When "The Shawshank Redemption" was released to limited theaters 25 years ago in September 1994, the movie was considered a flop.
Even when the film was released widely to all theaters 3 weeks later, the box office take was only $2.4 million.
Now, it is coming back to theaters to celebrate the movie's 25th anniversary.
"Shawshank" had a few things against it when it was originally released. One big obstacle was John Travolta's comeback in "Pulp Fiction". Travolta was in theaters at the same time as "Shawshank".
Tom Cruise was selected to play the lead in "Shawshank". However, he wanted Rob Reiner to direct it. When the writer held firm that he alone would be the director, Cruise backed out and was replaced by Tim Robbins.
The story is actually developed from a novella written by Stephen King. Yes, that Stephen King.
It wasn't until "Shawshank" was nominated for seven Academy Awards and was released on VHS that it finally became a hit.
The movie made $2.4 million in its opening weekend of wide release. It made $12 million when it was re-released to theaters after the 1995 Academy Awards.
"The Shawshank Redemption" will be re-released theatrically in select locations to celebrate the film's 25th anniversary on Sept. 22, 24 and 25, 2019.
Get ticket details here for Omaha: THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION RE-RELEASE
Check out other great movie details here: STORY OF THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION SUCCESS