‘Skyfall’ sets record in Britain

LONDON, United Kingdom – The latest James Bond film Skyfall directed by Sam Mendes has become the first movie ever to take £100 million at the British box office, it was announced Monday, December 31, 2012.

The 23rd official Bond film surpassed the landmark equivalent of US$162-M (123 million euros) after becoming the highest grossing film ever in Britain earlier in December when it overtook the £94 million generated by James Cameron’s Avatar in 2009. 

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Skyfall achieved the figure in just 40 days, while Avatar took 11 months to amass its total.

According to The Telegraph, in its first 3 weeks in the UK, Skyfall grossed more than the total combined ticket sales of Daniel Craig’s first two Bond films: Quantum of Solace and Casino Royale. It is then the “most successful” Bond film in history.

Globally, Skyfall has taken more than US$1-B.

It is a mark of the franchise’s continuing appeal as it celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2012.

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Craig’s 3rd appearance as British secret agent Bond is still on general release more than two months after it first hit British cinemas.

The actor has reportedly signed on for two more films as 007.

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Skyfall sees Bond battling with villain Raoul Silva (played by Javier Bardem), who aims to take revenge on his former boss M (Judi Dench). It also introduced us to statuesque Eurasian actress Bérénice Marlohe and also stars Ralph Fiennes.

“It is truly thrilling to reach this incredible milestone,” said Gary Barber, chief executive and chairman of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). “With tremendous gratitude… to all of the dedicated distributors and fans across the globe, we are so proud of both Skyfall and our 50-year association with James Bond.”

– Rappler.com