Hobbit Ownership, Way Early Midnight Movies and More Burning Questions—All Answered!

You've got questions? Well we've got answers!

By Leslie Gornstein Dec 01, 2012 5:00 PMTags
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So Tolkien's heirs are suing Warner Bros over Lord of the Rings merch. But aren't his books in the public domain?
—Ilima L, via Twitter

That isn't the only Hobbit-related lawsuit knocking about right now. But to answer your question: No. The rights to J.R.R. Tolkien's now 75-year-old novel belong to an entity called--no joke--Middle-earth Enterprises.

Got more questions for me? Of course you do! Let's tackle some more.

Why are movies having 10 p.m. releases instead of midnight ones recently? 

—Katherine C., via Facebook


You mean debuts such as that of Taken 2 and Breaking Dawn Part 2, eh? Well, I found out for you.


"Midnight openings have traditionally skewed towards older, college-aged crowds," notes box office analyst Jeff Bock of Exhibitor Relations. "But ever since Harry Potter, Twilight and The Hunger Games hit the scene, they are breaking box office records and incorporating a much younger demographic. Thus, since most midnight movies open on a Thursday evening, and with kids actually having school the next day, it just makes sense for studios to offer ‘midnight' screenings a bit before the actual witching hour."

How much does Gloria Allred charge per hour and after a news conference does she have a merch table?
—Eric A., via Facebook

Well aren't we witty. Sometimes, Allred charges nothing. Just ask the woman who accused Herman Cain of sexual harassment last year.

How much can a successful commercial actor, like Flo from those Progressive commercials, expect to earn today?
—J.P. "That's How It's Done Son" Burns, via Facebook

Some sources suspect that the comedian Stephanie Courtney makes a half million a year. Really.

I have a question about the Denny's Hobbit menu, and that question is: Oh God, why?!
—Jenne B., via Facebook

Hey, think about it: A lot of young guys like to indulge in second breakfasts. And so do Hobbits. The restaurant's CMO, Frances Allen, told Ad Age, "We just felt with the two breakfasts that whole notion of comfort eating and comfort food [were a fit]."