Skyfall now biggest UK film ever (yes, bigger than Avatar)

Skyfall poster

That discussion we’ve been having about how powerfully Skyfall is resonating with British audiences? It’s resonating louder (as was obvious it would). From a press release this morning:

SKYFALL SMASHES UK BOX OFFICE RECORD TO BECOME BIGGEST FILM OF ALL TIME
BOND MAKES HISTORY IN JUST 40 DAYS

London, 5th December – Eon Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios and Sony Pictures Entertainment are delighted to announce that Skyfall has made history in the UK and become the highest grossing film of all time.

Skyfall has now taken a staggering £94,277,612 at the UK box office in just 40 days on release, making box office history and overtaking the record previously held by Avatar which had a lifetime gross of £94,025,632 during 11 months on release in UK cinemas.

SKYFALL, the 23rd James Bond adventure, continuing the longest running and most successful franchise in film history, opened in 587 cinemas across the UK and Ireland on Friday 26th October, and is still on general release.

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Peter Taylor, Managing Director, Sony Pictures Releasing UK also commented “We are delighted that cinemagoers have so enthusiastically embraced Skyfall in such an incredible way. It seems particularly fitting in 2012 that the latest James Bond adventure should become the highest grossing movie ever marking the fiftieth anniversary of one of our truly iconic cultural characters in record breaking style.”

As London film publicist Droo Padhiar -- who is not working on Skyfall -- notes:

SKYFALL is by far the bigger success story out of the AVATAR/SKYFALL B.O race. No inflated 3D prices. 40 day cume compared to 11 months.
— Droo Padhiar (@DrooPadhiar) December 5, 2012

She’s right. Something unusual is happening with this film. Maybe something wonderful. I think it’s great that such a smart, grownup movie is having such an impact.