Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

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Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

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For now, most exhibitors aren't complaining too loudly. With Memorial Day weekend looming for the film's second week, no one's betting against the Force just yet. But the key tests will come in the following weeks. That's when mixed critical notices could affect repeat business. "It can't do Titanic numbers," a marketing exec at a rival studio says, referring to the big boat's $600 million gross. "It won't even beat Jurassic Park [$357 million]. It will only get repeat business from young kids and geeks."

Radley bristles at such summations. "We're not competing with Titanic," he says. "We're doing what's right for Star Wars. Whatever Star Wars ultimately makes at the box office, that'll be its destiny." Spoken like a true Jedi.

(Additional reporting by Judith I. Brennan and Tricia Johnson)

Originally posted Jun 04, 1999 Published in issue #488 Jun 04, 1999 Order article reprints
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