Fellowship of the Rings had a $45 million weekend, bringing its five day gross to $73.1 million, the best-ever for December. LOTR fell far below the Harry Potter all-time record of over $92 million in its first weekend, but also showed on about 30% fewer screens and had a longer runtime. Variety reported that non-U.S. grosses for LOTR were also at the 'far high end of expectations.' With LOTR products starting to hit the Top 10 Cool products in November (see 'Top 10 Cool'), and this strong first weekend fueling interest, there may indeed be a new merchandising franchise for the next few years (see 'This Generation's Star Wars?').
Can't Beat Harry, But Best-Ever in Period
Posted by ICv2 on December 26, 2001 @ 10:00 pm CT

MORE SHOWBIZ
Expanding the 'Invincible' Universe
July 1, 2025
The compendia bring new characters and stories to the best-selling franchise.
In a Bookazine with Variant Covers
July 1, 2025
The new publication is a one-shot book/magazine hybrid with two different covers.
MORE GAMES
As Tariffs, Market Changes Upend Industry
July 3, 2025
Tariffs are imposing an existential threat to board games, as card games mostly elude them and benefit from changes in consumer tastes toward simpler, more casual games.
Figure Available to Retailers with Purchases of 'Strange Tales' Booster Bricks
July 2, 2025
WizKids will release Marvel HeroClix: Strange Tales - Orrgo, the Unconquerable , a new figure, into retail.