Last Jedi has second-best opening ever

Star Wars: The Last Jedi rocketed to a debut of $220 million (U.S.) at the North American box office, landing the second-best opening ever and slotting in behind only its predecessor, The Force Awakens, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The Disney blockbuster became just the fourth film to open above $200 million domestically.

Aside from The Force Awakens ($248.8 million), the others are The Avengers ($207.4 million) and Jurassic World ($208.8 million). Accounting for inflation, the debut of 2012’s The Avengers would rank just ahead of The Last Jedi.

The Last Jedi is off to a similar start overseas, too, with $230 million in international ticket sales, said Disney. That brings its three-day global haul to $450 million.

As anticipated, The Last Jedi fell shy of the opening weekend for J.J. Abrams’ 2015 franchise reboot, which eventually grossed $2.1 billion worldwide.

The opening also gave the Walt Disney Co. the opportunity to flex its muscles on the heels of its deal announced Thursday to purchase 21st Century Fox for $52.4 billion. As part of the acquisition, Disney will take control of 20th Century Fox, one of Hollywood’s six major studios. 1. The Last Jedi, $220 million ($230 million international). 2. Ferdinand, $13.3 million. 3. Coco, $10 million. 4. Wonder, $5.4 million. 5. Justice League, $4.2 million. 6. Daddy’s Home 2, $3.8 million. 7. Thor: Ragnarok, $3 million. 8. The Disaster Artist, $2.6 million. 9. Murder on the Orient Express, $2.5 million. 10. Lady Bird, $2.1 million.