The success of SPIDER-MAN, among other blockbuster hits, has propelled Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) to an all-time industry box office record, announced SPE chairman John Calley. With $2.75 billion in worldwide box office receipts for 2002, Sony has surpassed the existing record of $2.68 billion in worldwide ticket sales set by 20th Century Fox in 1998, the year that studio distributed TITANIC internationally. "This is truly a memorable moment in Sony Pictures Entertainment's history," said Calley. "And it would not have been possible without the phenomenal efforts of our extremely talented filmmakers and the dedication of our production, marketing and distribution teams worldwide." The studio did falter with anticipated hits like the family-friendly CGI/live-action film STUART LITTLE 2, but SPIDER-MAN, which grossed $815 million worldwide, and other blockbuster action films made up the difference. Other successes for the distributor in 2002 were MEN IN BLACK II, with a $439 million haul worldwide; $249 million from the action flick XXX; and PANIC ROOM, which grossed $195 million. SPE will be closing out 2002 with the quirky drama ADAPTATION and the romantic comedy MAID IN MANHATTAN. On the slate for 2003 are a host of action films including sequels to BAD BOYS and CHARLIE'S ANGELS.
Surprised that SPIDER-MAN racked up such huge sums at the box office? Danny Fingeroth isn't, as he explains, there's a little Spidey in all of us.
Rick DeMott swings in on Sony Pictures Imageworks to find out how they created visual effects amazing enough to match Spider-Man.
