THE HOBBIT: DESOLATION OF SMAUG made $8.8 million in midnight opening alone, which is the second biggest midnight opening in December in history, only falling behind THE HOBBIT: AN UNEXPECTED JOURNEY!
Warner Bros’ is citing competition from Frozen and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire for the difference, but remains very optimistic regarding the films’ success:
“We had a fan base that was drooling to see the film,” said Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution for Warner Bros. “We’re off to a great start, the early matinees are great. I think the number of 3D screens (the increase) will help the upcharge of the film.” Of the pic’s $8.8 million midnight run, $1.2 million came from IMAX theaters.