The new 'Star Wars' just crossed the $1 billion mark - and it has only been out 12 days

The force is with them. And now, so is a ton of money.

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.