'Spider-Man 3' Will Net A Whole Lot More, In Projection Booth

The consensus is clear: Spider-Man will continue to rope in the dough, but how much?

SANTA MONICA, California — Stop us if you've heard this one before: A man falls into a hole and has to get out again. No? OK, maybe you've heard it told like this: A man who has everything suddenly loses that which he values most and spends all his energy trying to get it back. Sound familiar yet? It should. That basic story structure is one of the oldest around, and all that makes it unique anymore is the depths each character is forced to hit.

Take Spider-Man, for instance. By the middle of his third film poor old Peter Parker has lost the love of his life, his best friend, heck, even his identity to that nasty Venom. Fans may stop at this point to ask themselves, "Just how far can Spidey fall?"

They're not alone. Following the biggest opening weekend in movie history, it's a question that's vexing box-office prognosticators as well.

First, the good news for fans of the man they call Amazing: While Sandman, Venom and the New Goblin stretched our hero to the limit of his powers, the less intimidating trio of "Delta Farce," a military comedy starring Larry the Cable Guy; "28 Weeks Later," a follow-up to the 2002 zombie smash "28 Days Later"; and "Georgia Rule," a dramedy with Lindsay Lohan, shouldn't put a chink in his armor. "Spider-Man 3" will win the weekend, and it will do so walking (or swinging) away.

But with how much? "Spider-Man" fell 38 percent in its second weekend to earn a hefty $71.4 million. "Spider-Man 2," meanwhile, dropped somewhat more precipitously, falling nearly 50 percent to pull in with just $45.2 million. After a dominating haul of $151 million in its first frame, even a drop of 50 percent would still give "Spider-Man 3" the record for biggest second weekend ever.

Anything less than that, however, would have to be considered a major disappointment and would indicate that generally negative word-of-mouth has had a major impact on the success of the film. With no real competition, "Spider-Man 3" has to make as much money as it can this weekend to match its predecessors. It sure won't get any easier. Think the New Goblin is a formidable foe? Try the Green Ogre. "Shrek the Third" opens next week and "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" the week after.

Just how far can Spidey fall? We asked our box-office experts.

The Predictions: So "Spider-Man 3" will win the weekend — no surprise there. But after an enormous first frame followed by disagreeable reviews, figuring out just how much our friendly neighborhood hero makes may require divine intervention. Who better to ask, then, than a Jenkins? Co-founder of Jenkins Entertainment (along with his father Jerry, author of the best selling "Left Behind" series) Dallas Jenkins recently completed work on his feature-length directorial debut, "Midnight Clear," starring Stephen Baldwin, which is due out in December.

What's the #1 flick? How much will it rake in?

Josh Horowitz, MTV Movies editor: "Spider-Man 3" ($45 million) "As much as I enjoyed '28 Weeks Later' (a rare worthy sequel), I think I'm going to have to go with the much more disappointing sequel goliath that is 'Spider-Man 3.' An opening weekend of $151 million?!? You don't mess with that. But how far does it fall? How's about to $45 million?"

Larry Carroll, MTV News writer: "Spider-Man 3" ($60 million) "This is a tough weekend to call, because although Spidey cast an enormous worldwide web last weekend, everyone I know who's seen it was disappointed. Word-of-mouth can't be very strong, but even a 50 percent dropoff would still set a second-weekend record. Regardless, I can't see Lindsay Lohan and Jane Fonda coming anywhere near Topher, Tobey and T.H. Church. I'm gonna predict a 60 percent drop — which would still be a super-heroic $60 million."

Dallas Jenkins, "Midnight Clear" director: "Spider-Man 3" ($65 million) "I'm going to go out on a limb here, be bold, and say that 'Spider-Man 3' will continue its run as the sleeper hit of the spring with its second week as the #1 film. That said, it's going to take a bigger tumble than previous Spidey films because even my best friend, who was a freak for the first two, said the film sucked. I think a little less than a 60 percent drop from last week sounds about right, so I'm going with $65 million."

'Spider-Man 3' Shatters Box-Office Records With $148M

$227 Million in Foreign Markets
May 8 - 'Spider-Man' caught just about everyone in his web. The superhero's latest adventure, "Spider-Man 3," smashed box-office records with $148 million in its first three days, according to studio estimates Sunday. That put it ahead of the previous record debut of $135.6 million set last summer by "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest."

With $59.3 million on opening day Friday, Sony's "Spider-Man 3" broke the single-day box-office record, also held by "Dead Man's Chest" with $55.8 million in its first day.

