‘Superman’ flies two days early

Warner Bros. Pictures hopes “Superman Returns” will be able to leap an extremely long weekend in a single bound.

The studio has decided to move up the release of the film to June 28, getting a two-day jump on what for many people will be a four-day weekend, with July 4 falling on a Tuesday. It had been set to open June 30.

The decision was made with an eye toward the past successes of competitors’ films, when Sony’s 2004 “Spider-Man 2” and Paramount’s 2005 “War of the Worlds” opened early ahead of long July 4 weekends and did well in the weekend box office.

“It gives us the same opportunity,” said Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution for Warner Bros. Pictures. “When the Fourth falls on a Tuesday, many companies give their employees Monday off, so you have this enormous long stretch of very solid summer play time.”

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-- Scott Martelle

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FINALLY

‘Flight’ grounded: Adriana Sevan, one of four artists appearing in “Solomania!” at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, has been forced to cancel her performances June 9 through 11 to undergo surgery on her knee, injured during the opening-night performance of her piece, “Taking Flight.” For ticket refunds or exchanges, call (213) 628-2772.

Actor moves on: Dennis Farina has decided to leave NBC’s “Law & Order” after two seasons to pursue other projects.