THE HOBBIT: THE DESOLATION OF SMAUG Crosses $300 Million Worldwide

On the heels of its No. 1 openings around the globe, "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" has surpassed $300 million at the worldwide box office after seven days in release. The film, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), has taken in an estimated $104.6 million domestically and $213.6 million internationally, for a worldwide estimated total to date of $318.2 million, including $23 million from Imax theatres worldwide.

The joint announcement was made today by Gary Barber, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios; Toby Emmerich, President and Chief Operating Officer, New Line Cinema; Sue Kroll, President of Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures; Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures; and Veronika Kwan Vandenberg, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" is the second film in Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson's epic "The Hobbit" Trilogy, based on the timeless novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. The first film, "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," was released on December 14, 2012, and went on to become a billion dollar success at the worldwide box office.

Opening day showings for "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," starting at midnight on December 12, were sold out, some weeks in advance, and thousands of fans waited in line to be among the first to see the movie. The film hit #1 in the U.S. and in nearly every one of the 49 territories in which it was released. Major markets yet to open include Japan and Australia.

In making the announcement, Barber said, "We are thrilled that the fans have responded to this film with such Passion and I want to tip my hat to Peter, the cast, and the entire team behind the scenes as well as our partners at New Line and Warner Bros. Our congratulations to all involved for reaching this impressive benchmark so swiftly."

Emmerich added, "We couldn't be happier for our filmmakers and cast. 'Smaug' is a breathtaking expansion of Peter's realization of Middle-earth. And we're all extremely pleased that moviegoers are embracing the movie."

Kroll stated, "Since the billion dollar success of the first movie, we've been building anticipation worldwide with events and screenings that reach out to fans across the globe, and it's been tremendously exciting to see so much enthusiasm for this film. Peter Jackson and his remarkable cast and filmmaking team have been very much a part of this effort and we congratulate them on this tremendous opening."

Fellman said, "Peter Jackson has created one of the most successful franchises in motion picture history and 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' continues this incredible 3D journey through Middle-earth that audiences love. It is a great film for the holidays and we're confident that strong word-of-mouth will continue to draw the whole family into this theatrical adventure through the New Year."

Kwan Vandenberg noted, "The phenomenal numbers we're seeing across the globe prove the Universal appeal of this story and the tremendous buzz surrounding the film. We're expecting 'The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug' to continue to build momentum as we move into the Holidays and the New Year."

From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson comes "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," the second in a trilogy of films adapting the enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf the Grey, with Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield. The international ensemble cast is led by Benedict Cumberbatch, Evangeline Lilly, Lee Pace, Luke Evans, Stephen Fry, Ken Stott, James Nesbitt, and Orlando Bloom as Legolas. The film also stars Mikael Persbrandt, Sylvester McCoy, Aidan Turner, Dean O'Gorman, Graham McTavish, Adam Brown, Peter Hambleton, John Callen, Mark Hadlow, Jed Brophy, William Kircher, Stephen Hunter, Ryan Gage, John Bell, Manu Bennett and Lawrence Makoare.

The screenplay for "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug" is by Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del Toro based on the novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. Jackson also produced the film, together with Carolynne Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Philippa Boyens and Eileen Moran serving as co-producers.

New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Present a WingNut Films Production, "The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug." The film is a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures (MGM), with New Line managing production. Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with select international territories as well as all international television distribution being handled by MGM.

For more information, visit www.thehobbit.com.