“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” easily dominated the box office this weekend with an enormous $195 million after taking in $90 million on Friday.
“The Rise of Skywalker’s” Friday total represents the sixth-highest opening day of all time, behind “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2,” which generated $91 million when it opened in 2011. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” and “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” both topped “The Rise of Skywalker’s” debut with $104 million and $119 million, respectively, for the fourth and second-highest opening days of all time.
The final chapter in the Skywalker saga is opening at 4,406 locations nationwide, and should come in slightly below industry forecasts of $200 million, though still above Disney’s projections in the $165 million arena.
“The Force Awakens” and “The Last Jedi,” both subject to more favorable critical reviews, reeled in $248 million and $220 million in their openings weekends. Despite “The Rise of Skywalker’s” somewhat weaker debut, it still marks a hefty win for moviegoing at the end of 2019, and for Disney, capping off its strongest year on record.