Columbia Pictures' "Spider-Man 3" movie will be simultaneously released at theatres throughout the world and at IMAX theatres on May 4, 2007. The third installment of the highly popular Spider-Man franchise will be digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of IMAX, according to Dark Horizons.

"Spider-Man 3" will be directed by Sam Raimi, who also helmed the first two blockbuster installments of the series. The film will reunite stars Tobey Maguire, Kirsten Dunst and James Franco.

"The simultaneous IMAX release of "Spider-Man 3" allows us to celebrate one of the most anticipated motion picture events of the year in an exciting format," said Rory Bruer, President, Domestic Distribution, Sony Pictures Releasing. "'Spider-Man 3: The IMAX Experience' will give fans of Spider-Man an opportunity to experience the next exhilarating installment of the series in an unforgettably unique and immersive way."

"Spider-Man is one of the world's most popular motion picture franchises, and we are thrilled to include the latest chapter as part of our 2007 lineup," said IMAX Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs Richard L. Gelfond and Bradley J. Wechsler. "Moviegoers loved 'Spider-Man 2' in IMAX theatres, and with a larger theatre network for 'Spider-Man 3' -- we estimate that well over 100 IMAX theatres in North America will exhibit the film vs. 63 for 'Spider-Man 2' -- we will be able to garner an even wider audience, significantly increasing the earning potential for the IMAX release. We are confident that the success of our remaining 2006 slate combined with the early announcements for 2007 will continue to drive exhibitor interest in the IMAX theatre business."

"Spider-Man 3" marks the third motion picture agreement between Sony Pictures Entertainment and IMAX. The studio previously released "Spider-Man 2" to IMAX theatres in 2004 and is scheduled to release "Open Season," the first feature from Sony Pictures Animation, in IMAX 3D on Sept. 29, Dark Horizons said.