Star Wars: The Last Jedi scores second-biggest Thursday preview ever with $45m

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 was previously the second-highest with $43m

Roisin O'Connor
Saturday 16 December 2017 10:43 GMT
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(Getty Images)

Star Wars: The Last Jedi has managed to set a record for the second-biggest Thursday night opening in North America.

The Disney-Lucasfilm’s “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” opened with $45m last week, behind Star Wars: The Force Awakens which earned $57m in 2015, Variety reports.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 was previously the second-highest with $43m. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story opened a year ago to $29m at Thursday night previews.

Directed by Rian Johnson, Star Wars: The Last Jedi stars returning cast members Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, and Andy Serkis.

Johnson recently gave an enthusiastic response after being asked whether a Star Wars episode might be given to a female or non-white director.

The director was speaking at a press conference in London when he was asked about it, the BBC reports.

“Hell yes, it's time,” he responded. “There are so many incredibly talented female directors, directors of colour out there, and so many that I would love to see play in this universe.”

Every Star Wars film from George Lucas has been directed by a white man. But The Last Jedi and 2015's The Force Awakens were both praised for starring a female lead character and featuring a diverse main cast.

Star Wars: The Last Jedi has received largely positive reviews from critics. Read our review here and see all the latest Star Wars coverage here.

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