CatBus said:

SilverWook said:

Were there any insiders expressing dismay about TPM back in 1999 though?

The internet rumor mill wasn't what it is now of course.

The only advance warning I got about TPM was a local popular theatre owner who declined to show TPM after they saw a preview screening. It seemed like a crazy decision at the time--it even warranted a local newspaper story where they essentially were asked to explain themselves, because it was right in the middle of the crazy TPM-buzz-media-blitz, and how can you not show Star Wars?

But I think even if TFA's pretty bad, most people would still show it--even this theatre--because it would draw crowds and money regardless. It would have to be a real howling dog for it to get the TPM treatment, and I don't really think that's in the cards. And in the end, TPM (hell, even ROTS!) made fistfuls of money, so it proved that even if the theatre ultimately boosted its reputation by avoiding TPM, they still lost money on that decision.

I wonder if that fellow regretted the decision? If he's even still in business after that. ;)