Star Wars narrowly misses out on opening weekend record to Jurassic World

While Star Wars brought in an out-of-this-world $517 million (£347 million) on its opening weekend, Jurassic World drew in $525 million (£352 million) in sales in June, crowning it the biggest box office opening ever.

“Our sole focus has been creating a film that delivers that one-of-a-kind Star Wars experience, and director J.J. Abrams, Lucasfilm President Kathleen Kennedy and the Lucasfilm team have outdone themselves”, Disney chairman Alan Horn said at the weekend. The Force Awakens was beaten by Jurassic World simply because it has yet to launch in China. Meanwhile, its worldwide haul is estimated to land at about $281 million, making it the third-highest grossing movie to debut globally.

$48.9 million – The film’s opening box office in the United Kingdom.

47% – Percentage of the box office total that came from 3-D screenings.

Men made up the bulk of ticket buyers, comprising 58% of the opening weekend audience, and despite the franchise having been bought out by the kid-orientated Disney, adults represented 71% of the crowd with families only accounting for 20% of consumers. Now, the film’s domestic launch looks to be right around $247 million.

Disney purchased “Star Wars” producer Lucasfilm for $4 billion in 2012 as part of his bet on big-budget films.

The Force Awakens also stars Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong’o, Andy Serkis and Domhnall Gleeson, plus a secret stormtrooper cameo from Bond actor Daniel Craig.