The new 'Star Wars' just crossed the $1 billion mark - and it has only been out 12 days
Star Wars: The Force Awakens has cracked the $1 billion mark after just 12 days in theaters.
In part thanks to the star power of returning actors Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" took in more than $238 million over its opening weekend and posted the best Christmas Day opening with $49.3 million in sales.
It's the fastest any movie has ever raced to the $1 billion tally in such a short period of time. The previous record for fastest flick to the $1 billion mark went to Jurassic World.
However, Jurassic World - unlike Star Wars: The Force Awakens - enjoyed the benefit of launching in China simultaneously when it came out in the US.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens will not be released in China until early 2016.
The news should be regarded as a positive sign for investors in the Walt Disney Co., which bought Lucasfilm, the rights-holder to the beloved sci-fi movie series, for about $4 billion in 2012.