I have to say, I didn’t see this coming. Because 2007’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” stank like the underbelly of a ship weeks into a voyage, I assumed the latest in the franchise — “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” — would underperform. Well, I was certainly wrong.
In only 12 days, the film crossed the $600 million threshold, placing it level with “At World’s End” within the same time frame of its release. Further more, “On Stranger Tides” was expected to take in another $40 million at least by the time Memorial Day Weekend was over. I think it is safe to say the franchise certainly isn’t sunk.
Thanks must be paid to Johnny Depp for this achievement. Without a doubt he is a huge box office draw overseas and has been for years. Seriously! Who’d a thunk the guy that played Tom Hanson would be the No. 1 actor in the world?
Also, unlike the United States where 3D viewership is on the decline (only 46 percent of “On Stranger Tides” gross opening weekend were from 3D screens), Russia, China, India and Brazil don’t seem to have enough of it.
As of now, “On Stranger Tides” has the highest worldwide gross of 2011. Second is Universal’s “Fast Five”; third is 20th Century Fox’s “Rio”; and rounding out the top five are Paramount and Marvel Studio’s “Thor” and Paramount’s “Rango.”
As expected, “Pirates 5” is in the works; however, Depp sounded a bit hesitant when he told The Hollywood Reporter the following:
- It’s not something where I would say, “Let’s shoot it next month to get it out by Christmas 2012. We should hold off for a bit. They should be special, just like they are special to me.”
I’m with Depp on this one.
“Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” — starring, Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Geoffrey Rush and Ian McShane — is in theaters now and despite the lambasting by critics, I enjoyed it. You can read my review HERE.
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Pirates 4 was such an embarrassment on every creative level that I sort of dread watching another installment. Just terrible.
Why do people not like “Pirates 3?” I loved it. I have not seen 4 yet, but am looking forward to it, in 3D!