Los Angeles – Preliminary estimates released by Disney show that “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” earned $55.5 million on Friday, which would set the record for the largest one day take at the box office. The previous record was set last year by “Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith,” which grossed about $50 million.
The movie was shown on 4, 133 screens, beginning at midnight Friday. Only 2004’s “Shrek 2” and “SpiderMan 2” debuted on more screens.
Disney also received reports of continuous sellouts and requests to add more screens at multiplexes. “We’re obviously thrilled beyond belief. Anytime you break an industry record…the word ecstatic comes to mind.” said Chuck Viane, head of distribution at Disney.
(This article was transcribed from the 7/9/06 Sunday edition of the Peoria Journal Star)
