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General Information
Poster for Battle of the Smithsonian
Directed by
Shawn Levy

Screenplay by
Ben Garant, Simon Kinberg and Thomas Lennon

Music Composed by
Alan Silvestri

Theatrical Release Date
May 22, 2009

DVD Release Date
November 15, 2009 (Region 2 - Europe)
December 1, 2009 (Region 1 - North America)

Production Companies
20th Century Fox, 1492 Pictures

Distribution Company
20th Century Fox

Summary
The Museum of Natural History is closed down for upgrading and the exhibits are put into storage at the Federal Archives in D.C.
The centerpiece of the film will be bringing to life the Smithsonian Institution, which houses the world's largest museum complex with more than 136 million items in its collections, ranging from the plane Amelia Earhart flew on her nonstop solo flight across the Atlantic and Al Capone's rap sheet and mug shot to Dorothy's ruby red slippers and Archie Bunker's lounge chair.

 
International Trailer
Ricky Gervais about Robin

Gervais is resuming his role as Dr. McPhee in Night at the Museum 2, which is scheduled for release in 2009. He originally took the part as payback to Stiller, who did a laugh-out-loud spoof of himself in one of Extras' most memorable episodes.

"He has sent me an e-mail saying, 'So I'm doing this film and we've written a part for you. Do you want to return the favour? No pressure,'" says Gervais. "So now I'm back for two."

And he's glad to be back. Gervais is coming off what he described as one of his most memorable days ever on set.

"Not only did I meet Robin Williams, who I didn't get to see last time . . . but I met Crystal the monkey. Amazing, it was the best day ever."

Though Gervais didn't get to work with Williams on the first movie, the legendary comedian sent him a gift after the first film wrapped: A scrapbook enclosed with a note reading, "I'm so sorry I didn't get to work with you." Gervais was blown away by the gesture -- as well as by Williams' stamina on the set.

"I think [Williams] must just go home and collapse because there is no off switch. He's just funny all the time. You say something, he does a sketch with voices and that. It's just amazing. I just sat there watching him. He's incredible."

(Source: Vancouver Province)
Photo Gallery
Main Cast

Robin Williams
Teddy Roosevelt

Ben Stiller
Larry Daley

Owen Wilson
Jedediah

Christopher Guest
Ivan the Terrible

John Bernthal
Al Capone

Bill Hader
Gen. George Armstrong Custer

Steve Coogan
Octavius

Ricky Gervais
Dr. McPhee

Dick Van Dyke
Cecil Fredericks

Hank Azaria
Kahmunrah

Amy Adams
Amelia Earhart

Tagline

When The Lights Go Off The Battle Is On

Filming Info

Dates
April 8, 2008 - September, 2008

Locations
Montréal, QC
Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC
Vancouver, BC

International Release Dates

Belgium
Egypt
France
May 20, 2009

Netherlands
Germany
Russia
May 21, 2009

Finland
Italy
Norway
Spain
May 22, 2009

Extra Info

Ben and Robin were often unable to get through an entire take without cracking each other up.

Shawn Levy on Teddy's Return

"The return of Williams was a huge imperative," says Levy.

The Roosevelt character, the filmmakers felt, was the soul of the first film and the franchise. "When Stiller's character loses his way in the sequel, it's Teddy Roosevelt who helps him find his way back to his better self. Plus," Levy adds, "he's fun."

Box Office Details

Budget
$150,000,000

Gross
$177,243,721 (USA)
$235,135,097 (international)
$412,378,818 (total)

Opening Weekend
$54,173,286 (4,096 theaters)

Ranked #1
1 week

Widest Release
4,101 theaters

In Release
164 days / 23.4 weeks