#Worldwide gross collection

[djarshaddj]

Leo Box Office Collection: Day Wise, Worldwide Gross Collection Report, Budget, Screen Count and Verdict

Leo Box Office Collection: Thalapathy Vijay, Trisha, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun led the much-anticipated Tamil action thriller “Leo,” which debuted on the global screens on October 19, on the special occasion of Dasara. The S. S. Lalit Kumar and  Jagadish Palanisamy-produced film was the 3rd installment of “Lokesh Cinematic Universe” (LCU), followed by Karthi, Narain, and Arjun Das…

[surajworldnews]

Year Ender 2024: Top 5 Mollywood actors based on gross worldwide collections; Fahadh Faasil tops by a RECORD margin

2024 is about to end. Pinkvilla is presenting top 5 Mollywood actors who performed well this year. We have curated a list of talented Malayalam artists based on their worldwide gross collections at the box office. Let’s analyze their box office performance covering the entire year.  Fahadh Faasil, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Other Top Mollywood Actors Of 2024 FAHADH FAASIL Mollywood stalwart…

[indianfasttrack]

Pushpa 2 box office day 2 early report: Allu Arjun-starrer heads toward Rs 400 crore globally

The preliminary report on Pushpa 2’s second-day box office receipts: On day two, the movie made over Rs 62 crore in India across all languages, according to Sacnilk’s preliminary projections. Early update on Pushpa 2’s second day of box office receipts: On its first day of release, Pushpa 2: The Rule shattered all previous records with a global box office receipt of an incredible Rs 294 crore.…

[allmovies4eu]

Vaazhai Box Office Collection Day 1 Friday, Hit Or Flop, Budget, Cast And Crew, and Release Date

Vaazhai Box Office Collection Day 1 Friday

Vaazhai Box Office Collection Day 1 FridayVaazhai Worldwide Gross CollectionsVaazhai Movie BudgetVaazhai Movie Hit or FlopVaazhai Movie Cast and CrewVaazhai Movie Release Date Vaazhai Box Office Collection Day 1 Friday: Vaazhai is an action drama Tamil language biographical movie and the movie Vaazhai is directed by Mari Selvaraj. Raghul R., Nikhila Vimal, Ponvel M., and Kalaiyarasan are playing…

[jeffgerstmann]

“Sonic the Hedgehog 4” is sprinting to theaters in the spring of 2027.

The fourth installment in Paramount’s family-friendly franchise will be released on March 19, 2027. It’s currently the only title on that date, though that’s sure to change over the next two years.

Paramount announced the fourquel in the Sega video game-inspired series even before the third “Sonic” adventure hit the big screen. It’s a decision that turned out to be prescient given that “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” which debuted in December, is officially the property’s highest-grossing entry with $218 million domestically and $422 million globally to date. “Sonic 3″ builds on the commercial success of its predecessors; the original 2020 “Sonic the Hedgehog” became a surprise winner, earning $148 million domestically and $319 million globally and setting a then-record for the highest-grossing video game adaptation in North America. And the 2022 sequel “Sonic the Hedgehog 2″ was bigger than the first, powering to $190 million domestically and $405 million globally. Earlier in January, the “Sonic” franchise collectively surpassed $1 billion in box office receipts worldwide.

in this one sonic is gonna fuck a human girl and they're gonna show it, can't wait

[eretzyisrael]

By Sheldon L. Freilich

It is with profound concern that I address the recent plans for an anti-Israel protest in front of the Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan.

This deeply disturbing and offensive protest desecrates the memory of the six million Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Drawing false parallels between Israel’s defensive actions and the atrocities committed by Nazi Germany and its collaborators is not only historically inaccurate but also promotes dangerous antisemitic rhetoric.

The anti-Israel Coalition Against Genocide, its partner Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and other Palestinian groups are spreading vicious falsehoods accusing Israel of committing genocide. JVP attributed the Oct. 7 massacre to “Israeli apartheid and occupation and United States complicity in that oppression.”

On Oct. 7, Israel was invaded by 3,000 Hamas terrorists and Gazan civilians who slaughtered 1,200 Israelis simply because they were Jewish. Women were raped and mutilated in front of their families, some are being kept as sex slaves in Gaza. Babies were burned in ovens and decapitated while Hamas terrorists laughed. The massacre was reminiscent of the Hebron massacre of 1929, in which Jews were slaughtered simply for being Jewish, long before the establishment of the State of Israel.

