Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones premiered on May 12, 2002, at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York City. This event marked the beginning of its journey to theaters worldwide, culminating in a global release on May 16, 2002. Directed by George Lucas, the film was a significant entry in the Star Wars saga, continuing the story of the Skywalker family. Despite mixed reviews, it managed to gross $653.8 million worldwide, showcasing its enduring
appeal to audiences.
Premiere and Initial Reception
The film's premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival was a notable event, as it was part of the festival's inaugural year. The screenings were held at the BMCC Performing Arts Center and benefited the Children's Aid Society, a charity supported by George Lucas. This charity aimed to raise money for children affected by the September 11 attacks, adding a layer of significance to the film's debut.
Following its premiere, Attack of the Clones was screened out of competition at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival. This prestigious event provided the film with international exposure, setting the stage for its worldwide theatrical release. Despite the mixed reviews from critics, the film's focus on action sequences was praised, while the dialogue and character development received criticism.
Box Office Performance
Upon its release, Attack of the Clones performed well at the box office, earning $653.8 million globally. However, it was the first Star Wars film to be outgrossed in its year of release, ranking as the fourth-highest-grossing film of 2002 worldwide. In North America, it was overshadowed by Spider-Man and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, both of which received more favorable reviews.
Adjusted for inflation, Attack of the Clones is the lowest-performing live-action Star Wars film at the North American box office. Despite this, it remains among the 100 highest-grossing films of all time when adjusted for inflation. The film sold an estimated 52,012,300 tickets in the U.S. during its initial theatrical run, demonstrating its popularity among audiences.
Legacy and Impact
The theatrical release of Attack of the Clones marked a significant moment in the Star Wars saga, continuing the story of the Skywalker family and setting the stage for the subsequent film, Revenge of the Sith. Despite its mixed critical reception, the film's box office success highlighted the enduring appeal of the Star Wars franchise.
The film's release also marked the end of an era for 20th Century Fox in South Africa, as it was the last theatrical film distributed by Ster-Kinekor before switching to Nu Metro. This change combined Fox's home entertainment and theatrical business under one distributor, reflecting the evolving landscape of film distribution.
