Motion Pictures
June 29, 2006
Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Superman Returns” Takes Off With A $21.04 Million Domestic First Day Opening
(June 29, 2006 - Burbank, CA) – Boosted by tremendous critical acclaim and audience reception, Warner Bros. Pictures’ "Superman Returns" swooped into theaters Wednesday, June 28, with an opening gross of $21.04 million. The announcement was made by Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
“We’ve anticipated fantastic results for this film from the outset – audiences and critics alike absolutely love Bryan Singer’s version of 'Superman,'” noted Fellman. “The fact that our first-day numbers are so strong is a testament to the power of this franchise and the talent of its director. 'Superman' is well positioned as we begin the long Fourth of July weekend, and it will continue to appeal to moviegoers throughout the balance of the summer.”
Warner Bros. Pictures opened the first "Superman" film on December 15, 1978, with the largest weekend gross in company history -- $7.4 million. Yesterday, Warner Bros. set the mark all over again for the franchise by opening "Superman Returns" with a one-day gross of $21.04 million.
“The filmmakers clearly outdid themselves on this production, and the opening day grosses reveal just how much people adore this movie,” added producer Gilbert Adler. “Bryan, Michael (Dougherty) and Dan (Harris) breathed a whole new life into the franchise. We’re thrilled that, after all this time, people still love 'Superman.'”
ABOUT SUPERMAN RETURNS
Following a mysterious absence of several years, the Man of Steel comes back to Earth in the epic action-adventure "Superman Returns," a soaring new chapter in the saga of one of the world’s most beloved Super Heroes. While an old enemy plots to render him powerless once and for all, Superman (Brandon Routh) faces the heartbreaking realization that the woman he loves, Lois Lane (Kate Bosworth), has moved on with her life. Or has she? Superman’s bittersweet return challenges him to bridge the distance between them while finding a place in a society that has learned to survive without him. In an attempt to protect the world he loves from cataclysmic destruction, Superman embarks on an epic journey of redemption that takes him from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of outer space.
Warner Bros. Pictures, in association with Legendary Pictures, presents a Jon Peters Production in association with Bad Hat Harry Productions, a Bryan Singer film, "Superman Returns," starring newcomer Brandon Routh, Kate Bosworth ("Beyond the Sea," "Blue Crush"), James Marsden ("X2: X-Men United," "The Notebook"), Frank Langella (HBO’s "Unscripted"), Academy Award winner Eva Marie Saint ("North By Northwest"), Parker Posey ("Best in Show"), Kal Penn ("Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle"), Sam Huntington ("Detroit Rock City"), and Oscar winner Kevin Spacey ("Beyond the Sea," "American Beauty," "The Usual Suspects"). Directed by Bryan Singer ("X2: X-Men United," "X-Men," "The Usual Suspects"), the film is produced by Jon Peters, Bryan Singer and Gilbert Adler. The executive producers are Chris Lee, Thomas Tull and Scott Mednick. The screenplay is by Michael Dougherty & Dan Harris, and the story is by Bryan Singer & Michael Dougherty & Dan Harris. The director of photography is Newton Thomas Sigel A.S.C.; the production designer is Guy Hendrix Dyas; the film is edited by John Ottman and Elliot Graham; the costume designer is Louise Mingenbach; and the music is by John Ottman. The film is based upon Superman characters created by Jerry Siegel & Joe Shuster and published by DC Comics.
A special groundbreaking version of the film – "Superman Returns: An IMAX 3D Experience" – will also play in IMAX theaters worldwide. "Superman Returns: An IMAX 3D Experience" will be the world’s first live-action feature to include select segments converted from 2D into IMAX®3D. Using IMAX’s revolutionary live-action 2D to 3D conversion technology, approximately 20 minutes of the motion picture will be converted into 3D. The entire film will be digitally re-mastered into the unparalleled image and sound quality of The IMAX Experience through the proprietary IMAX DMR® (digital re-mastering) technology. The IMAX 3D Experience is recognized around the world as the highest-quality, most immersive cinematic experience ever created. With crystal clear, larger-than-life 3D images, complemented by up to 14,000 watts of digital surround sound, audiences feel as though they are actually IN the movie, flying alongside the Man of Steel.
About DC Comics
DC Comics, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is the largest English-language publisher of comics in the world and home to such iconic characters as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Sandman. These DC super heroes and others have starred in comic books, movies, television series (both animated and live-action) and cyberspace, thrilling audiences of all ages for generations. DC Comics’ Web site is located at www.dccomics.com.
SUPERMAN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © DC Comics.
"Superman Returns" has been rated PG-13 for some intense action violence.
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