Kenneth Levin, a Harvard University psychiatrist, has said that there are two reasons for Jewish self-hatred: One is a type of Stockholm Syndrome in which “population segments under chronic siege commonly embrace the indictments of their besiegers, however bigoted and outrageous.” The second is that Jews may blame themselves for their predicament: “Everyone hates us so we must be doing something wrong.”

The Holocaust is a reminder of the consequences of unchecked hatred and violence. Exploiting this sacred memory to push a political agenda disrespects the victims and diminishes and trivializes the gravity of their suffering. The actions of these groups feed into the narratives of antisemites who seek to delegitimize and demonize Israel, further endangering Jews worldwide. As a child of Holocaust survivors and proud Zionists, I find these actions despicable.

Accusations of genocide against Israel are a gross misrepresentation of reality. Israel’s military actions are defensive measures against terrorist organizations, including Hamas, which continuously threaten the safety and security of Israeli civilians. By equating these actions with genocide, protesters ignore the legitimate right of a nation to protect its people.

Protests at Michigan’s largest Holocaust museum justify violence against Israelis and Jews by falsely portraying them as perpetrators of heinous crimes. This dangerous rhetoric incites hatred and violence, contributing to rising antisemitic incidents globally. These libelous protests distort historical facts and promote a false narrative that fuels antisemitic sentiments, misuses the memory of the Holocaust to criticize Israel unjustly and feeds into dangerous and false allegations of genocide.

The Coalition Against Genocide, JVP and their supporters are morally corrupt. All community members and leaders need to denounce this protest and its sponsor groups. It is our collective responsibility to protect the memory of the victims of the Holocaust and to ensure that their suffering is not trivialized or misused. Let us stand together against antisemitism, for truth and for Israel’s right to protect itself.

[doamarierose-honoka]

The fourth ‘Sonic the Hedgehog‘ movie is set to arrive in theaters on March 19, 2027.

Paramount Pictures announced plans for a fourth installment in the popular video game franchise even before the third movie hit theaters. This decision has proven wise, as ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’ has become the highest-grossing film in the series, earning over $422 million worldwide.

The first ‘Sonic‘ movie in 2020 was a surprise hit, grossing over $319 million globally. The 2022 sequel, ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2,‘ surpassed its predecessor, earning over $405 million worldwide.

The ‘Sonic‘ franchise has now collectively grossed over $1 billion at the box office worldwide. Considering how each of the movies have gotten better critical and audience scores, it should be interesting what the studio can manage for a fourth film! Especially after that end credit teaser in ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 3’.

[via: Variety]

[news365times]

[ad_1] Marco Hindi Box Office: Malayalam film Marco is slowly and steadily inching towards hit status at the Indian box office. One of the 2024's last releases, the Unni Mukundan starrer action thriller has already minted ₹43.9 crore in India across Malayalam, Hindi and Telugu. With the Tamil version set to release soon, the film's biz is expected to rise further in the coming days. Marco's Hindi version has found acceptance among the audiences, registering over 1500% jump in biz between weeks 1 and 2.Malayalam film Marco released on December 20 | Image: XMarco Hindi box office run detailedMarco's run at the Hindi box office started off slow but has picked up pace in the 2nd week. While week 1 collections were ₹28 lakh, week 2 biz jumped to a whopping ₹4.65 crore. New Year's remained the highest-grossing single day in the film's run in the Hindi belts, with collections touching ₹1.15 crore, on par with the original Malayalam version.Unni Mukundan plays the titular role in Marco | Image: X So far, the film has collected ₹4.93 crore in Hindi, ₹37.37 crore in Malayalam and ₹1.6 crore in Telugu (2 days), taking its India biz to ₹43.9 crore in 2 weeks, since its release on December 20.Marco Vs Kill box officeMarco has been slotted in the same genre as the Bollywood film Kill. Interestingly, while Kill's week 2 collection reduced by nearly 40% from its first week, Marco's Hindi business has risen by over 1540%, indicating that Hindi audiences like the movie. Kill lifetime biz worldwide was ₹47.25 crore and Marco's global collections currently stand at ₹79.65 crore. It could touch the ₹100 crore mark at the worldwide box office if Tamil, Telugu and Hindi versions pull up in the coming days.  [ad_2] Source link

[lboogie1906]

Samuel Leroy Jackson (December 21, 1948) is an actor and producer. The films in which he has appeared have collectively grossed over $27 billion worldwide, making him the second highest-grossing actor of all time. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gave him an Academy Honorary Award as “A cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide”.

