Weekend Estimates: Quantum of Solace Blasts to Bond Franchise Record

November 16, 2008

Movie audiences embraced a gritty, edgier Bond over the weekend, buying $70.4 million-worth of tickets, according to Sony's Sunday estimate. That will put it among the top 50 weekends of all time and top 30 opening weekends when final numbers are released on Monday. It also blows away the record opening for the franchise, previously held by Die Another Day with $47 million back in 2002. By every measure, this was an impressive start, which confirms that the Bond franchise is as powerful as ever.

While Quantum of Solace was inevitably front-loaded, its earnings on Saturday ($26.1 million) were reportedly only slightly behind its Friday debut ($27 million), suggesting decent word of mouth. A good run over the next few weeks looks likely. Worldwide, the movie has now taken over $322 million, according to Sony, including another $60 million or so this weekend internationally.

In second and third places, Madagascar 2 and Role Models both posted strong second weekends. Madagascar benefited from a very good performance on Saturday, while Role Models looks to have found a good niche between the action and animated tentpoles.

- Weekend Estimates
- Biggest Opening Weekends
- James Bond franchise history

Filed under: Weekend Estimates, Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa, Quantum of Solace, Role Models