LOTR Trilogy Earns $10.5M Worldwide in Anniversary Re-Release
Peter Jackson's Middle-earth saga proves its enduring appeal as fans flock to theaters for the 25th anniversary screenings, generating massive box office numbers that surprised industry watchers.
Middle-earth returned to cinemas with a vengeance. The trilogy's 25th anniversary re-release pulled in $10.5 million globally, with domestic theaters contributing $9 million to that total.
Fellowship of the Ring led the charge with $3.85 million over four days. The Two Towers followed with $2.64 million, while Return of the King captured $2.5 million during its weekend run.
Extended Theater Run Due to Fan Demand
Originally scheduled for just two weekends in January, the screenings got extended. Theater owners couldn't ignore the response. Each film played for three days during the planned January 16-18 and January 23-25 windows.
The numbers tell a story about lasting cultural impact. These aren't new releases riding marketing waves. They're decades-old films still drawing crowds willing to pay theater prices for stories they've seen countless times.
Behind-the-Scenes Footage Reveals Production Challenges
Anniversary screenings included previously unseen material. Jackson shared blooper footage from the Mines of Moria sequence, revealing how Viggo Mortensen's surfing accident nearly derailed filming.
"We all show up to shoot that scene. And Viggo had been out with the Hobbits during the weekend, and he'd been surfing, and he had sustained an injury surfing, like the board had flipped in the air and whacked him in the face. His eye was swollen shut, so he apologized," Jackson explained.
The director had to film Mortensen's profile shots to hide the injury. These production hurdles rarely make it into final cuts, but they show the practical challenges of creating epic cinema.
Hunt for Gollum Brings Middle-earth Back
The franchise isn't done. Hunt for Gollum arrives December 17, 2027, with Jackson, Fran Walsh, and Philippa Boyens returning. Ian McKellen will reprise Gandalf, Andy Serkis returns as Gollum's voice, and Elijah Wood comes back as Frodo.
Mortensen's return as Aragorn remains uncertain. Industry insiders suggest the studio might cast a new actor for the ranger's role, though nothing's confirmed yet.