‘Star Wars: Force Awakens’ becomes all-time North American box office champ

According to The Hollywood Reporter: “It’s official: J.J. Abrams’ Star Wars: The Force Awakens is the No. 1 grossing film of all time in North America, not accounting for inflation. On Wednesday, the Disney and Lucasfilm mega-blockbuster is overtaking the $760.5 million earned by James Cameron’s Avatar. Force Awakens — which grossed $8 million on Tuesday for a domestic total of $758.2 million — achieved the milestone in only 20 days in release, a remarkable feat.”

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Back in 2009, “Avatar” grossed almost $750 million “in its original, seven-month run, plus another $10 million-plus when it was rereleased in theaters,” the website reports. “Avatar” went on to earn $2.78 billion worldwide. “Force Awakens” has earned $1.56 billion so far worldwide. However, it officially opens in China on Jan 9.

Disney, the studio behind “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” bought the franchise’s parent company, Lucasfilm, for $4 billion in 2012. “Star Wars: Episode VIII,” is slated for release in 2017.