Update: December 19, 2015
STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Blazes to Record $120.5 Million on Friday
J.J. Abrams'
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is making history at the worldwide box office, landing the biggest Friday of all time in North America with $120.5 million and crossing $250 million globally in just three days.
Box office observers say
Force Awakens, graced with an A CinemaScore and rave reviews, could climb as high as $240 million-$245 million. Either way, it's destined to eclipse the $208.8 million domestic debut of
Jurassic World this summer and set a new record.
Force Awakens also has a shot at claiming the top global bow of all time, besting
Jurassic World's $524.9 million, although
Jurassic World had the benefit of opening day and date in China (
Force Awakens doesn't launch in the world's second-biggest moviegoing market until Jan. 9).
In North America, this weekend looks to be the biggest in history in terms of overall revenue, crossing $300 million for the first time ever. Friday's haul for
Force Awakens includes a record-breaking $57 million in Thursday night previews at the North American box office.
The previous Thursday night champ was
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' Part 2, the final film in the franchise, which earned $43.5 million in Thursday previews in July 2011.
Deathly Hallows 2 also held the record for the biggest Friday until now ($91 million).
Star Wars: The Force Awakens Blazes to Record $120.5M Friday, Crosses $250M Globally