James Bond's latest adventure is off to a record breaking start. Spectre, the 24th installment in the venerable spy movie franchise, now holds the distinction of being the UK's biggest seven-day opening ever; taking home an estimated $63.8 million since its debut last Monday. The record was previously held by 2004's Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban.
"We are delighted that audiences in the UK and Ireland continue to embrace these stories about one of our biggest and best cultural icons," Sony Pictures UK managing director Peter Taylor said in press release. "This opening proves once again, that the film world of James Bond speaks to cinema-goers like no other."
Overall, the film has made $80.4 million across six territories says Deadline. In comparison, its predecessor Skyfall made $77.7 million from 25 markets back in 2012. These promising early returns bode well for the film's chances of cracking the billion dollar mark and setting other box office marks. It opens in the United States on November 6.
The film once again stars Daniel Craig as the iconic British agent. Joining him are two-time Academy Award winner Christoph Waltz, French starlet Lea Seydoux, and screen icon Monica Belucci.
Hollywood is hoping that Spectre can help boost sales after a dismal October season that saw poor returns from several high profile releases like Pan, Crimson Peak, and Steve Jobs.
Exhibitor Relations box-office analyst Jeff Bock, commented on the state of the market, telling The Hollywood Reporter: "I'm not sure Hollywood has ever witnessed this many misfires on back-to-back weekends. It truly is a real-life horror show."
November looks to be a better period for the industry with 007 and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 hitting theatres in rapid succession.