Though there may have been some confusion regarding the final box office figures for Star Wars: The Force Awakens‘ opening weekend, The Hollywood Reporter brings word that Disney and Lucasfilm’s rejuvenated juggernaut pulled in a record-shattering $248 million domestically, bumping its global tally north of $528 million.
That’s up slightly from previous reports, ensuring that The Force Awakens‘ debut is comfortably ahead of Jurassic World ($208 million). What makes this more impressive is the fact that J.J. Abrams’ sequel is yet to release in China – it’s due to debut in January – which is considered the second-largest movie market in the world.
Elsewhere, Star Wars: The Force Awakens also set a new record for the highest December opening in history, blowing past the one set by The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey ($84.6 million) in 2012. Indeed, it’s as though everyone on the planet has either seen Star Wars and can barely contain their excitement – for good reason, too – or is ducking out of every social media interaction that even mentions J.J. Abrams’ space-faring adventure.
And if ever there was proof that Star Wars knows no bounds, it’s that those aboard the International Space Station – after recently recruiting newcomer Tim Peake to their orbiting base of operations – will soon be able to watch the new entry in the franchise from 250 kilometers above the ground.
.@ChrisEastabrook We have a projector & screen onboard & I’m told that @starwars will be waiting for us up there…what a place to watch it!
— Tim Peake (@astro_timpeake) December 12, 2015
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is out now in theaters, and based on its barnstorming debut, expect Abrams’ blockbuster to retain its place on the proverbial throne long into the holidays.