Since it began rolling out overseas on Tuesday, "Spider-Man 3" has taken in $227 million in foreign markets, bringing the film's worldwide total to $375 million. In just days, the movie has grossed $117 million more than its whopping $258 million production budget.

In just two days, it also nearly matched the $114.8 million opening weekend of 2002's "Spider-Man," which had held the debut record until "Dead Man's Chest" opened.

"Spider-Man 3" reunites director Sam Raimi, who also made the previous two installments, and stars Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst.

"Sam Raimi is a genius," said Amy Pascal, Sony Pictures co-chairman. "I could have never envisioned this. What I was hoping was we would just break the `Spider-Man 1' record. This is beyond my wildest dream."

The overall box office soared from "Spider-Man 3," with the top-12 movies taking in $176.6 million, up 77 percent from the same weekend a year ago, when "Mission: Impossible III" opened with $47.7 million.

"Spider-Man 3" outdid that movie by $100 million and grossed more in each of its first two days than "Mission: Impossible III" did over the full weekend.

Also among the records smashed by "Spider-Man 3" was a $4.8 million domestic gross at huge-screen IMAX theaters, topping the previous best of $3.6 million set by "300" in March.

Playing in a record 4,252 locations domestically, "Spider-Man 3" averaged a whopping $34,807 a theater.

Domestically, "Spider-Man 3" could enter its second weekend Friday with $200 million already in the bank. The film has the market largely to itself for the next week and a half, with no major competition arriving until DreamWorks Animation's "Shrek the Third" arrives May 18.

With "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" and an onslaught of other potential blockbusters following, studio executives predict this could be a record summer for modern Hollywood.

"Spider-Man 3" packed in enormous crowds that were captive audiences viewing trailers for those upcoming flicks.

"If you could imagine the best kickoff to what could be the biggest summer of all time, this is the scenario," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers. "This will have a ripple effect on audiences exposed to the marketing for all the other summer films."

The gap between "Spider-Man 3" and the No. 2 movie - DreamWorks and Paramount's "Disturbia" at $5.7 million - was larger than any other movie's debut. "Disturbia," which had been No. 1 for three-straight weekends, raised its total to $59.9 million.

The weekend's only other new wide release, the romantic drama "Lucky You" from Warner Bros., bombed with $2.5 million to come in at No. 6.

Directed by Curtis Hanson ("L.A. Confidential"), "Lucky You" stars Drew Barrymore as a budding Las Vegas singer, Eric Bana as skilled gambler and Robert Duvall as his estranged father in a tale set against the World Series of Poker.

Two critically acclaimed films opened well in limited release.

Fox Searchlight's "Waitress," starring Keri Russell as a small-town woman whose flavorful pies are named after the hard knocks in her messy personal life, debuted with $91,470 in four theaters. "Waitress" was written and directed by co-star Adrienne Shelly, who was slain in her Manhattan apartment last fall.

Lionsgate's "Away From Her," the directing debut of actress Sarah Polley, premiered with $56,000 in four theaters. "Away From Her" stars Julie Christie as a woman losing her memory from Alzheimer's and Gordon Pinsent as the devoted husband agonizing over her loss.

Both films expand to more theaters throughout May.

'Spider-Man 3' Makes Motion Picture History With Record-Breaking $382 Million Worldwide

From a press release

CULVER CITY, Calif., May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The world's moviegoers were caught in the web of Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man(TM) 3 at the global box office this weekend as the film grossed $382 million worldwide, the highest opening ever in motion picture history, it was announced today by Jeff Blake, vice chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment. Of that, $231 million was tallied from international ticket sales, with $151 million coming from the film's record-setting debut in North America. Playing in 4,252 domestic locations, the film took in an average of $35,540 per screen. The film also unspooled at more than 8,900 locations abroad.

In addition to being #1 for the weekend in all 107 territories around the world in which it opened, Spider-Man 3 set a new mark for the biggest weekend of all time in 29 countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, China, Italy, Mexico, and Brazil. Among its many accomplishments, the film set new records for the biggest single worldwide day (Saturday, May 5 - $117,631,328), biggest international opening ($231 million), and biggest worldwide opening ($382 M).

Many of the opening frame records were broken by astounding margins. In Korea, Spider-Man 3 did three times the business of the previous record holder (Korean film The Host) and bested the previous-best Hollywood film (The Matrix Reloaded) by more than four times. In Japan, Spider-Man 3 broke the old record opening weekend by 44%; in Brazil, by 48%, in Mexico by 37%; and in Italy, the film beat the previous record holder The DaVinci Code by 24%.

