Middle-earth Popcorn Bucket Unveiled for Lord of the Rings 25th Anniversary

To mark a quarter-century since the first Lord of the Rings film hit the big screen, a fresh collectible has landed for fans. A new popcorn bucket, decked out with a detailed map of Middle-earth, is now up for grabs. AMC Theatres gave everyone a sneak peek on Twitter, showing off the tin’s artwork that any die-hard will recognise as the map that led the Fellowship from the Shire all the way to Mordor. The set also throws in magnets shaped like the One Ring, the Eye of Sauron, the Leaf of Lorien, and Arwen’s necklace pendant. The bucket is already available for those keen to get their hands on it.

With the extended editions of the trilogy heading back to cinemas, punters can enjoy their snacks in style. In the States, The Fellowship of the Ring is set to screen from 16 January, followed by The Two Towers on 17 January, and The Return of the King on 18 January. Over in the UK, the films will be showing at several cinema chains from 15 January onwards.

Anniversary Screenings and Special Extras

This re-release isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a proper celebration of 25 years since The Fellowship of the Ring first arrived in cinemas, kicking off the whole saga. Each screening will feature exclusive introductions from director Peter Jackson, giving fans a bit of extra insight before the main event. According to Variety, the event has already raked in over $5 million in presales, with around 407,000 tickets snapped up in the US alone.

It’s a big moment for the franchise, and the buzz is clear with so many tickets already sold. The extended editions are set to bring the films back to the big screen in all their glory, with a few new treats for those who turn up.

What’s Next for Middle-earth Fans

The excitement doesn’t stop with the anniversary screenings. There’s a brand new film in the works, with Andy Serkis—famous for playing Smeagol—taking on directing duties as well as returning to his iconic role. The Hunt for Gollum is scheduled to hit cinemas on 17 December 2027. Meanwhile, the third season of The Rings of Power is also on the horizon, with post-production underway for the Prime Video series.

Tickets for the re-release are already on sale through Fathom. For those wanting to catch up or watch the films in order, there are guides available to help you out. And with more Middle-earth stories on the way, there’s plenty for fans to look forward to.

Which Release Has You Most Keen?

So, which upcoming release are you most excited about? Is it the next season of The Rings of Power, or are you hanging out for The Hunt for Gollum? Either way, it’s a good time to be a Lord of the Rings fan.