Hollywood
‘The Amazing Spider-Man 2’ garners highest Hollywood BO opening of all time in India
NEW DELHI: Bypassing the record set by its predecessor, The Amazing Spider-Man 2 posted the highest opening in history for a Hollywood film in India.
Sony Pictures India announced that the film grossed approximately Rs 41.7 crore ($ 6.92 million) in its four day opening weekend starting 1 May with a final tally of 1523 screens – the widest release ever for a Hollywood film.
The film also registered the highest ever opening day gross for any Hollywood title when it opened on 1 May. It released in four languages – English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu and in 3D, 2D, IMAX 3D and in Dolby Atmos where available.
Sony Pictures India MD Kercy Daruwala said, “The Amazing Spider-Man 2 once again consolidates Spider-Man’s position as a franchise that cannot be beaten. We are happy to say that the film garnered unprecedented buzz in the weeks before release. We have taken a mass marketing approach to this film with some unique and very local innovations, further amplified with the invaluable support of the entire Sony group. Thanks to these innovations, the film has the fourth highest opening amongst all films, including local titles, released in India this year.”
“The film’s response has been excellent with many people calling it the best Spider-Man film ever and enjoying the spectacular 3D effects. We have some very good weeks ahead of us as we continue to reap the benefits of an open release period coupled with great word-of-mouth and repeat viewing,” he added.
Sequels to The Amazing Spider-Man 2 have already been announced for release in 2016 and 2018.
A report from Hong Kong said The Amazing Spider-Man 2 has set a new opening day record at the Hong Kong box office on the Labour Day holiday, making HK$9.56 million (US$1.23 million) from 720 screenings.
According to figures from Hong Kong’s Motion Picture Industry Association (MPIA), the previous record holder was 2007’s Spiderman 3, which made HK$7.56 million (US$975,000) from 641 screenings on its opening day exactly seven years ago.
It ends its theatrical run with HK$55 million (US$7.1 million).
While Spiderman 3 was in 2-D, The Amazing Spider-man 2 has also released in 3-D and IMAX 3-D, formats that impose considerable ticket surcharges in Hong Kong.
The record for the highest opening day gross for a local film still belongs to Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle (2004), which opened with HK$4.43 million (US$571,000) for a total gross of HK$61.3 million (US$7.9 million).
Hollywood
Disney chair confident CEO Josh D’Amaro will ‘rise to the occasion’ in Trump–Kimmel row
Board backs new chief as ABC controversy tests leadership early on
NEW YORK: The Walt Disney Company has placed the responsibility of handling the escalating dispute between Donald Trump and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel squarely on its new chief executive, Josh D’Amaro.
Speaking at a business conference in Oslo, Disney chair James Gorman said it would be up to the CEO and his team to determine the company’s response to the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He noted that such challenges are not uncommon for large corporations and require careful handling at the leadership level.
The row intensified after both Donald Trump and Melania Trump publicly called for Kimmel’s dismissal following remarks made on his show. The comments, which referenced the First Lady, sparked backlash in the days leading up to a security incident at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Kimmel addressed the issue on-air, clarifying that his joke was intended as a reference to the couple’s age difference and not an incitement to violence. He also expressed sympathy for those affected by the incident and reiterated his stance against violent rhetoric.
Despite mounting pressure, Gorman refrained from offering specific guidance on the future of the show or the host. Instead, he voiced confidence in D’Amaro’s leadership, describing him as “world class” and capable of navigating the situation effectively.
The episode presents an early and high-profile test for D’Amaro, who stepped into the top role just last month. How Disney balances editorial independence, public sentiment and political pressure will likely shape not just the outcome of this controversy, but also the tone of its leadership in the months ahead.
