‘Star Wars’ makes $1 billion in record 12 days

The hype for the next installment went on when new “Star Wars” cast Daisy Ridley opened up to Variety her experiences in filming the “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and even shared some details on what fans should expect in the upcoming sequel. Domestically, The Force Awakens managed to bag $544.6 million including $153.5 million during the Christmas weekend, according to Reuters. Two-and-a-half years later, Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Man’s Chest, became the third film to cross the $1 billion mark.

“The Force Awakens” blasted the T-Rex out of the No. 1 spot again, displacing previous record-holder “Jurassic World”, with the largest second-weekend tally and by becoming the fastest movie to hit $1 billion total globally. It’s set around 30 years after the events of the 1983 film “Return of the Jedi“. The look at a stepfather’s attempts to outshine his wife’s stud of a first husband, came in second with a strong $38.8 million from 3,271 theaters.

“Joy”, starring Jennifer Lawrence and directed by David O. Russell of “American Hustle” fame, overcame mixed reviews to start its box-office run with a healthy $17.5 million.

In the opening scene, Lor San Tekka (Max von Sydow) meets Oscar Isaac’s pilot Poe to give him part of the map that could lead to finding Luke Skywalker. “Point Break”, the remake of 1991 that was financed for $105 million managed to earn a bleak $10.2 million. The Chinese-American co-production will look overseas for salvation.

A picture shows a relief inside the tomb of Maia, the wet-nurse of legendary Egyptian boy king Tutankhamun, in Saqqara, about 35km south of Cairo, December 20, 2015. Released by Time Warner Inc.’sWarner Bros. but financed by Alcon Entertainment, the $105 million production opened to a weak $10.2 million. L Star Capital and Village Roadshow co-financed “Concussion”, which has a $35 million budget.

“The Force Awakens” brought in $238 million in its debut weekend in North America and $529 million world-wide. “Jurassic World” also had the benefit of record grosses in China. Playing exclusively in 70mm Roadshow presentations for the next week, the Weinstein Company release scored a great $4.5 million for a per screen average of $45,366.