Middle-earth Map Popcorn Bucket Celebrates LOTR's 25th Anniversary
AMC Theaters unveils stunning collectible featuring iconic Middle-earth cartography and One Ring magnets as Peter Jackson's extended trilogy returns to cinemas nationwide this January.
AMC Theaters dropped the first glimpse of their latest collectible on Twitter. The commemorative tin showcases detailed Middle-earth cartography that guided Frodo's Fellowship from the Shire to Mount Doom. Four themed magnets complete the set: the One Ring, Sauron's Eye, Lorien's Leaf, and Arwen's pendant.
The bucket arrives just as Jackson's extended cuts return to American screens. Fellowship launches January 16, followed by The Two Towers on January 17. The Return of the King closes the trilogy run January 18. UK audiences get their screenings starting January 15 across multiple theater chains.
Record-Breaking Presales Signal Fan Enthusiasm
This theatrical return marks 25 years since Fellowship first captivated audiences worldwide. Jackson himself recorded exclusive introductions for each screening. Domestic presales already crossed $5 mn with roughly 407,000 tickets sold, according to Variety.
The numbers suggest serious appetite for big-screen Middle-earth. Maybe fans missed the sweeping landscapes. Or perhaps they want to experience Howard Shore's score through theater sound systems again.
New Projects Expand Tolkien Universe
Andy Serkis steps behind the camera for The Hunt for Gollum while reprising his motion-capture role. The film targets December 17, 2027 for release. Prime Video's The Rings of Power enters post-production on season three.
Fathom Events handles ticketing for the theatrical re-release. The popcorn bucket remains available for purchase now. Which upcoming Middle-earth project excites fans most? The streaming series continuation or Serkis's directorial debut?