Among the domestic records set by Spider-Man 3 are biggest opening weekend ($151,116,516), biggest single day (Friday, $59,841,919), and biggest per-theater average for a wide release ($35,540). The film also set a new record for the largest domestic gross in IMAX theaters, with $4.8 million.

Commenting on the announcement, Blake said, "This weekend, more than 80% of the moviegoers around the world chose Spider-Man 3 and we couldn't be more overwhelmed or elated by the global reception to this movie. We have always strived to deliver films with great stories that would excite and entertain audiences and credit for that goes first and foremost to our filmmakers and cast: director Sam Raimi, our partners at Marvel, our producers Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Grant Curtis, and our stars Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, and Topher Grace. Spider-Man 3 builds on the first two films and satisfies the extraordinary expectations of fans everywhere. This was truly a massive achievement not only for Sony Pictures, but the film industry as a whole. Summer is finally here and we expect that moviegoers everywhere will find that the 2007 season will be one to remember."

Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man(TM) 3 reunites the cast and filmmakers from the first two blockbuster adventures for a web of excitement that will transport worldwide audiences to thrilling new heights on May 4, 2007.

In Spider-Man(TM) 3, based on the legendary Marvel Comics series, Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. When his Spider-Man suit suddenly changes, turning jet-black and enhancing his powers, it transforms Peter as well. Under the influence of the suit, Peter becomes prideful and overconfident and he begins to neglect the ones he cares about the most. As two of the most-feared villains yet, Sandman and Venom, gather unparalleled power and a thirst for retribution, Peter's greatest battle is the one within himself. Spider-Man will need to rediscover the compassion that makes him who he is: a hero.

Columbia Pictures Presents A Marvel Studios/Laura Ziskin Production Spider-Man(TM) 3 starring Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, Topher Grace, Bryce Dallas Howard, James Cromwell, Rosemary Harris, and J.K. Simmons. The film is directed by Sam Raimi. The screenplay is by Sam Raimi & Ivan Raimi and Alvin Sargent and the screen story by Sam Raimi & Ivan Raimi and based on the Marvel Comic Book by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. The producers are Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Grant Curtis. The executive producers are Stan Lee, Kevin Feige, and Joseph M. Caracciolo.

Spider-Man 3 Makes Motion Picture History

Film Grosses Record-Breaking $382 Million Worldwide

The world's moviegoers were caught in the web of Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man 3 at the global box office this weekend as the film grossed $382 million worldwide, the highest opening ever in motion picture history, it was announced today by Jeff Blake, vice chairman, Sony Pictures Entertainment.

Of that, $231 million was tallied from international ticket sales, with $151 million coming from the film's record-setting debut in North America. Playing in 4,252 domestic locations, the film took in an average of $35,540 per screen. The film also unspooled at more than 8,900 locations abroad.

In addition to being number one for the weekend in all 107 territories around the world in which it opened, Spider-Man 3 set a new mark for the biggest weekend of all time in 29 countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, China, Italy, Mexico, and Brazil.

Among its many accomplishments, the film set new records for the biggest single worldwide day (Saturday, May 5 - $117,631,328), biggest international opening ($231 million), and biggest worldwide opening ($382 million).

Many of the opening frame records were broken by astounding margins. In Korea, Spider-Man 3 did three times the business of the previous record holder (Korean film The Host) and bested the previous-best Hollywood film (The Matrix Reloaded) by more than four times.

In Japan, Spider-Man 3 broke the old record opening weekend by 44 percent; in Brazil, by 48 percent, in Mexico by 37 percent; and in Italy, the film beat the previous record holder The DaVinci Code by 24 percent.

Among the domestic records set by Spider-Man 3 are biggest opening weekend ($151,116,516), biggest single day (Friday, $59,841,919), and biggest per-theater average for a wide release ($35,540). The film also set a new record for the largest domestic gross in IMAX theaters, with $4.8 million.

Commenting on the announcement, Blake said, "This weekend, more than 80 percent of the moviegoers around the world chose Spider-Man 3 and we couldn't be more overwhelmed or elated by the global reception to this movie. We have always strived to deliver films with great stories that would excite and entertain audiences and credit for that goes first and foremost to our filmmakers and cast: director Sam Raimi, our partners at Marvel, our producers Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, and Grant Curtis, and our stars Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst, James Franco, Thomas Haden Church, and Topher Grace. Spider-Man 3 builds on the first two films and satisfies the extraordinary expectations of fans everywhere. This was truly a massive achievement not only for Sony Pictures, but the film industry as a whole. Summer is finally here and we expect that moviegoers everywhere will find that the 2007 season will be one to remember."

