Movie Poster for "Spider-Man 3". [File Photo: jinghua.cn]

Chinese moviegoers are likely to catch the latest installment in the Spider-Man series before their peers in the United States.

The Shanghai Morning Post reports "Spider-Man 3" recently passed examination by the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television. It's slated to open in theaters on the Chinese mainland on May 1, even though it won't be released in the United States until May 4.

Lead actor Tobey Maguire and actress Kirsten Dunst are set to attend the world premiere ceremony in Tokyo, capital of Japan, on April 16. Sources from the distribution company, Columbia Pictures, say they are working to incorporate a tour of the Chinese mainland into the stars' itinerary.

"Spider-Man" was a huge hit in 2002. It reported the highest takings at the North American box office of any film released that year, but only earned 43 million yuan (US$5.55 million) on the Chinese mainland. The 2004 sequel managed to increase its takings at the Chinese mainland box office to 55 million yuan.

Columbia Pictures expect to make 100 million yuan at the box office with their latest film, thanks to the efforts they have made to reduce the impact piracy has on profits.