We have to remember that the Fast Food merchandising is negotiated and set up months before the film hits the theaters.
I wouldn't be a bit suprised to learn the contracts have already been signed. As we've seen, the merchadise hits the Fast Food resturants the same time the film hits the theates, sometimes before. Even if the film isn't successful, the merchandise will in the Fast Food resturants, and kids will be begging their parents for the cute hobbit or ugly orc toy.