Columbia Pictures' Spider-Man 3 reunites the cast and filmmakers from the first two blockbuster adventures for a web of excitement that will transport worldwide audiences to thrilling new heights on May 4, 2007.

In Spider-Man 3, based on the legendary Marvel Comics series, Peter Parker has finally managed to strike a balance between his devotion to M.J. and his duties as a superhero. But there is a storm brewing on the horizon. When his Spider-Man suit suddenly changes, turning jet-black and enhancing his powers, it transforms Peter as well.

Under the influence of the suit, Peter becomes prideful and overconfident and he begins to neglect the ones he cares about the most. As two of the most-feared villains yet, Sandman and Venom, gather unparalleled power and a thirst for retribution, Peter's greatest battle is the one within himself. Spider-Man will need to rediscover the compassion that makes him who he is: a hero.

'Spider-Man 3' is way too long

Look out for your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man in the newly released movie "Spider-Man 3." The web-slinging superhero is back again for his third big-screen appearance.

This movie is not as action-packed as the other two "Spider-Man" movies, but it's pretty good.

Spider-Man's real-life identity is freelance news photographer Peter Parker, played by Tobey Maguire. Parker loves Mary Jane, played by Kirsten Dunst, and she loves him. We know that much. What we don't know is how long their love will last. During "Spider-Man 3," Parker must deal with three villains - the symbiont Venom, played by Topher Grace; a new version of Green Goblin, played by James Franco; and Sandman, played by Thomas Haden Church.

I thought for sure that Venom would be featured throughout the movie. Boy was I wrong! In the other Spider-Man movies, there was one main villain and that villain was active for the whole movie. In "Spider-Man 3," Venom shows up for a small amount of time, and it just isn't enough.

The movie lasts for 2 hours and 20 minutes, but I don't think the length is necessary. Most of the movie is slow; some parts should have been cut.

For a while, I thought that the whole thing was going to be about love and loss. Much of the time two men are battling for Mary Jane's affections and spend way too much time crying. It is like a cry-fest that every character has been invited to. I thought that part would never end.

Stan Lee, the creator of Spider-Man, makes a cameo appearance in the movie.

All in all, I gave this movie 8 webs out of 10.

`Spider-Man 3' Nets Record $59M in 1 Day

`Spider-Man 3' Snares Audiences With Record $59 Million First Day - Global Total of $104M

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Hollywood's biggest superhero now has the biggest box-office debut.

"Spider-Man 3" took in a record $59 million domestically on opening day Friday, breaking the previous all-time high of $55.8 million for "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" in its first day last summer.

Sony Pictures, the studio behind the "Spider-Man" franchise, also reported Saturday that the movie took in an additional $45 million overseas on Friday for a worldwide total of $104 million, a record for single-day grosses globally.

Sony spokesman Steve Elzer said executives at the studio declined to comment until estimates for the full weekend are available Sunday morning.

By then, the "Spider-Man" franchise could reclaim the record for best three-day opening ever. The first "Spider-Man" pulled in $114.8 million domestically in its debut weekend in 2002, a record that stood until "Dead Man's Chest" shattered it with $135.6 million last July.

In a news release, Sony said it expects "Spider-Man 3" will come in around the $135 million to $145 million range for its first weekend.

"That's why they call him the amazing Spider-Man," said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers. "Just five years ago, these are numbers we thought we'd never see."

"Spider-Man 3" opened to record numbers in some countries as early as Tuesday and expanded to other locations over the next few days. Elzer said figures for the film's total worldwide haul since Tuesday would not be released until Sunday.

The film, which cost $258 million to make, already had a record going into the weekend. It opened in 4,252 theaters domestically, topping the previous record of 4,163 set by "Shrek 2" in 2004.

"It certainly doesn't hurt to have that much shelf space devoted to `Spider-Man,'" Dergarabedian said.

"Spider-Man 3" stars Tobey Maguire as Peter Parker, who becomes the web-slinging superhero after a bite from a mutant spider endows him with special powers. The new film reunites Maguire with director Sam Raimi and co-stars Kirsten Dunst as Peter's girlfriend Mary Jane and James Franco as his old friend Harry, now a sworn enemy who blames Spidey for his father's death.

Along with two new villains (Thomas Haden Church and Topher Grace), Spider-Man battles inner demons after an alien entity turns his red-and-blue suit black and he's tempted to use his powers for evil.