The Walt Disney Studios' 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End' Uncovers $58 Million in Worldwide Box Office Treasures in Pre-Weekend Tally; Figure Includes $17 Million from Domestic Shows on Thursday Evening

The Walt Disney Studios' 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End' Uncovers $58 Million in Worldwide Box Office Treasures in Pre-Weekend Tally; Figure Includes $17 Million from Domestic Shows on Thursday Evening

BURBANK, Calif., May 25 /PRNewswire/ -- "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," the epic new adventure from Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films, landed a phenomenal worldwide gross of $58 million in its first two days of pre-weekend release, it was announced today by Mark Zoradi, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Marketing and Distribution. Domestically, the film was virtually sold out in theatres across the country on Thursday night and collected a sensational $17 million from the evening showings. Overseas, the film grossed a swashbuckling $12.1 million from 13 territories on Wednesday, and brought in an additional $29 million from Thursday showings in a total of 39 territories. "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" expands to 102 international markets today, including such major countries as Japan, Mexico, Spain, and Brazil. Exit surveys across the United States for this latest installment in the blockbuster "Pirates" series gave the film among the highest numbers in Disney's history and placed it well above comparable scores for the previous two films in the trilogy. Responding to the opening night reactions and anticipated demand for the film, exhibitors everywhere were adding seats to accommodate the demand.

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Commenting on the announcement, Zoradi said, "We're thrilled beyond belief with these spectacular early returns for 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End' and anticipate that the incredible excitement and demand will continue throughout the weekend and summer. Reaction to the film from the fans has been overwhelming and it's clear that they love seeing Johnny Depp's captivating portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow, and his talented co-stars Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley. The return of such top actors as Geoffrey Rush, Bill Nighy, and Naomie Harris, along with the addition of the great Chow Yun-Fat adds to the fun and makes it a great movie experience. Jerry Bruckheimer and Gore Verbinski have come up with a worthy successor to the previous two blockbuster hits and this film delivers everything you could possibly want in an epic motion picture."

"Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" picks up where the record-breaking 2006 smash hit left off, with our heroes Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley) allied with Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) in a desperate quest to free Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from his mind-bending trap in Davy Jones' locker. With the terrifying ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman, and its commander Davy Jones under the control of the East India Trading Company, there is havoc on the Seven Seas. Navigating through treachery, betrayal and wild waters, the heroic trio must forge their way to exotic Singapore and confront the cunning Pirate Sao Feng (Chow Yun-Fat). Now headed beyond the very ends of the earth, each must ultimately choose a side in a final titanic battle -- as not only their lives and fortunes, but the entire future of the freedom-loving Pirate way hangs in the balance. The film was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Gore Verbinski from a screenplay written by Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio.

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Source: The Walt Disney Studios

CONTACT: Heidi Trotta of The Walt Disney Studios, +1-818-560-7280

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Profile: International Entertainment