He was born in DC, the only child of Elizabeth Harriett and Roy Henry Jackson. He grew up in Chattanooga. He intended to study marine biology, attended Morehouse College, found an interest in acting, and switched his major before graduation.

He started his career on stage making his professional theatre debut in Mother Courage and Her Children. He originated the role of Private Louis Henderson in A Soldier’s Story. He originated the role of Boy Willie in The Piano Lesson. He returned to the play playing Doaker Charles. His roles include Coming to America, Goodfellas, Patriot Games, Juice, True Romance, Jurassic Park, Menace II Society, Fresh, School Daze, Do the Right Thing, Mo’ Better Blues, Jungle Fever, Oldboy, and Chi-Raq.

His breakout role was in Pulp Fiction which earned him a BAFTA Award win and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He starred in Jackie Brown, Django Unchained, The Hateful Eight, Die Hard with a Vengeance, A Time to Kill, The Long Kiss Goodnight, The Negotiator, Deep Blue Sea, Unbreakable, Shaft and its reboot, XXX, S.W.A.T., Coach Carter, Snakes on a Plane, Kingsman: The Secret Service, Kong: Skull Island, and Glass.

He was the Jedi Mace Windu in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, voicing the role in Star Wars: The Clone Wars and the video game Lego Star Wars: The Clone Wars. He played Fury in 11 Marvel films, beginning with Iron Man, as well as guest-starring in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. He will reprise this role in Secret Invasion. He has provided his voice for several animated films, documentaries, television series, and video games, including Frozone in The Incredibles and Incredibles 2.

He married actress and producer LaTanya Richardson (1980) and they have a daughter. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[djarshaddj]

Dream Girl 2 Box Office Collection Report: Day Wise| All Version| Worldwide Collection Report and Verdict

Dream Girl 2 Box Office Collection Report: Ayushman Khurana and Ananya Panday’s much-awaited sequel achieved a hit at the box office instead of facing massive competition against Gadar 2 and OMG 2. The film was released over 2250 screens worldwide and got a U/A certificate from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), with a 2 hours and 13 minutes (133 minutes) approved runtime. Hindi…

[surajworldnews]

Top Highest Grossing Films in APTS: Allu Arjun starrer Pushpa 2 second beating Baahubali 2 & Kalki

Pushpa 2 has emerged as the second highest-grossing film ever in the Telugu states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The Allu Arjun starrer has grossed Rs. 316 crore approx in the twin states, slotting it between two SS Rajamouli films — behind RRR and ahead of Baahubali 2. The film still has plenty of gas left in the tank and with the New Year holidays ahead, it is poised to inch closer to the…

[super-movies-funda]

top 10 indian movies box office collection

Here are the top 10 highest-grossing Indian movies based on worldwide box office collections (as of 2024):

Dangal (2016) - ₹2,024 crore, globally led by its massive success in China.

Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017) - ₹1,810 crore, a pan-Indian blockbuster.

RRR (2022) - ₹1,258 crore, gaining international acclaim and awards.

Kalki 2898 AD (2024) - ₹1,100 crore, a science fiction epic featuring Prabhas, Amitabh Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone​.

Pathaan (2023) - ₹1,050 crore, starring Shah Rukh Khan and part of the YRF Spy Universe.

KGF Chapter 2 (2022) - ₹1,200 crore, continuing its legacy from the first film.

Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) - ₹969 crore, a heartwarming tale with Salman Khan.

Secret Superstar (2017) - ₹966 crore, notable for its resonance in international markets.

PK (2014) - ₹854 crore, an Aamir Khan comedy-drama with a satirical edge.

2.0 (2018) - ₹800 crore, starring Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar​.

DO You Know What is KVR?

These films showcase the diversity and global appeal of Indian cinema, ranging from action epics to emotional dramas. For more details, check resources like Box Office India or Wikipedia.

[slackville-records]

On this date in 1969, "Easy Rider" was released.

