Overview
- Jackson tells Empire there are no substantial unused scenes to justify an extended-extended edition, calling any further cut a few extra seconds at most.
- Co-writer Philippa Boyens notes a brief Aragorn–Arwen Lothlórien moment exists but says it is not enough to build a new version.
- The extended editions return to theaters Jan. 16–18 with exclusive new introductions recorded by Jackson, with additional dates also scheduled Jan. 23–25.
- Fathom Entertainment reports roughly 407,000 tickets and about $5 million in domestic presales, prompting added locations, dates, and showtimes to meet demand.
- Beyond the original trilogy, new Middle-earth projects are progressing, including The Hunt for Gollum slated for Dec. 17, 2027, and Season 3 of The Rings of Power.