The War of the Rohirrim is the latest animated film to venture into the world of Middle-earth, based on an original story by Philipstrøm. In anticipation of the film’s release, we sat down with Gaia Wise, voice of Elara, a young Rohirrim maiden, and Laurence Ubong Williams, voice of Brandir, a human from the city of Lamedon, to explore their experiences working on this ambitious project.
Gaia Wise: I was beyond thrilled to be a part of this project. It’s an honor to play a character that’s rooted in J.R.R. Tolkien’s world, where every detail is meticulously researched and crafted. Elara is a strong and resourceful young woman, but she’s also vulnerable, and I loved exploring the complexities of her character.
Laurence Ubong Williams: I was drawn to Brandir’s story immediately. He’s a mysterious figure, and his bond with Elara is incredible. As an actor, it’s rare to be given the opportunity to be a part of something as vast and epic as this, and I’m incredibly grateful to have been involved.
Gaia Wise: Working with the animation process was fascinating. The animation studio, Miramax and Tippett Studio, brought the world of Middle-earth to life in stunning detail. The attention to detail is breathtaking, and it’s incredible to think about the sheer amount of work that went into every single frame.
Laurence Ubong Williams: Voice acting is always a process of discovery, but especially with a character like Brandir, who’s had such a rich history developed around him. I’d listen to the script repeatedly, trying to find moments where I could bring this mysterious figure to life in a way that felt true to the character.
Gaia Wise: The sense of community on set was palpable. Everyone came together to create something unique and special, and you could feel the excitement as the story unfolded. Watching the animation come together for the first time was a moving experience – it’s overwhelming to see your work visually represented in such a way.
Laurence Ubong Williams: The experience of joining this world was surreal for me. I grew up being a huge fan of Lord of the Rings, reading the books, watching the films, and playing the games. To be immersed in this world, brought to life by the Tolkien Estate and New Line, was an incredible honor and a dream come true.
Gaia Wise: Fans of the Lord of the Rings will love the familiarity and nods to the existing world, but The War of the Rohirrim also offers something new – a fresh perspective on these beloved characters and a bold new story that expands upon the lore. It’s an exciting addition to Middle-earth’s history.
Laurence Ubong Williams: For me, the goal was to honor the character and the world while finding ways to make it unique and fresh. I want fans to feel like this is a worthy addition to the Lord of the Rings legacy, while also understanding that it’s a completely new story with its own narrative and themes.
As we wrap up our interview, it’s clear that Gaia Wise and Laurence Ubong Williams share a deep passion for Tolkien’s world and the craft of storytelling. With the release of The War of the Rohirrim on the horizon, fans worldwide will have the opportunity to experience a new chapter in Middle-earth’s history, brought to life by these talented artists.