‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Brings in $57M Thursday

Star Wars: The Force Awakens continues to burn through the box office record book as it heads towards an opening day Friday over $100 million, according to studio estimates.

Such an outcome would surprise few analysts, but the numbers were nevertheless eye-popping.

The U.S. showings of Disney-Lucasfilm’s “The Force Awakens”, directed by J.J.

Analysts predict that the seventh instalment of the iconic space saga, which cost Disney an estimated $200 million to produce, could score the biggest opening weekend ever and could even become the biggest film of all time.

The same tactic, coupled with the decision to open the film on a Monday, enabled Spectre to set the record for the biggest opening ever at the United Kingdom and Ireland box office. Global sales reached $72.7 million through Thursday, Disney said. “The Force Awakens” is simultaneously opening around the world just about everywhere but China, where it debuts in January. Early estimates show that the film is on track to make $100 million on Friday, which make it the first three-digit-millions single day in history. The film will be in a total of 4,134 locations on Friday – a record for a December opening.

3-D screening accounted for 47% of the night’s grosses on Thursday.

The latest Star Wars film may very well be the most anticipated film in the galaxy, and yet, for Disney, the stakes remain high. Sequels and spinoffs are already in development for years to come, not to mention an entire corner of Disneyland devoted to the franchise.

Fans have waited 10 years to see the franchise in theaters again, while many said they had to see it on its opening night.

That strong word of mouth will help “The Force Awakens” attract the kind of repeat viewings that made James Cameron’s “Avatar” and “Titanic” the highest grossing films of all time.

“The potential for The Force Awakens to ultimately break into the $2bn club worldwide is certainly in the realm of possibility”, he said.

If you’re looking for something to enjoy on your mobile device now then you can also grab the Star Wars: The Force Awakens Soundtrack on iTunes and Google Play right now.