Beware: The Movie Nerds Are Getting Equipped!

AMC appears to be pushing the boundaries of the burgeoning custom popcorn bucket trend to new extremes. Their latest offering, a popcorn bucket crafted as a replica of a war hammer from the highly anticipated The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim animated film, stretches an impressive 27 inches in length. This oversized design raises some serious concerns about practicality and usability when attempting to enjoy popcorn during a screening.

With a length exceeding two feet, diners face the challenge of maneuvering this unusual contraption while watching the film. The sharply pointed end of the hammer’s handle poses a risk of intruding into the space of fellow movie-goers, potentially invading the personal space of those seated beside you, or even causing discomfort to the audience in front of you. If you somehow manage to position it correctly, it might awkwardly rest between the seats in front, creating an irritating distraction for others. In the unfortunate event that the handle can be detached, you can expect it to roll down the sloped theater floor, reminiscent of discarded beer bottles during a Rocky Horror Picture Show screening. All this comes with a jaw-dropping price tag of $32.99.

Exploring the Rise of Custom Popcorn Buckets in Theaters

The custom popcorn bucket phenomenon surged in popularity earlier this year, ignited by the wildly unconventional, adult-themed Dune 2 collectible, which led to a humorous trend of t-shirts emblazoned with “I’m just here to f— the popcorn bucket.” As movie studios and theater chains grapple with dwindling attendance numbers, they are exploring innovative revenue streams by rolling out a diverse array of exclusive merchandise tied to each blockbuster release.

Take, for instance, the collaboration among the three leading chains—Regal, AMC, and Cinemark—who are collectively offering an astounding array of approximately two dozen unique popcorn buckets, drink containers, witch hats, t-shirts, and stuffed animals associated with the upcoming musical sensation Wicked. Collecting them all could easily set you back hundreds of dollars, making this both a financial investment and a collector’s dream.

This trend shows no signs of waning, so brace yourself for the upcoming year when you might find yourself eating popcorn out of an oversized Red Hulk’s head or the rear of a dinosaur while enjoying films like Captain America: Brave New World or Jurassic World: Rebirth. It’s an exciting time to be a movie enthusiast!

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