‘Force Awakens’ tops ‘Avatar’ at domestic box office

It’s been inevitable for a while, but it’s now official: “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” is the highest-grossing movie of all time in the United States, according to a press release sent out by Disney. To beat the global record haul of $2.8 billion for “Avatar”,

“The Force Awakens” must play well in China, where it opens on Saturday, box office analysts have said. CNBC reported Thursday that seventh “Star Wars” film has not only broken one record but has set others as well. The Force Awakens carries on the legacy started by George Lucas with the original Star Wars movie in 1977. James Cameron is also planning three sequels to “Avatar”, which should ensure that the two franchises will continue battling it out for the top spot at the box office.

Promotional events organized by Disney in the months leading up to the release included the placing of 500 Stormtrooper figures on the steps of the Great Wall and the illumination of the movie’s Chinese title on the guard towers for a light show in October. It also had the biggest domestic opening at $247 million, the highest average for a worldwide debut at $59,982, the biggest New Year’s Day screening at $ 34.4 million and the biggest opening week at $390.9 million. If the predictions turn out right, Titanic will be pushed down will be pushed down to second place in terms of ticket sales, not accounting for inflation. Star Wars:

The Force Awakens has been a big hit critically and commercially. Now, director JJ Abrams has acknowledged that this familiarity may be a problem for some people, but maintains that The Force Awakens does enough new and interesting things to make it stand ou.