'Spider-Man 3' projections already 'through the roof'

America
'Spider-Man 3' projections already 'through the roof'
By IANS, Apr 14, 2007 - 6:58:15 PM

Los Angeles, April 14 - The first round of tracking for the eagerly-awaited 'Spider-Man 3' has registered higher than both of its predecessors in the Sony franchise. It is predicted to amass more than $100 million on its May 4 opening weekend in the United States alone.

While 'Spider-Man 1' raked in $821.7 million and 'Spider-Man 2' pocketed $783.7 million for a combined worldwide theatrical gross of $1.6 billion, the latest film shows that 'the early awareness and indicators are through the roof', a knowledgeable source said, reports www.Hollywood.tv.

And, according to another: 'With so many other movies struggling for attention this year, 'SM3' came on [tracking] with over 90 percent awareness and over 20 percent first choice a month out.'

Given the imaginative trailers, combined with aggressive Internet and TV promotion, and a storyline that the other two films seemed to be leading up to, 'Spider-Man 3' is predicted to amass a more than $100 million because, based on tracking, 'the number is massive' a source said. -

To prevent any pirating, and because the peak movie going season starts around a weeklong national holiday that begins May 1, 'Spider-Man 3' will debut first in China before it officially opens in North America.

Meanwhile, Wall Street film financing experts are saying that, based on its budget, 'SM3's' could well be the most expensive film ever made in Hollywood history. Privately, Sony says the budget was $250 million, but independent analysts say it is closer to more than $300 million, not mentioning the promotion and advertising costs, which are estimated at another $75 million. And given the popularity of the franchise, a screenplay 'Spider-Man 4' is already being written.

While Sony also is having a Tokyo premiere, the star-studded US premiere of 'Spider-Man 3' will be held at the upcoming Tribeca Film Festival in Queens, N.Y., where the fictional Peter Parker - grew up. Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst, who will be accompanied by a marching band, are scheduled to join an audience of 3,000 to see the film on April 30.

In addition to the festival, Sony has hammered out an agreement with the city of New York to celebrate 'Spider-Man 3' for the week of April 30 to May 6 at the American Museum of Natural History, New York Botanical Society, Gray Line Tour, Apollo Theater, Central Park and the Bronx Zoos.

All rights reserved by RxPG Medical Solutions Private Limited ( www.rxpgnews.com )