Thursday, December 19, 2002

PRESS RELEASE
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEW LINE CINEMA'S THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS POSTS TOWERING OPENING DAY AROUND THE WORLD WITH $42 MILLION

Central Film in Trilogy Garners $26 Million Domestically and $16 Million Internationally, Breaking Records In Eight Territories.

Film also Receives 2 Golden Globe Nominations for Best Picture and Best Director, Peter Jackson.

Los Angeles, CA, December 19, 2002 - New Line Cinema's The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, the central film in Peter Jackson's epic trilogy, took the global box office by storm on its first day in theaters Wednesday, garnering an estimated $42 million one-day worldwide gross - $26 million domestic and $16 million international - up nearly 45% from last year's one day worldwide gross of $29 million. The film broke all single day records in Denmark and opening day records in seven other international territories, it was announced today by Rolf Mittweg New Line Cinema's president and chief operating officer, worldwide distribution and marketing.

Domestically, the film surpassed the opening day receipts of its predecessor by 44% (last year, The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring opened at $18 million). The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers drew moviegoers as early as Tuesday night when fans lined up for sold-out midnight showings at 3,622 theaters. The film is the second highest Wednesday opener ever (behind 1999's Star Wars: The Phantom Menace at $28.5M). Internationally, the film posted a $16 million overall gross, up 45% from last year (Fellowship bowed to an $11 million overall opening day internationally). The film is playing on nearly 12000 screens worldwide, 6633 screens domestic and and 5,000 internationally.

"Seeing increases in major territories speaks to the emerging worldwide phenomenon built around this trilogy," Mittweg said. "This powerful response also illustrates the true universality of Tolkien's themes and the broad reach of Jackson's vision." He adds, "We're astounded at these numbers. For a three-hour film that is central in a trilogy to open this way is energizing and tremendously exciting."

Opening day-and-date in numerous global territories, the film broke all single day records in Denmark, and marked the highest opening day ever in Germany, Austria, Finland, Holland, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden and Norway. Further, the film posted increases from last year's opening day of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring in all territories, up as high as 98% in Belgium.

Territory Gross Increase
Austria 523K 69%
Belgium 300K 98%
Denmark 830K 66%
Finland 240K 38%
France 1.93M 21%
Germany 3.95M 36%
Greece 218K 51%
Holland 350K 85%
Norway 790K 65%
South Africa 156K 39%
Spain 1.08M 40%
Sweden 950K 38%
Switzerland 350K 63%
UK 3.9M 28%

Opening on Thursday are 6 more territories (including New Zealand, South Korea) and another 6 on Friday (including Mexico).

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers stars (in alphabetical order) Sean Astin, Cate Blanchett, Orlando Bloom, Billy Boyd, Brad Dourif, Bernard Hill, Christopher Lee, Ian McKellen, Dominic Monaghan, Viggo Mortensen, Miranda Otto, John Rhys-Davies, Andy Serkis, Liv Tyler, Hugo Weaving, Karl Urban, David Wenham, and Elijah Wood.

New Line Cinema presents a Wingnut Films Production, The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, directed by Peter Jackson. The screenplay, by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Stephen Sinclair and Jackson, is based on the classic trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien. The film is produced by Barrie M. Osborne, Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Robert Shaye, Michael Lynne and Mark Ordesky. The director of photography is Andrew Lesnie, A.C.S. The production designer is Grant Major. Michael Horton is the editor. The co-producers are Rick Porras and Jamie Selkirk.

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