‘Star Wars’ poised to set mark for fastest film to $1 billion
This undated file photo provided by Disney shows, Adam Driver as Kylo Ren with his Lightsaber in a scene from the new film, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” (Film Frame/Disney/Copyright Lucasfilm 2015 via AP, File)
In this Dec. 16 photo, cast members Lupita Nyong’o, from left, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, director J.J. Abrams, Carrie Fischer, Adam Driver and Harrison Ford pose for photographers upon arrival at the European premiere of the film “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” in London. (Photo by Joel Ryan/Invision/AP, File)
“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” was poised to pass $1 billion in worldwide ticket sales this weekend and become the first picture to reach that mark so quickly.
The film, which officially opened in U.S. theaters on Dec. 18 and in some international markets on Dec. 16, has generated box-office revenue of $890.3 million worldwide through Christmas Day, Burbank, California-based Walt Disney Co. said Saturday in a statement.
Prior to “The Force Awakens,” the fastest a movie crossed the $1 billion threshold was Universal Pictures’ “Jurassic World” in 13 days this past June. The new “Star Wars” has already topped “Jurassic World” for largest opening weekend this month and looks certain to clear $1 billion by Sunday, according to Rentrak Corp., an industry researcher. On Sunday, studios will provide Saturday sales figures and full weekend estimates.
On Friday, “Star Wars” set a Christmas Day record in U.S. and Canadian cinemas, with ticket sales of $49.3 million. Its worldwide total so far includes $440.4 million domestically and $449.9 million internationally.
Disney, which acquired “Star Wars” creator Lucasfilm for $4 billion in 2012, plans to make as many as five more movies in the series. The property has already given a boost to Disney’s consumer products, TV and theme-park divisions.
The success of “The Force Awakens,” Disney’s first picture since the acquisition, lays the groundwork for the company’s efforts with the franchise for years to come, according to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger.
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“It’s bigger than big,” Iger said in an interview with Bloomberg TV on Dec. 21. “It’s bigger than we thought it would be.”
6 responses to “‘Star Wars’ poised to set mark for fastest film to $1 billion”
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Saw it at Windward Mall……could have gone to Laie Palms Cinema (closer, but someone else was paying)………once was enough for me……everyone else wants to see it again.
The movie definitely didn’t live up to all the hype. Too many “Huh?” moments. Leia looked awkward onscreen, Luke was seemingly mute, a Han Solo scene was supposed to be emotional, but was flat. The story pretty much was the same in the original Star Wars movie, but with a less exciting cast. And, when Kylo Ren removed his helmet in a close up, I actually laughed out loud. Finally, BB8=ewoks=Jar Jar. The movie was fun, but “meh.” Could’ve waited for release on cable.
I should have bought stock in Disney!
It helps that ticket prices are three to four times higher than it was in 1977 when the first one came out.
I thought the picture was a rehashing of the death star episode and was disappointed but saw it a second time with different set of friends and liked it much more. I had to get away from my own criticism’s and watch the movie without pre-conceived opinions. This movie deserves all the hype. Nice job disney and thanks so much for not bringing back Ja Ja binks!
I was a bit disapointed ….for me it was….. OK. zzzzzzzzz
It wasn’t stellar like the previous Star War Episodes.
It was like deja vu all over again,same characters,same story,same android (smaller version) with the secret message etc.
I’m glad it made that much money…..So that the next sequel will be much better.lol
I missed the fight scenes they had in the past star wars. Yoda,Luke, OBiwan The Jedi’s.Count Dooku The Emperors Red guards, The assassins and my favorite ! Darth Maul.!
Heck! Even Darth Vader protege was beaten by the girl!..that’s my take.