‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ blasts box office records

Walt Disney Co released its projections late Friday stating USA and Canadian ticket sales were hurtling towards $125m (£84m) that day and it could bring in $225m (£151m) through Sunday, which would give it the biggest opening weekend of all time.

It’s the first film in the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy, and the 7th in the main film series. Head here for more details.

The previous opening day record was held by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2, which made $91 million on its first day back in July 2011.

The world’s second-largest movie market with roughly 30,000 screens – the USA has roughly 40,000 – delivered almost $100 million of the $315 million worldwide haul that “Jurassic World” managed in its opening weekend overseas this summer.

The new entrant in the most successful movie franchise of all time is reminiscent of Star Wars movies past, akin to slipping on an old, fuzzy pair of slippers from years past that fit just right.

At the White House, R2-D2 and two Stormtroopers surprised reporters with a quick appearance in the briefing room. Hollis said exhibitors are continually adding more screenings to satisfy demand.

The movie has opened in 44 countries outside North America, earning US$72.7 million in total through Thursday.

That line, delivered by Harrison Ford’s Han Solo in Disney’s (DIS – Get Report) Star Wars: The Force Awakens almost sums it up perfectly. By Disney’s estimates, “The Force Awakens” – the widest December opening ever with 4,134 theaters – blew past that number by Friday afternoon. The American Film Institute listed it among its top 10 films of the year. Rival studios had forecasted prior to the opening that “The Force Awakens” would open with at least $210 million. Soon to begin was a screening of the film for families who have lost a relative to combat or service-related injuries.