Gaia Wise on lending her voice as Hera in LOTR: The War of the Rohirrim; says, “She’s a rebellious child, but…”

Actress Gaia Wise recently shared her excitement about being part of the voice cast for The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. The animated film, directed by Kenji Kamiyama, invites audiences back into the epic universe depicted in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, which is based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved novels.

Gaia Wise lent her voice to The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

Reflecting on her introduction to Tolkien’s world, Gaia Wise voices Héra, the daughter of Helm Hammerhand (voiced by Brian Cox). She recalled, “I read the books when I was young. And I first saw the films when I was around 12 or 13. Since then, I’ve watched them at least four times a year. I’ll often binge them over three nights in a row—one, two, and three.”

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Discussing the enduring appeal of Tolkien’s work, she explains, “What keeps people engaged with The Lord of the Rings is its deep exploration of human nature—universal themes that resonate with us and speak to our souls. The stories touch on kindness, love, care for our planet, and the aftermath of conflict. There’s a timeless quality that appeals to generations of readers, from those who experienced Tolkien’s writing firsthand to newer fans discovering his legacy today. His work is destined to endure because the world he crafted is so dramatic, beautiful, and heartfelt.”

When Wise first read the script, she was struck by the profound connection to Tolkien’s original lore. She noted, “The writing was beautiful and heartbreaking—it made me cry. I could envision how stunning it would be in anime form.”

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Gaia Wise reflects on her character

On her character Héra, Wise shares, “When I saw a sketch of Héra in her warrior outfit, I was thrilled. Coming from a family of redheads, it resonated with me; my aunt was a fiery redhead too. Reading the script made me realize Héra is such a strong female character, with a journey that sets her apart from Éowyn and Arwen. Initially, she’s a rebellious child, but she grows into a formidable leader with heavy responsibilities. Her evolution in the face of adversity is beautifully depicted in her storyline.”

Wise feels a personal connection to Héra, explaining, “I love nature and the outdoors. So I felt an immediate bond with her character. Over the course of making this film, I’ve grown, allowing me to bring some of that growth to Héra without even realizing it. I hope the tenacity and courage she embodies have also infused my daily life.”

About The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim

Set 183 years before the events of the original film trilogy. The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim explores the fate of Helm Hammerhand’s lineage, the legendary King of Rohan. A sudden attack from Wulf, a cunning Dunlending lord seeking revenge for his father’s death. He compels Helm and his people to make a desperate last stand at the ancient fortress of the Hornburg, which later becomes known as Helm’s Deep. Héra was determined to protect her people against a relentless enemy. She must find the strength to lead the resistance in this harrowing tale of courage and survival.

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