The Force is unstoppable. Per Variety, Star Wars: The Force Awakens made an estimated $50 million to $55 million in the United States on Thursday night, thus smashing the previous one-day box office record for a Thursday night opening. Previously, the record for biggest Thursday night opening was held by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, which raked in $43.5 million on its Thursday opening in 2011. Additionally, The Force Awakens has already sold $100 million worth of advance tickets, which means it’s made back half of its $200 million budget.
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The Force Awakens didn’t just kill it in the U.S. either, of course — it also reportedly grossed over $14 million in the U.K. and Ireland in its first day of release, which also represents a record opening for the movie. The film is certain to continue breaking records as more box office data from around the world rolls in, as it is easily the most highly anticipated movie of the year.
The Force Awakens stars newcomers Daisy Ridley and John Boyega, as well as longtime favorites Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford. The film takes place roughly 30 years after the end of Return of the Jedi.
