London: Furious 7 dominated this weekend’s box office, smashing records as it raced off with an estimated $143.6 million domestic debut.
Globally, the James Wan-directed sequel – which was devastated by the death of lead actor Paul Walker during a break in production – made an additional $240.4 million for a worldwide total opening weekend of $384 million.
This makes Furious 7’s stunning debut a franchise-best opening weekend, the biggest April opening ever, the biggest Easter weekend opening ever, the second-largest pre-summer bow in history, and the biggest opening since The Hunger Games: Catching Fire in 2013.
The $85 million opening of 2015’s prior record holder “Fifty Shades of Grey” – a film also released by Universal, a division of NBCUniversal – seemed miniscule in comparison.
Launched in 2001, the “Fast and the Furious” series has transformed itself from a cult favorite street racing saga to one of biggest brands in Hollywood.
The first film in the series brought in $144 million overall – a total the seventh film almost beat in one weekend.
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