"The Return of the King" Continues Its Box Office Domination

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 29, 2003 - New Line Cinema's "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King," the final film in Peter Jackson's critically-acclaimed trilogy, has earned $490.7 million globally in its first two weeks of release. The number one film for the second week in a row, the film grossed $50.6 million, bringing the total domestic gross to $222.3 million and making it the second fastest film to reach $200 million in the US. Internationally, "The Return of the King" has grossed $268.4 million in 38 territories, a 27% leap from the two week gross of its predecessor, "The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers." The announcement was made today by Rolf Mittweg, President and Chief Operating Officer, Worldwide Distribution and Marketing, New Line Cinema.

"Audiences have made a major investment in the story and characters, and Peter Jackson has delivered a very satisfying, dramatic and emotional finale to this extraordinary trilogy," Mittweg said. "It's been so gratifying to see filmgoers around the world embrace 'The Return of the King.'"

Domestically, "The Return of the King" took 11 days to cross the $200 million mark -- one day less than "The Two Towers." It also posted the best Christmas Day gross of any current movie, $14 million.

Internationally, "The Return of the King" played in theaters in 38 territories, breaking records in numerous countries, including Austria, Germany and the UK. The film expanded into the United Arab Emirates and South America by Christmas Day, then in Australia and Iceland on December 26, 2003.

The number one film on over 20 ten-best lists, "The Return of the King" has garnered numerous four-star reviews from such critics as John Anderson/Newsday, Jack Mathews/NY Daily News, Roger Ebert/Chicago Sun Times and Claudia Puig/USA Today. Additionally, "The Return of the King" was awarded Best Picture from the New York Film Critics Circle, and was awarded Best Film and Peter Jackson named Best Director from the Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association, contributing to its kudos tally, which includes:

Golden Globe Nominations:
* Best Picture (Drama) -- Barrie M. Osborne, Peter Jackson, Fran Walsh
* Best Director -- Peter Jackson
* Best Original Song -- "Into the West" (performed by Annie Lennox)
* Best Original Score -- Howard Shore

Other Honors:
* Best Picture -- New York Film Critics Circle
* Best Picture and Best Director by the Southeastern Film Critics
* 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

ADDITIONAL "LORD OF THE RINGS" RESOURCES:
"The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" Viggo Mortensen Interview
"The Return of the King" Photo Gallery
"The Return of the King" Trailer, Photos, Credits, and Interviews