‘Lord of the Rings’ Trilogy Gains $5 Million in Presale for Theatrical Return
Peter Jackson’s celebrated “Lord of the Rings” trilogy is set for a theatrical re-release in honor of the 25th anniversary of “The Fellowship of the Ring.” This event has generated significant excitement among fans, evident from the impressive presales.
Record-Breaking Presales for Theatrical Return
So far, the three films – “Fellowship of the Ring,” “The Two Towers,” and “The Return of the King” – have amassed $5 million in presales across the United States. Approximately 407,000 tickets have already been sold, as reported by Fathom Entertainment. This figure marks a remarkable 65% increase compared to the last “LOTR” re-release in 2024, which saw 246,000 tickets sold at a similar point in its sales cycle.
Showtimes and Extended Editions
- “Fellowship of the Ring” – January 16
- “The Two Towers” – January 17
- “The Return of the King” – January 18
To meet burgeoning demand, Fathom Entertainment is expanding showtimes, locations, and dates. As part of the re-release, Jackson has also recorded exclusive introductions for each extended edition of the films. These introductions provide fans with unique insights right before enjoying the features.
Lengthy Sittings Ahead for Audiences
A notable aspect of this re-release is the considerable increase in runtime. While the original theatrical cuts ran over nine hours collectively, the extended editions now total approximately 11.5 hours. This extended experience offers audiences a deeper dive into Middle-earth.
Impact on the Franchise
Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Entertainment, expressed enthusiasm regarding the re-release. He stated, “The ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy re-release is off to a record start for the franchise at Fathom.” This event is not only a treat for fans but is also anticipated to be a significant milestone in the realm of classic film re-releases.
The original “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic works, has achieved nearly $3 billion in global box office revenue and secured 17 Academy Awards. Additionally, Jackson’s venture back into Middle-earth with “The Hobbit” trilogy also garnered a combined total of $3 billion worldwide.
The re-release promises to be a landmark event for fans, reinforcing the enduring popularity of “The Lord of the Rings” franchise.
