By now, nearly everyone and anyone has seen Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens. The highly-anticipated introduction to the sequel trilogy has already shattered numerous box office records and received scores of critical acclaim. The Force Awakens has surpassed an astounding $1.5 billion dollars in global revenue, and has overtaken the throne held by previous record breakers Jurassic World and Titanic.
The Force Awakens’ bid to smash the biggest record of all-time was greatly reinforced due to an impressive New Year’s haul. Over the weekend, Star Wars raked in $88.3 million - topping the domestic box office for the third straight weekend. The earnings also mean that The Force Awakens now owns the records for best opening weekend, best second weekend and… you guessed it - best third weekend. Little doubt remains over Episode VII’s capability of setting the all-time domestic box office record of $760.5 million, currently held by James Cameron’s Avatar.
Star Wars 7 currently sits at $740.5 million in domestic sales. Considering the fast-paced earnings of J.J. Abrams’ film, The Force Awakens should pass Avatar sometime on Monday. If the movie somehow comes up short, then Tuesday should crown Star Wars the new winner at the very latest.
Incredibly, Star Wars: The Force Awakens managed to get this far without the help of the most populous country in the world - China. Though Episode VII has a ways to go until it reaches the global box office record of $2.79 billion (also held by Avatar), the opening of the movie in the Far East should tremendously help its cause. Depending on the enthusiasm for Jedi shown by the Chinese, Star Wars: The Force Awakens could be well on its way to becoming the biggest movie in the world of all-time. Stay tuned for more updates.
