'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' Set to Top $1 Billion at Worldwide Box Office

3:17 PM PDT 6/30/2011 by Pamela McClintock

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (1.009 billion)
Disney Enterprises

The pic is a sizeable victory for Disney Studios chair Rich Ross and director Rob Marshall, as well as producer Jerry Bruckheimer (it also proves that Depp has lost none of his charm as Captain Jack Sparrow). On Stranger Tides—the first film in the franchise to be released in 3D—has done far better overseas, where it has grossed $774.7 million to date. Domestically, it’s grossed $234.5 million.

The film will become only the eighth in history to reach the $1 billion mark.

Joining an elite group of movies, Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides will jump the $1 billion mark at the worldwide box office sometime this weekend.

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Through Wednesday, the pic’s global cume was $992.9 million.

Only seven films in history have crossed the $1 billion milestone; On Stranger Tides will become No. 8.

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Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest also is a member of the billion club, having earned $1.1 billion worldwide.

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On Stranger Tides has done massive business at the international box office, where it’s grossed $761.9 million to date. Domestically, it’s cumed $231 million.

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The success of the fourth Pirates is a big victory for Disney and producer Jerry Bruckheimer, as well as director Rob Marshall.

Email: Pamela.McClintock@thr.com