Late U.S. Release Brings James Bond $70.4 Million

He may have failed to win critical acclaim, but James Bond still is the top entertainer for moviegoers. The latest 007 movie, "Quantum of Solace," saw a No. 1 debut at the North American box office this weekend, by selling an estimated $70.4 million in tickets and setting an opening-weekend record for the long established franchise, according to studio estimates released on Sunday. With such earnings, the Bond flick easily outshone the previous first-weekend record for a 007 film, held by 2002's "Die Another Day," starring the legendary Pierce Brosnan.

In addition, "Quantum of Solace" took in almost $30 million more than its prequel, 2006's "Casino Royale," which introduced actor Daniel Craig as the new James Bond, notwithstanding fans and critics' initial negative comments.

The most recent Bond movie was made available overseas in late October by MGM and Sony and was released in the United States only this Friday, after topping box offices everywhere. Therefore, this measure may have had a significant contribution to the impressive domestic sales, which were also boosted by the fact that "Quantum of Solace" was the only film that saw a North American release over the weekend.

The movie's worldwide cumulative gross through Sunday was $322 million, with approximately $64.1 million in Britain and about $26 million in Germany.

"Quantum of Solace" helped Hollywood total revenues register an increase of 54 percent compared to the same weekend last year, when "Beowulf" was No. 1 at the box office with $27.5 million. The top 12 films grossed $142.9 million, with strong earnings by "Quantum of Solace" and family flick "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa."

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