The film was released in 1981 to massive negative publicity fueled by the above controversy and was one over a 1,000 screens. The opening week was considered a disaster, making only $4 million. The film ultimately grossed just $12 million against its $18 million budget. Other contributing factors were the lack of public interest in Westerns by the 1980s and alterations to some fundamental elements of the Lone Ranger's character, such as his trademark silver bullets being made into magical talismans in the movie instead of mere symbolism.