Kyle Smith wrote at his blog today that The Golden Compass “tanked so badly that the second and third installments are not going to be made” — but he offers no evidence for this claim, no links, and he devotes the bulk of his post to the story that the Atlantic Monthly published two months ago and director Chris Weitz’s response, which was also posted online two months ago.
I’ve been waiting for news regarding New Line Cinema’s decision in this matter for some time now, and I assume their decision would be fairly well known once it was announced — assuming there is any sort of announcement — so for now, I assume Smith is simply speculating as to the fate of the movie’s would-be sequels.
Incidentally, those tracking the box-office success or lack thereof of big-budget movies with obvious religious themes, pro or con, might be interested in this bit of compare-and-contrast:
- Evan Almighty officially cost $175 million to make, and it grossed $100.5 million in North America plus $72.9 million overseas for a worldwide total of $173.4 million.
- The Golden Compass officially cost $180 million to make, and it has grossed $67.8 million in North America plus $245.7 million overseas for a worldwide total of $313.6 million, so far.
Make of all that what you will!
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