?Skyfall? Opens to $87.8 Million, Setting New Record for Best Bond Debut

Bond thriller Skyfall ruled the box office this weekend with an estimated debut of $87.8 million. The film starring Daniel Craig, the 23rd in the Bond series, set a new record for best Bond debut and has so far earned over $500 million worldwide. Studio execs are naturally thrilled by the windfall that is Skyfall.

"It's quite a testament to Bond, considering it's the 50th anniversary," Rory Bruer, Sony’s head of distribution, told The Hollywood Reporter. "It's been a wild, fantastic ride. The holds have been extraordinary and people will want to see this film again and again."

Disney’s animated comedy Wreck-It Ralph placed a distant second with earnings of $33 million, while Paramount Pictures’ Flight pulled in $15.1 million. Both films are entering their third week in theaters. 

Argo
and Taken 2 round out the list of top five earners with respective earnings of $6.7 and $4 million. Argo has been in theaters for five weeks, while Taken 2 has been showing for six.

Here Comes the Boom, Cloud Atlas, and Pitch Perfect placed sixth through eighth with each film earning around $2.5 million. The Man with the Iron Fists trailed with earnings of $4.9 million, while the tenth place contender, Hotel Transylvania, came in at $2.3 million.

This Friday brings the release of the highly-anticipated The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2. Will Skyfall hold on to its box office lead? Or will Edward and Bella take down James bond? Check back next week to find out!

Box Office Mojo

Photo: Skyfall

Source: http://blog.starcam.com/post/Skyfall-Opens-to-24878-Million-Seting-New-Record-for-Best-Bond-Debut.aspx

Halle Berry Jennifer Lopez Kanye West