MOVIE | The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim welcomes people to Hobbiton for premiere event

MOVIE | The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim welcomes people to Hobbiton for premiere event-

Attending the celebration were voice cast members Emmy® Award-winning actor winner Brian Cox, Miranda Otto, Gaia Wise, Laurence Ubong Williams, Luca Pasqualino and Lorraine Ashbourne. Joining them were the filmmakers Director Kenji Kamiyama, Executive Producers Sir Peter Jackson, Jason DeMarco and Joseph Chou, Producer Philippa Boyens, and Co-Screenwriters Phoebe Gittens and Arty Papageorgiou. Adding to the star-studded lineup was Andy Serkis whose iconic performance as Gollum remains a cornerstone of The Lord of the Rings legacy.

The world-famous Hobbiton Movie Set was transformed into a magical wonderland last night as the cast, filmmakers and fans gathered to celebrate the upcoming release of The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim. Following the New Zealand premiere screening of the film at Hoyts Te Awa – which brought cheers and applause from the audience – the event at Hobbiton was hosted amidst the lush greenery of Middle-earth, offering an unforgettable evening of live performances and culinary delights.

Upon arrival, the talent was greeted with a moving pōwhiri—a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony—honoring the rich cultural heritage of New Zealand, where the beloved Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit films were first brought to life.

Guests were treated to guided tours of Hobbiton, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at the iconic movie set that remains a symbol of Tolkien’s fantastical world.

The evening came alive with musical performances, headlined by New Zealand’s own Drax Project and a special rendition of “The Rider”— a new single from the movie’s soundtrack—performed by rising artist Paris Paloma. Additional entertainment included a stilt-walking wizard, a fire performer, juggling hobbits, fiddlers, flutists, and horseback riders evoking the spirit of Rohan.

Attendees also indulged in an expansive array of Middle-earth-inspired cuisine, with market-style food stalls offering everything from cakes and slices to smoked fish, cured meats, roasted vegetables, and more. Themed cocktails added to the immersive experience, with signature drinks including “The Hammerhand” (blue margarita), “Wulf’s Revenge” (espresso martini), “Hera’s Fire” (apple pie), and “Fréaláf’s Fizz” (gin fizz).