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
Austin Powers (character) Powers was a character seen as a parody of James Bond and being influenced by Harry Palmer and characters played by Peter Sellers. The character of Austin Powers represents an archetype of 1960s Swinging London, with his advocacy for free love, his use of obscure impressions and his clothing style (including crushed velvet suits and Beatle boots). Myers, Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs formed the faux British 1960s band Ming Tea after Myers' "Saturday Night Live" stint in the early 1990s. The band members all performed under pseudonyms with 1960s personas. Myers adopted the pseudonym and character of Austin Powers.