It turns out that New Line may be being even more ambitious now. PageSix.com spoke with New Line distribution president David Tuckerman on Sunday, and he confirmed that there are plans to give viewers an early cinematic taste of The Two Towers. More than a mere trailer, however, the plans call for additional footage to be added to the end of Fellowship.
"New Line, Tuckerman said, is planning 'at some point in time to add (additional footage at the end of Rings that) will be a lot longer than a trailer, but I don't know how much longer. We're going to give (moviegoers) a preview of (the second episode of Rings). We're going to change the last reel out and do a preview of Two at the end of the last reel. (People) are screaming for it.'"When asked when this preview could be expected, Tuckerman said it would be after the Oscar awards had been voted for and the ballots completed.
A lot of New Line Cinema's marketing plans depend a lot on whether or not The Fellowship of the Ring gets the Oscar awards they're hoping for. Winning any of the big categories would help, but if they can get lucky enough to snag the "Best Picture" nod, Tolkien fans can count on an extended theatrical run with lots of bonuses.