'Dead Man's Chest' tops $1 billion mark

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 10 (UPI) -- "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" has become only the third film ever to gross more than $1 billion worldwide, it was announced in Hollywood.

The action film joined "Titanic" and "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" as the only $1 billion films of all time when it surpassed the mark Friday, Walt Disney Studios Chairman Dick Cook said in a new release.

"To say we are excited is an understatement," said Cook. "This is truly an historical time for The Walt Disney Studios and a time to celebrate."

He said the movie's success was "a real tribute" to producer Jerry Bruckheimer; director Gore Verbinski; actors Johnny Depp, Keira Knightley and Orlando Bloom; and writers Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio.

The second "Pirates" film has led the international box office for nine consecutive weeks, grossing $587.5 million -- $150 million more than it has taken in at U.S. theaters.

It is the highest-grossing movie in America so far in 2006, with ticket sales of more than $415 million, the studio said.