You Shall Not Pass (The Box Office)

In a stunning indictment of the current state of Hollywood blockbusters, the 25th Anniversary Re-Release of Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings trilogy is projected to outgross two major new releases this weekend.

Fathom Events has brought the remastered 4K Extended Editions back to the big screen, and the presales are astronomical.

The Numbers

Tracking indicates the trilogy could pull in over $15 million globally this weekend. While that sounds modest compared to a Marvel opening, it is huge for a re-release. More importantly, it is tracking higher than Cyber-Force and The Rom-Com Agenda, two 2026 originals hitting theaters the same day.

Why Are We Going Back?

1. The Theater Experience: A generation of fans grew up watching these on DVD. Seeing the Battle of Pelennor Fields on an IMAX screen is a bucket-list item.
2. Quality Fatigue: Modern CGI often looks floaty and weightless. The practical effects, miniatures, and massive sets of LOTR have aged like fine wine.
3. Community: It's an event. People are dressing up as elves and hobbits, turning screenings into conventions.

Studios Take Note

This success sends a message: Audiences will show up for quality, even if it's old. It might encourage studios to invest more in "event" cinema classics rather than dumping them on streaming services.

If you haven't booked your ticket to Mordor yet, hurry. They are selling out fast.

For one does not simply walk into a sold-out theater.