"Skyfall" became the highest grossing James Bond film in history when it finished its cinematic run with $1.1 billion at the global box office (currently No. 13 all-time). If early indications are anything, the 24th entry into the Bond series, "Spectre," may just top that figure.
In just its first night of release in the UK, "Spectre" took in $6.4 million in only 647 locations, according to The Hollywood Reporter. That is one of the best per-screen averages in recent memory. Those types of numbers put the film on pace to either match or exceed the impressive box office totals of "Skyfall." If that turns out to be the case, director Sam Mendes - who also helmed "Skyfall" - and actor Daniel Craig will go down in 007 history as one of the most successful duos to ever lend their talents to the franchise.
"Spectre" will see Craig's Bond joined by Monica Bellucci ("The Matrix" series) and Lea Seydoux ("The Grand Budapest Hotel"). In addition, Christoph Waltz ("Django Unchained") will portray the film's primary villain Franz Oberhauser (totally not Blofeld, you guys). Waltz has proven his mettle playing bad guys with his memorable, Academy Award-winning turn as Col. Hans Landa in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglorious Basterds."
In "Spectre," a mysterious message from Bond's past will set him on the path to unearth an evil organization while M struggles to keep MI6 alive.
It is rumored that this could be Craig's last Bond film given some of the actor's recent comments about the role. If that is the case, there are several candidates being thought of us as replacements (as well as who should step in for Mendes behind the camera next). Though Craig has come to define James Bond for a new generation, the character's overall popularity will continue without him.
"Spectre" will be released in the U.S. on November 6.
