“Star Wars: The Force Awakens”, the seventh instalment in the cinematic space saga, smashed box-office records on its opening day and is looking to have the most successful opening weekend in Hollywood history.
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Disney said theatres were adding showtimes to meet “unprecedented demand”. Thousands gathered for a friendly light saber battle in downtown Los Angeles on Friday, and moviegoers in cities such as Berlin and Paris arrived at screenings wearing Stormtrooper costumes, Jedi robes and Darth Vader masks.
It’s Thursday night previews take of $57 million eclipsed Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Part 2 that had held the record for the biggest preview Thursday at $43.5 million. The movie has opened in 44 countries outside North America, earning US$72.7 million in total through Thursday. First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a screening for children who lost family members to war.
Star Wars director JJ Abrams turned down the film when it was first offered to him because he did not want to be seen as “the guy who does sequels”. The company’s shares dropped 3.8 per cent on Friday, however, after BTIG analyst Rich Greenfield cut his rating on Disney to “sell” from “neutral”.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens has already brought in $57m (£38m) upon its release in the USA and Canada.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens, directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan & Abrams, features a cast including actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Academy Award victor Lupita Nyong’o, Gwendoline Christie, Crystal Clarke, Pip Andersen, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow.
“The potential for “The Force Awakens” to ultimately break into the $2 billion club worldwide is certainly in the realm of possibility”, said Paul Dergarabedian, of box office tracker Rentrak.
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J.J. Abrams, left, and George Lucas pose for photographers upon arrival at the European premiere of the film ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens ‘ in London.
