Universal’s gamble to bypass a theatrical release for “Trolls World Tour” and release it on demand instead appears to have paid off — big time.
On Tuesday, the studio reported that the sequel to the 2016 animated hit has scored nearly 5 million rentals since its April 10 debut and earned close to $100 million in digital rental fees.“Trolls World Tour” has already produced $77 million in revenue, more than the original 2016 animated movie did for the studio, an individual with knowledge of the figures told TheWrap.
The original, produced with a $125 million budget, grossed $153.7 million domestically and $346.9 million worldwide.But unlike with theatrical grosses, which are split evenly with movie theaters, Universal retains roughly 80% of digital rental fees — which were set at a higher-than-usual level of $19.99 for “Trolls World Tour.”Also Read: Warner Bros’ ‘Scoob!’ to Skip Theaters for Video on Demand Release Next MonthUniversal has also earned $60 million in $19.99 digital
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