"Easy Rider" was the third highest-grossing film of 1969, with worldwide gross $60 million, including $41.7 million domestically in the US. Along with "Bonnie and Clyde" (1967) and "The Graduate" (1967), "Easy Rider" helped kick-start the New Hollywood era during the late 1960s and 1970s. The major studios realized that money could be made from low-budget films made by avant-garde directors. Heavily influenced by the French New Wave, the films of the so-called "post-classical Hollywood" came to represent a counterculture generation increasingly disillusioned with its government as well as the government's effects on the world at large and the establishment in general.

The movie's "groundbreaking" soundtrack featured The Band, The Byrds, The Jimi Hendrix Experience and Steppenwolf. Editor Donn Cambern used various music from his own record collection to make watching hours of bike footage more interesting during editing. Most of Cambern's music was used, with licensing costs of $1 million, triple the film's budget.

Bob Dylan was asked to contribute music, but was reluctant to use his own recording of "It's Alright, Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)," so a version performed by Byrds frontman Roger McGuinn was used instead. Also, instead of writing an entirely new song for the film, Dylan simply wrote out the first verse of "Ballad of Easy Rider" and told the filmmakers, "Give this to McGuinn, he’ll know what to do with it." McGuinn completed the song and performed it in the film.

Originally, Peter Fonda had intended the band Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young to write an entirely original soundtrack for the film, but this failed to materialize for two reasons. For one, Cambern edited the footage much more closely to what were only meant as temporary tracks than was customary at the time, which led to everyone involved finding them much more suited to the material than they had originally thought. On the other hand, Dennis Hopper increasingly got control over every aspect over the course of the project and decided to throw CSNY out behind Fonda's back, telling the band as an excuse, "Look, you guys are really good musicians, but honestly, anybody who rides in a limo can't comprehend my movie, so I'm gonna have to say no to this, and if you guys try to get in the studio again, I may have to cause you some bodily harm." (Wikipedia)

[kylesvariouslistsandstuff]

I'll be brief about the Pixar expose... It's a lot for me to think about.

Disney requiring every movie of theirs to make $600m worldwide or else it's a big ol' flop (see how they 180'ed on ELEMENTAL after release) is a shit model, and it needs to go bye-bye. Not every animated movie, or movie for that matter, can just magically pull that out of a hat. Especially in such a wildly different marketplace post-COVID outbreak.

Despite Pete Docter being less like John Lasseter, that old pyramid-like system is still very much a thing there among other complications. Also kinda surprising that he, despite being CCO, functioned as a co-director on INSIDE OUT 2 during its final laps. I know that he conceived and directed the original INSIDE OUT, but CCO usually means you're too busy to direct.

Pixar should be part of The Animation Guild. They're one of the few big studios that aren't. Redundant of me to say, but yes, it's true.

It seems like INSIDE OUT 2 needed some rewrites and some tune-up, and the writer and actor's strikes happened about a year before release... They really should've delayed it, then. I know the movie went on to be a summer smash, though it probably would've done pretty great as a fall release, BUT... If they needed time, they needed time. No more of this crunch stuff.

The stuff about the laid off employees... Inexcusable. Especially that utterly weird shit about them not being allowed back to get their belongings in case of awkward feelings or whatever? The hell is THAT?

Absolutely loser behavior from corporate Disney about LIGHTYEAR, and mandating Pixar to tone down queer stuff or anything that could be interpreted as queer. (Makes those recent Pete Docter interviews make more sense, about telling "universal" stories. I was pretty sure Bob Iger had a gun to his head.) All that stuff about INSIDE OUT 2 with Riley and Val? I mean, it was pretty obvious from the trailers even... But still, I wonder what kind of layer Riley having a crush on Val would've added to the film's story, how that factors into her trying to be cool like them and kinda neglecting her friends. I still really dig the movie, but that could've added to the story they were telling.

To go on about LIGHTYEAR, I've already written about why I feel that film didn't reach audiences, but I will say... Unfortunately, I do think queerphobia did play a small part in its dismal legs at the box office. Not enough to sink the movie, I think it would've sunk anyways because of what that movie was. I think it still would've had trouble even if it were an original $200m-costing sci-fi adventure story and not a Buzz Lightyear movie... But, I work at a movie theater, and I remember some customers demanding refunds over that nanosecond barely-visible kiss. And also over cousin studio's STRANGE WORLD because the son is gay and has a crush on someone. I think audiences being queerphobic factored into it a little bit, but it was not as much of a thing as Disney would like to think it is.

