"Audiences have connected with the emotional storytelling in these films and are invested in the fate of these characters," Mittweg said. "Anticipation has been high since the first film in the trilogy, making this film's release an event in every country where we have taken it. It's tremendously rewarding to see the artistry, dedication and vision that Peter Jackson and his team have poured into these films be recognized and embraced around the world."
Domestically, "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" surpassed its predecessor's 5-day start by 23%, earning an estimated $125.1 million at 3,702 theaters, to become the third-biggest 5-day of all time (after "The Matrix Reloaded" and "Spider-man"). The film was the highest Wednesday opening of all time.
Internationally, "The Return of the King" opened on 7,403 screens in 28 territories. The film's Wednesday bow broke opening day records in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Holland, Norway, Puerto Rico, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, Chile and Mexico.
The first two films in the trilogy, "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers," broke December box office records when released in 2001 and 2002, respectively.
"The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King" Facts:
$250 M 5-day Worldwide gross; all-time biggest 5-day opening
$125.1 M 5-day US gross; 3rd highest of all time
$125 M 5-day Int'l gross; all-time highest
$ 34 M 1-day US opening day gross in 3,702 theaters; highest
Wednesday opening of all time.
$ 23.5 M 1-day Int'l opening day gross
$ 8 M US midnight grosses in 2100 theaters
$ 4.5 M Int'l midnight gross -- 9 territories
"The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers" Facts:
$102 M 5-day US opening gross
$ 99.8 M 5-day Int'l opening gross (27 markets)
$ 26 M 1-day US opening day gross (3rd highest Wednesday
opening of all time)
$ 62 M 3-day US 3-day gross (3622 theaters)
$102 M 5-day US 5-day gross
$921 M Worldwide cumulative gross (to date)
"The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring" Facts:
$ 75.1 M 5-day US opening gross (3359 theaters)
$ 18.2 M 1-day US opening day gross
$ 47 M 3-day US 3-day gross
$ 75 M 5-day US 5-day gross
$865 M Worldwide cumulative gross (to date)
On over 20 ten-best lists, "The Return of the King" has garnered 38 four-star reviews from such critics as John Anderson, Newsday, and Claudia Puig, USA Today.
Additionally, "The Return of the King" today was awarded Best Picture and Best Director by the Southeastern Film Critics, contributing to its kudos tally, which includes:
* Golden Globe Nominations:
* Best Picture (Drama)
* Best Director
* Best Original Song
* Best Original Score
* Best Picture -- New York Film Critics Circle
* Best Director -- San Francisco Film Critics Circle
* Best Ensemble Cast -- National Board of Review
* Best Director -- San Diego Film Critics
* Best Production Design -- San Diego Film Critics
* Best Supporting Actor, Sean Astin-Seattle Film Critics
* Best Cinematography -- Seattle Film Critics
* Best Director -- Toronto Film Critics
* Plus 27 nominations and counting
ADDITIONAL "LORD OF THE RINGS" RESOURCES:
"The Return of the King" - Sean Astin Interview
"The Return of the King" - Dominic Monaghan Interview
"The Return of the King" Trailer, Photos, Credits, and Interviews
