Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (or simply Austin Powers) is a 1997 American comedy film directed by Jay Roach, and the first installment in the "Austin Powers" series. It stars franchise co-producer and writer Mike Myers as Austin Powers and Dr. Evil, Powers' arch-enemy. Supporting roles include Elizabeth Hurley, Robert Wagner, Seth Green, and Michael York. The film is an affectionate spoof of the James Bond films and other popular culture from the 1960s. The film, which cost US$16.5 million, opened on May 2, 1997, grossing US$53 million from its North American release
The Silencers (film) released the previous month. The Helm series has been cited as one of the principal inspirations for the Austin Powers spy comedies of the 1990s and early 2000s. Released at the height of James Bond mania, "The Silencers" was a major box office hit in 1966, earning $7 million in United States rentals that year. There were three follow-up films, including "Murderers' Row" (also released in 1966), "The Ambushers" (1967) and "The Wrecking Crew" (1969). A fifth film, "The Ravagers", was announced, but never produced. Elmer Bernstein provided the score. The title song is performed by Vikki Carr, though Cyd