So I feel, to repeat myself and to be a broken mp3... Maybe Disney wouldn't struggle so much if their movies didn't cost astronomical amounts of money. Pixar's on average hover around $175-200m... That's not sustainable. Spend less, allow for more creative risks, and screw the out-of-touch conservative audience that gets their collective panties in a peppermint twist over two men in the background of a movie looking at each other. Instead of having to rely on the grosses of those particular bigoted audiences here and all around the world, maybe don't pump hundreds of millions into these movies so that they CAN succeed in case a bunch of people get all upset about some gayness? So that the creators can take risks and not have to compromise key parts of their stories for an audience that isn't worth chasing? Not everything has to be a blockbuster behemoth. This is a big part of what's stagnating almost all of Disney's theatrical product, and animation is particularly getting hurt by it all.

Negotiations are resuming for fairer conditions for animation workers and employees, so this expose coming out was what we needed... Let's hope some progress is made this month!

...

[the-odd-ducks]

Unyielding Spirit: Why The Pursuit of Happyness is a Must-Watch Masterpiece

The Pursuit of Happyness is a heartwarming and deeply inspiring film that resonates with audiences through its powerful portrayal of perseverance, determination, and the human spirit's unyielding resilience. Directed by Gabriele Muccino and released in 2006, the film is based on the true story of Chris Gardner, a struggling salesman who faces insurmountable challenges in his quest to provide a better life for himself and his young son.

Box Office Collection

The movie was a commercial success, grossing over $307 million worldwide against a modest budget of $55 million. The film's strong performance at the box office is a testament to its universal appeal, as it struck a chord with audiences across different cultures and backgrounds. Its success was also fueled by positive word-of-mouth and critical acclaim, making it one of the most memorable films of the year.

Popularity

The Pursuit of Happyness gained widespread popularity for its moving story and the exceptional performances of its cast. The film's relatability and emotional depth helped it gain a lasting place in the hearts of viewers. Over the years, it has remained a favorite for many, often cited as a must-watch for those seeking motivation or a reminder of the power of perseverance. The film's popularity also extends to television broadcasts, streaming platforms, and home video sales, where it continues to find new audiences.

Star Cast

Will Smith delivers a career-defining performance as Chris Gardner, capturing the character's struggle, determination, and love for his son. Smith's portrayal earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor and solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood's most versatile and talented actors.

Jaden Smith, making his acting debut, plays Christopher Gardner Jr., Chris's young son. Despite his age, Jaden delivers a mature and heartfelt performance, perfectly complementing his real-life father's role.

Thandie Newton plays Linda, Chris's wife, who eventually leaves him due to the pressures of their financial struggles. Newton’s portrayal adds complexity to the story, highlighting the strain that economic hardship can place on relationships.

The Message

The core message of The Pursuit of Happyness is one of hope, determination, and the relentless pursuit of one's dreams, no matter the obstacles. The film emphasizes that success is not defined by wealth or status but by the effort and persistence one puts into overcoming challenges. It also sheds light on the harsh realities of poverty and homelessness, particularly in the context of the American Dream, while also offering a powerful message about the importance of family and the sacrifices parents make for their children.

Chris Gardner's journey from being homeless to becoming a successful stockbroker is a testament to the idea that no matter how bleak the circumstances, with enough determination and hard work, anything is possible. The film also encourages viewers to cherish their loved ones and to remain hopeful, even in the darkest of times.

Why Everyone Should Watch It

The Pursuit of Happyness is more than just a movie; it's an emotional and motivational experience. It teaches valuable life lessons about resilience, the importance of never giving up, and the power of a positive attitude. Will Smith's performance, coupled with the real-life story of Chris Gardner, makes the film both inspiring and relatable.

Whether you're facing personal challenges, seeking motivation, or simply looking for a movie that will move you emotionally, The Pursuit of Happyness is a must-watch. It serves as a reminder that success is not guaranteed, but the pursuit of happiness is a journey worth taking, no matter the odds. The film's emotional depth, powerful message, and stellar performances make it a timeless piece of cinema that resonates with viewers of all ages.

Read the original book from which the movie was inspired

The Pursuit of Happyness (US)

The Pursuit of Happyness (IN)

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Why are we so fascinated with aliens?

Robert Smith is convinced the aliens have won. "The invasion has happened—it's all over," says the University of Alberta space historian who teaches a course on the history of extraterrestrials.

