It’s Not a Movie. It’s a Souvenir.

By the time Taylor Swift’s promotional event for her *The Life of a Showgirl* album hits theaters this Friday, the album will already be number one on every chart. This 90-minute commercial, playing only this weekend, will showcase the album’s first video for a song called “The Fate of Ophelia.”

Right now, millions of fans—mostly girls—are looking up Ophelia and her connection with Hamlet. (Hint: Ophelia is part of the Shakespeare multiverse.) So far, Friday’s shows are mostly sold out, especially the prime-time screenings between 4 and 7 pm. It seems large groups of girls—and maybe some boys and adults as well—have booked out many of the showings.

Of course, the ticket price is a reasonable $12, a loss leader designed to drive album sales. In Manhattan, when all other screenings are sold out, the best place to try is the Magic Johnson Theater in Harlem. It appears Swift fever has not spread there quite yet. But on the Upper West and East Sides, forget about it—AMC, Regal, and Cinemark theaters are set to make all their popcorn, candy, and soda money in one weekend.

Unfortunately, there’s no special popcorn bucket or commemorative cup for this limited release. Taylor would rather that every young person spend their disposable income on the album itself—whether CD, LP, cassette, or download—not to mention the merchandise available on Taylor’s official website.

The whole Swift phenomenon will be studied for years to come. She turns 35 this December, marking 19 years since the release of her first album. Swift has survived through four generations of school kids. Most artists who had hits between 2006 and 2010 have long since faded, but she just keeps on ticking.

Is *The Life of a Showgirl* any good? Who cares? Of course it is—it’s a fait accompli.
https://www.showbiz411.com/2025/10/01/taylor-swift-promo-film-life-of-a-showgirl-sells-out-most-friday-shows-at-12-a-pop-will-be-number-1-at-box-office-this-weekend