‘Star Wars’ Crosses $800 Million Domestically, ‘Revenant’ Impresses

Star Wars: The Force Awakens has had a busy week, surpassing Avatar as the highest-grossing domestic film of all-time as well as having a $51 million opening in China, and it shows little sign of slowing down with an estimated $41.6 million weekend take.

Success in China, the world’s second-largest movie market, is becoming increasingly crucial for Hollywood studios as analysts predict ticket sales in the country will overtake those of the U.S.as soon as next year. Despite the economic slowdown there, receipts at Chinas box office surged almost 50 percent previous year, compared with the 7.2 percent growth seen in North America.

Chinese cinemas dedicated half their screens to “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” when it debuted on Saturday, according to the Walt Disney Company China.

Domestically, Force Awakens grossed $41.6-M from 4,134 theaters for a total $812-M it’s the 1st movie to ever cross $800-M in the USA.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens opened in China over the weekend and instantly broke box-office records in the country with its huge opening salvo. The movie came in at No. 4 with $13.1 million, performing slightly above expectations. It’s now the third biggest film of all time, with $1.73 billion in the bank worldwide.

“Star Wars: The Force Awakens” maintained its place a the top of the North American box office at the weekend while revenge thriller “The Revenant” trailed closely behind. It has made $46 million in total, which is a far cry from the last two collaborations Director David O. Russell had with Jennifer Lawrence.

Meanwhile, Leonardo DiCaprio proved that he still has a lot of box office power in bringing The Revenant to a very strong #2 with $38 million.

Meanwhile, Focus Features’ Gramercy label introduced its new horror film “The Forest”, starring “Game of Thrones” actress Natalie Dormer, which grossed a better-than-expected $13.1 million.

Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg‘s Daddy’s Home continued it’s impressive run with an estimated $15M in its third weekend, a drop of 48% from last weekend’s holiday infused grosses.

The braindead Tina Fey/Amy Poehler comedy ‘Sisters’ rounded out the Top 5 in its fourth week with $7.1 million.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip was down three spots to #8 in its fourth weekend, bringing in $5.5 million.