Hollywood expects May box office records

Hollywood studios and distributors believe that this summer's expensive blockbusters can beat the success of 2007's releases, Variety says.

Last May saw the release of the third instalments in the Spider-Man, Shrek and Pirates of the Caribbean franchises. All three films went on to cross the $300 million mark at the US box office.

However, the movie industry is speculating that this May, described as a "launch pad for summer" by one insider, could break records because many of the films are "new titles".

Action blockbuster Iron Man, the Wachowskis' Speed Racer, romantic comedy Made of Honour and Sex And The City are all making their big screen debuts next month.

A distribution boss said the films "bring something to the table that a year ago didn't exist. You are starting off with new titles. Usually, the first ones [released in May] are all sequels."

Nikki Rocco, President of Distribution at Universal added: "There's a lot of business that could happen at the box office. It's always good when there's high anticipation for something new and inventive. It's what keeps moviegoers coming back."

Sequels in the Indiana Jones and The Chronicles of Narnia series will also be released in May.