It's not so much that Smith believes in their literal existence, only that aliens have staked their claim in the human imagination.

"Look at the TV listings on any given night, and it's clear they are everywhere," he says. "The number of programs with extraterrestrials is striking."

Just last month, the seventh film of the Alien franchise, "Alien Romulus," was released in theaters worldwide. The series has gripped the collective imagination since 1979 and is showing no signs of slowing down. Romulus has grossed more than $225 million worldwide so far, making it the third-highest-grossing film in the series.

When he isn't tracking every detail of the James Webb telescope, launched in December of 2021, for an upcoming book on the subject, Smith is reviewing his notes for a senior seminar called "The History of the Extraterrestrial Life Debate." According to him, it's the only course in the world that probes "the existence, nature and possible significance of extraterrestrial life from the ancient world to today."

Smith contends aliens have been invading our imagination at least since the ancients. The Greek philosopher Epicurus—who first came up with the idea that the universe is made up of atoms—speculated about other worlds, as did the Roman poet Lucretius.

In the second century CE, Lucian of Samosata wrote what is considered the first work of science fiction, a satire called "A True Story" about inhabitants of the sun and the moon fighting over the colonization of Venus.

"There's always been this fascination with what you could call the other, often very similar to us but sometimes different or even wildly different," says Smith.

"The extraterrestrial becomes a kind of mirror, and by trying to understand how people see extraterrestrials, we're also learning about what people think it is to be human."

Even the Catholic Church of the Middle Ages considered the possibility of aliens as a manifestation of God's power, says Smith.

"If you attended a medieval university … one of the topics you would likely have examined would have been other worlds, because if you said there were no other worlds, it was regarded as limiting God's power."

The popular fascination with aliens took off with the publication of "Conversations on the Plurality of Worlds," by French author Bernard le Bovier de Fontenelle in 1686, says Smith. Considered the first scientific blockbuster in publishing history, it was read by many people at the time and is still in print today after almost 100 editions.

The best English translation of the text, according to Smith, was done by a former U of A English professor and science fiction writer, H.A. Hargreaves, in 1990.

Considered one of the first major works of the Enlightenment, it was partly inspired by Copernicus' revolutionary discovery that Earth revolved around the sun, rather than the other way around. That shift in cosmology allowed for the possibility of other solar systems, and therefore other worlds.

By the 18th century, "The great majority of educated people probably believed in life on other worlds," says Smith.

The popularity of "Conversations" and the idea of extraterrestrial life increased well into the 19th century, fueling a hot debate between two major intellects of the age—scientist David Brewster and Anglican minister and philosopher of science William Whewell. That debate "spawned a huge body of literature," says Smith, including perhaps the most famous alien invasion tale of all time: H.G. Wells' 1897 "War of the Worlds," which left its indelible mark well into the 20th century.

Wells' novel was widely seen as a reflection of anxiety over British imperialism. The author once said the story was prompted by a discussion with his brother about the brutal British colonization of Tasmania; he wondered what would happen if Martians treated England the same way.

War of the Worlds tapped into a fundamental human fear, famously manifested when the 1938 CBS Radio version narrated by Orson Welles reportedly caused panic among some listeners who didn't realize it was fiction.

For the most part, says Smith, interest in aliens dropped off slightly in the first half of the 20th century as astronomers surmised that solar systems were relatively rare. But the mania picked up again with the space race of the late 1950s and early 1960s.

"As soon as we sent a spacecraft into space, we were thinking about the implications of that," says Smith. "Remember, the Americans actually celebrated their bicentennial in part by looking for life on Mars (with the launch of Viking 1 in 1976)."

Since then, interest in aliens has been relentless and pervasive, with a flood of movies attesting to our fascination with all things extraterrestrial, from "Invasion of the Body Snatchers," "Star Trek" and "2001: A Space Odyssey" to "Alien," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "The X-Files" and "Dr. Who." And that barely scratches the surface.

After taking the long view, does Smith believe in the existence of extraterrestrials? He prefers to defer to the great science fiction writer Arthur C. Clarke. "Two possibilities exist: Either we are alone in the universe or we are not. Both are equally terrifying."

IMAGE: "Alien: Romulus" — the seventh film in the long-running franchise — is the latest example of how humans depict extraterrestrials as objects of both fascination and dread. Credit: Disney