Captain Jack Sparrow is wearing his crown in our photo, the better to celebrate PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MAN’S CHEST becoming only the third movie in history to earn more than a billion dollars in worldwide box office receipts. DEAD MAN’S CHEST earned its $1 billion-plus in record time, too. With a domestic box office take of $415+ million, DEAD MAN’S CHEST is the #1 movie for 2006 in North America. Its international total of $587.5 million makes DEAD MAN’S CHEST the #1 movie of the year in overseas markets as well. To see a (very impressive) list of the box office records DEAD MAN’S CHEST now holds, check the story on the Zone’s News & Views forum. Thanks very much to emma for the news!

Regarding DEAD MAN’S CHEST joining the billion-dollar club, Dick Cook, the chairman of the Walt Disney Studios, told reporters: “To say we are excited is an understatement. This is truly an historical time for The Walt Disney Studios and a time to celebrate. ‘PIRATES’ continues to perform on all cylinders and this is a real tribute to the remarkable team of Jerry Bruckheimer, Gore Verbinski, Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley, Orlando Bloom, and writers Ted Elliott & Terry Rossio.” Cook added, “The film’s phenomenal success all over the world proves once again that audiences will vote to come back again and again when presented with great entertainment.” Well said, Mr. Chairman! Now could we have some more, please?