LOTR’s 25th Anniversary Re-Release Smashes Box Office Hopes

Back in cinemas for a limited run, the Lord of the Rings trilogy has once again proven its remarkable pull with audiences. Marking a quarter-century since The Fellowship of the Ring first graced the big screen, the re-release saw fans flocking to theatres in droves, resulting in a domestic box office haul of $9 million. Internationally, the numbers climbed even higher, with global takings reaching $10.5 million.

Breaking down the figures, The Fellowship of the Ring alone brought in $3.85 million over four days. The Two Towers followed with $2.64 million, while The Return of the King managed $2.5 million across the weekend. Originally, the films were scheduled for just two weekends in January, each instalment showing on consecutive days. Yet, with such an enthusiastic response, the run was extended to meet demand.

Unexpected Moments and Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses

Those returning to Middle-earth were treated to more than just nostalgia. The re-release included previously unseen footage, offering a peek behind the curtain at the challenges faced during production. In particular, the introduction featured a moment from the Mines of Moria sequence, where director Peter Jackson revealed a mishap involving Viggo Mortensen, who played Aragorn. Mortensen, it turns out, had suffered a surfing accident over the weekend, leaving him with a swollen eye. Jackson recalled:

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 went on to explain that, under the circumstances, he had little choice but to film Mortensen from his uninjured side. The inclusion of such candid moments added a fresh layer to the experience, delighting both long-time devotees and newcomers alike.

Critical Acclaim and Enduring Appeal

It’s not just the box office that tells the story. The trilogy’s critical reception remains as strong as ever. The Fellowship of the Ring boasts an IMDb score of 8.9/10 and Rotten Tomatoes ratings of 91% from critics and 95% from audiences. The Two Towers is close behind, with 8.8/10 on IMDb and a pair of 95% scores on Rotten Tomatoes. The Return of the King tops the lot with a 9/10 IMDb rating and 94% from critics, though audience approval dips slightly to 86%.

Such figures underscore the trilogy’s lasting influence and the affection it continues to inspire. The films’ ability to draw crowds decades after their original release is a testament to their place in cinematic history.

What’s Next for Middle-earth?

Fans have more to look forward to, as the franchise is far from finished. The world of Middle-earth is set to expand with two new entries, including The Hunt for Gollum. Peter Jackson returns alongside Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, with the latter two penning the script for Gollum’s next chapter. Familiar faces are expected to reprise their roles: Ian McKellen as Gandalf, Andy Serkis lending his voice to Gollum, and Elijah Wood stepping back into Frodo’s shoes.

However, there’s uncertainty surrounding Aragorn’s return. While the upcoming story will follow his pursuit of Gollum, rumours suggest Viggo Mortensen may not be reprising the role, with speculation that a new actor could be cast. The Hunt for Gollum is slated for release on 17 December 2027, promising another journey into the heart of Tolkien’s world.