Spider-Man fever grips Japan

Tobey Maguire and Kirsten Dunst have attended the world premiere of Hollywood blockbuster Spider-Man 3 in Japan.The launch was so eagerly anticipated in the country that crowds were willing to wait for hours in the pouring rain to see the stars arrive.Launching the sequel in Japan, home to a huge community of comic fans, rather than the US is seen as a shrewd push into the faster-growing international market that could help box-office revenues.Spider-Man 3 posters are plastered all over Tokyo's futuristic Roppongi Hills complex, where the movie was shown, and the initial reaction from Japanese viewers was positive.According to critics, Spider-Man 3 is packed with stunning special effects. The film shows Peter Parker, played by Maguire, finally enjoying life with Mary Jane Watson, played by Dunst.After the premiere in Tokyo, the movie's makers are set to travel to London on April 23 and then Rome, Berlin, Madrid, Moscow, Stockholm and New York. The movie debuts globally on May 4.© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

ITN | April 16, 2007

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