Sam Mendes’ Skyfall is the highest-grossing film of all time at the UK box office.
Regardless of whether or not you enjoyed James Bond’s most recent cinematic adventure, the movie ended up making a fortune around the world. According to recent reports, the film is currently the most financially successful endeavor in Britain.
The British Film Institute announced last week that Skyfall ended up generating an impressive £103 million ($158 million) during its theatrical run in the country. This was enough to knock James Cameron’s sci-fi epic Avatar from the top spot.
“UK films captivated audiences [and Skyfall] led something of an invasion into global cinemas in 2012. Our yearbook shows film’s continued importance to the UK economy overall, with a record turnover of £7.7 billion and trade surplus of £1 billion in 2011,” BFI chief executive Amanda Nevill explained.
The UK isn’t the only territory where Skyfall did an exceptional amount of business. The movie managed to pull in a whopping $304 million during its run in North America. However, it’s foreign total is much more impressive; Skyfall generated around $804 million across the pond.
Considering the flick made $1.1 billion worldwide, it’s not altogether surprising that Columbia Pictures was interested in getting Sam Mendes back in the saddle for another go-around. Although he initially didn’t want to do the next installment, Mendes confirmed earlier this month that he would direct Bond 24.
The director said in a recent statement:
I am very pleased that by giving me the time I need to honor all my theater commitments, the producers have made it possible for me to direct ‘Bond 24.’ I very much look forward to taking up the reins again, and to working with Daniel Craig, Michael Wilson and Barbara Broccoli for a second time.
Are you surprised that Skyfall is the highest grossing film of all time in the UK?
[Image via Columbia Pictures / Sony Pictures]