Felicity Jones as Jyn Erso in 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' (Photo : YouTube/ StarWars)
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" may be a spin-off title instead of a main entry in the "Star Wars" franchise but it is currently tracking to earn $156 Million domestically over its opening weekend. This follows its Thursday sneak peek of $29 Million and its Friday opening of $72 Million.
The film was initially estimated to earn roughly $140 Million, according to Variety. Most estimates from over 4,157 sites stated the film would track between $120 and $160 Million depending on how well the film performs during its Friday premiere.
If the film hits the $150 Million mark it will reportedly become the second highest earning opening in December, second only to last year's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens." It will count as the twelfth highest opening of all time and will be the sixth highest opening from Disney.
In comparison, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" earned a total of $247.96 Million in its domestic opening weekend and garnered over $129.5 Million internationally. The film later went on to earn a total international box office over $2 Billion.
The only other major film release competing against "Rogue One" is Will Smith's "Collateral Beauty." According to Deadline, the movie is estimated to earn under $6.8 Million over the weekend despite launching in 3,028 venues across the country. Currently the film has reportedly garnered only $2.4 Million from its Friday premiere.
It is stated that "Collateral Beauty" is suffering from poor reviews and Warner Bros. Pictures may have faulted in releasing it against "Rogue One." The film would have reportedly earned a higher opening box office if it launched earlier in the year.
"Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" is the eighth film in the franchise but the first major spin-off, not counting the "Star Wars Clone Wars" movie which was only used to launch a brand new cartoon television series. It is also the first film in the franchise to not focus on the Skywalker family or a Jedi.
