Final Harry Potter film breaks global box office records

Published on Monday 18 July 2011 17:49

HARRY Potter has worked his magic on the box office, with the last film in the series smashing records in its first weekend.

Since opening on Friday, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, took 23 million in the UK and Ireland.

It eclipsed the previous 18m record held by the previous film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1, which was released last year.

The film, starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson and directed by David Yates, took $168m (about 104m) in the United States and Canada from Friday to Sunday, beating the record previously held by 2008's Batman blockbuster The Dark Knight.

So far, it has taken an estimated $476m globally.

Josh Berger, president and managing director of Warner Bros Entertainment UK and Ireland, said: "After a decade of Harry Potter films, the final film is truly a cultural phenomenon. We are thrilled with this astounding response and we would like to thank all Harry Potter fans across the UK and Ireland.

"These results are a testament to the incredible achievement of the filmmakers, cast, and, of course, JK Rowling, and will ensure the film series a place in history for years to come."