That sum would handily defeat Jurassic World, which set a new record of $208.8 million when it debuted in North America this summer. That number blasted the opening day record in the USA, held by “Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2”, which made $91.7 million on its opening day in 2011…The record for a weekend’s take looks to be the next to fall.
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“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has sent a box office record with an estimated $57 million from Thursday night shows. The record holder for the biggest opening during the month is “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”, which took in $85 million in domestic receipts in 2012.
Screenings of “The Force Awakens” started Thursday night in theaters across the US and Canada.
“The potential for “The Force Awakens” to ultimately break into the $2 billion club worldwide is certainly in the realm of possibility”, Dergarabedian said.
Walt Disney Studios and Rentrak tracking service now estimate that Friday’s opening day numbers will reach the $120 – $125 million range. “Force Awakens” takes place 30 years after the conclusion of 1983’s “Return of the Jedi”. They will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker. Amy Miles, CEO at Regal Entertainment Group said: “This holiday season we are excited to be a part of the highly anticipated release of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens.’ At Regal, we are passionate about providing exceptional moviegoing experiences including offering a wide variety of showtimes to meet our guests needs”.
The movie is likely to become the highest grossing film in an opening weekend Disney added, while reporting that it had already made $250 million globally.
Star Wars frenzy has swept the celeb world with anyone and everyone getting involved. First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a screening for children who lost family members to war.
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White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest also appeared unannounced at the lectern of the briefing room, flanked by Stormtroopers.
