Peter Jackson’s iconic “Lord of the Rings” trilogy is set to make a grand return to theaters, marking the 25th anniversary of “The Fellowship of the Ring.” Enthusiasts of the saga are showing significant interest in revisiting Middle-earth, as ticket sales illustrate.
“Lord of the Rings” Pre-Sales Reach $5 Million
As of now, presales have amassed an impressive $5 million in the domestic market. Approximately 407,000 tickets have been sold, according to Fathom Entertainment. This figure is notably 65% higher than the pre-sales for the trilogy’s previous re-release in 2024, which saw 246,000 tickets sold by the same milestone.
Theatrical Schedule
The re-release schedule includes:
- “Fellowship of the Ring”: January 16
- “The Two Towers”: January 17
- “The Return of the King”: January 18
In response to the overwhelming demand, Fathom Entertainment is expanding locations, dates, and showtimes for the trilogy’s screenings.
Exclusive Content for Fans
To commemorate this special occasion, Peter Jackson has created “exclusive, lengthy welcome fan introductions” for each of the three extended editions. This addition ensures that audiences will have a unique experience before diving into the films.
While the original theatrical versions of these films totaled over nine hours, the extended editions provide an even more immersive experience, accumulating to 11.5 hours.
Significance for the Franchise
Ray Nutt, CEO of Fathom Entertainment, commented on the success of the presales, stating, “The ‘Lord of the Rings’ trilogy re-release is off to a record start for the franchise at Fathom.” He emphasized the value of having fans hear from Peter Jackson prior to each screening.
Originally based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic fantasy novels, the “Lord of the Rings” films have achieved extraordinary success, grossing nearly $3 billion globally and securing 17 Academy Awards. Jackson’s venture into Middle-earth continued with “The Hobbit” trilogy, which also amassed around $3 billion in worldwide earnings.
The upcoming re-release is anticipated to be a significant highlight for fans and a notable event in the realm of classic film re-releases in 2026.
