A global opening weekend record was set by Star Wars: The Force Awakens, surpassing Jurassic World’s $524.9m (£352m), the previous record holder, to rake in $529m (£355m).
“With final numbers now in, Star Wars: The Force Awakens rose above estimates to post an all-time industry-high $248m (£166m) domestically, plus $281m (£188m) internationally for an all-time record global debut of $529m since opening December 16,” said Disney in a statement.
Box office receipts from India and Greece where not included as they’re set to release this week, or from China where it opens on January 9.
Frank Marshall wrote: “Universal Pictures, Steven, Frank and Colin congratulate Star Wars: The Force Awakens on the biggest opening weekend in galactic history.”
“Our sole focus has been creating a film that delivers that one-of-a-kind Star Wars experience, and director JJ Abrams, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and the Lucasfilm team have outdone themselves,” said Disney chairman Alan Horn.
“Star Wars is officially the biggest thing to happen in the known box office universe now that it has taken the best debuts records – domestic and worldwide – from Jurassic World,” said Jeff Bock, box office analyst at Exhibitor Relations.
