Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Harrison Ford, even Shia LaBeouf, can now crack their whips and crow about “The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’s” big opening — By Brian Frederick

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 5/27/08 – Steven Spielberg, perhaps the most powerful man in Hollywood has done it again, whose latest adventure, “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” took in $311 million worldwide.

Spielberg didn’t say much prior to the movie’s release during the period when most films do plenty of promo. “We did a good job at keeping this movie secret,” says Spielberg. “What I do on opening weekend is my ritual is a total blackout, like a sequestered jury. No radio, no telephone, no internet, no newspapers. I don’t want to hear anything until Monday morning. I just want to hear one number, which is the Monday morning number.”

Well, he got his Monday number, and it was a record-breaker for the franchise, as “Indy 4” took in $311 million worldwide — not quite “Spiderman 3” ($381 million), but nothing to snap a whip at. “I have no idea what I do, I just go out and shoot a movie,” says Spielberg. Spielberg’s net worth is estimated at over $3 billion dollars. Not too shabby for a man who once used a janitor’s closet for an office at Universal Studios as a young protégé.

Spielberg aligned himself with the team of Indiana Jones creator George Lucas and actor Harrison Ford once again as Indiana…, a sure to bet trio of Hollywood talent unmatched in cinema history. Back in the 90’s they pretty much controlled the top of the all-time box office charts, only the era of big budget sequels keeps them from being No. 1 through 10.

Whether he has directed or produced, Spielberg Films are sure to hit the box-office with big-time numbers. Other such notables films Spielberg has touched are “Jaws”, “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”, “E.T.”, “Jurassic Park”, “Men in Black” and Saving Private Ryan”. Spielberg’s power in the film industry extends well beyond the films we see. Spielberg, who was asked by the Chinese government to be an artistic advisor for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, declined the invitation. “…at this point, my time, and energy must be spent not on Olympic ceremonies but on doing all I can to help bring an end to the crimes against humanity in Darfur.” The power of Spielberg’s words are clear.

Up next for Spielberg for release in 2009, Lincoln, Interstellar, The Trial of the Chicago 7 and Jurassic Park IV.