle-earth lore.