Summary
Where do you start with a story about one of the most famous figuresin Middle-earth history?
They also discussed the most important scene that they needed to get right in the film.
you could check out the full conversation in the player above or read the transcript below.
Image via Warner Bros
Why Did ‘The War of the Rohirrim’ Focus on Hera as Its Protagonist?
“It was truly, genuinely driven by storytelling.”
COLLIDER: How did you guys get involved in this project?
Image via Warner Bros
This is a wildly ambitious project, and I’m curious how you came into it.
PHOEBE GITTINS: We came on board a little bit later than some of the core team.
Then, in shaping her, obviously it has a knock-on effect on all the rest of the story.
Image via New Line Cinema
But that was kind of the entryway in for us.
Was there a specific reason or a touch point that was trying to be achieved?
GITTINS: It was truly, genuinely driven by storytelling.
Image via Warner Bros
Because we know what happens to Haleth and we know what happens to Hama.
ARTY PAPAGEORGIOU: Shes the center of the conflict.
GITTINS: We know what happens to Helm.
We know that there is this unnamed daughter.
But its about her;thiswar is about her.
So, she did feel like the natural conclusion to this.
Image via Warner Bros.
That all actually felt very organic.
When Philippa said, Hey, and by the way, use the unnamed daughter.
What was important for you to get right when it comes to this story?
Image via New Line Cinema
What was the thing that you were like, We have to get this right.
This is something that we cannot budge on?
GITTINS: For me, it was the demise of Helm.
The untold story behind Helm’s Deep, hundreds of years before the fateful war, telling the life and bloodsoaked times of its founder, Helm Hammerhand, the King of Rohan.
Where he ends up was so iconic in my mind.
PAPAGEORGIOU: How do we deliver that moment?
GITTINS: Then, funnily enough,that became some of my favorite imagery in the film.
It’s sort of how do you extend both ways?
For the both of you, what was it that ignited your initial love for Tolkien?
But was it in the book?
Was it the movie?
Was it a specific character?
So, growing up in Wellington, it was infectious.
GITTINS: Yeah,I very much grew up on the film sets, as well.
I thought that was the norm.
So, yeah, I sort of grew up on these sets.
I do feature a little wee, chubby hobbit.
I would put that little screenshot up in a framed photograph in my house if it was me.
Well, now I know what I’m getting her for Christmas.
This is the first film set in Peter Jackson’s Middle-earth since 2014.
It’s got to be big and hand-painted or something like that.
GITTINS: We’ve got to get you in there.
Were you in any of them?
There’s still time to draw him in.
GITTINGS: Thats going to be my mission now.
PAPAGEORGIOU: I thought I was Liefs inspiration.
GITTINS: You are the next Easter egg.
We are going to embed you somewhere and then let people figure it out.
Was that deliberate, or was that something that wasn’t really a consideration?
GITTINS: No, it was deliberate.
So, it was quite important, in that regard.
GITTINS: From Helm, also, yeah.
Would you say that he had like romantic feelings for her or was it more just a pride thing?
PAPAGEORGIOU: As genuine as someone like that could, I guess.
He bows to no one.
He had a tough childhood.
GITTINS: No, but youre right.
PAPAGEORGIOU: 100%.
I think towards the end, it’s no longer justified.
GITTINS: Yeah, because he does come across as untouchable, almost.
The fact that it was his family made a lot of sense.
GITTINS: Honestly, the one that we’re about to do.
PAPAGEORGIOU: Getting to work with Andy,he’s just got such an amazing creative spirit.
GITTINS: And who better, honestly?
Who better for a Gollum film than Gollum himself?
I can’t wait to watch that.
Is there a progress on where you guys are in that?
GITTINS: It’s progressing.
[Laughs]
I respect that.
GITTINS: Were in the treatment phase.
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrimis in theaters now.
