Not even Jerry Maguire needs to show Disney the money, not when "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" is gobbling up seemingly every single moviegoer in the galaxy.
Lucasfilm's highly anticipated film is not disappointing at the box office, taking in $38.1 million domestically on Wednesday plus $38.4 million overseas. Most movies are ecstatic to make north of $76 million in their opening weekend. "Star Wars" just did it in one day. The Force is strong with this one.
Domestically, J.J. Abrams newest addition to the saga has taken in $363.5 million with another $402.4 million outside of the United States, giving "The Force Awakens" a worldwide gross of $765.9 million! What's mind-boggling is that the film hasn't even opened in China yet where it could conceivably clear $250 million.
At this pace, "The Force Awakens" is on a clear trajectory to overtake James Cameron's "Avatar" ($2.78 billion) as the highest grossing film of all-time.
"Are we looking at the first $3 billion movie ever, Paul Dergarabedian, Box Office Tracker's senior media analyst, said earlier this week. "If any film can do it, it's this one."
The film should clear $1 billion this coming weekend, topping the previous record for fastest film to reach that point set by "Jurassic World" at 13 days. It will need some serious legs to overtake "Avatar," a slight concern given the record-breaking pre sale numbers that "Star Wars" posted. But it's very possible that we are looking at the new Box Office Champion.
"I could certainly see it landing north of $200 million this weekend," Jeff Brock, Exhibitor Relations senior analyst, said. "This is all uncharted territory, but you look at what 'Avatar' and 'Titanic' did in their second weekends and you have to think, why not?"
We'll keep you posted as more box office numbers emerge. In the meantime, happy holidays!
