Rise of Skywalker nets second best Christmas Day box office opening

In spite of decidedly mixed reviews from critics, STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER is – not surprisingly – cleaning up at the box office. J.J. Abrams' conclusion to the Skywalker saga snagged the third best opening weekend for a December release. The film is also closing in on $500 million globally just six days into its run. The lucrative box office returns should probably come as no shock to anyone. Aside from 2018's SOLO, every single live-action STAR WARS film has been an unqualified box office success. STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER is no different and they've just achieved another impressive festive financial feat.

A tradition followed by many is the annual Christmas Day sojourn to the local multiplex. Millions of people worldwide flock to their local movie theater on Christmas to check out the latest visual Hollywood feast. In recent years STAR WARS has dominated this particular holiday with THE FORCE AWAKENS, THE LAST JEDI, and ROGUE ONE racking up massive paydays. STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER continued that trend yesterday Force-choking its way to $32 million domestically. This was good for second all-time right behind THE FORCE AWAKENS ($49.3 million) and ahead of THE LAST JEDI ($27.4 million).

Regardless of what you think about STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER (I personally liked it warts and all), these numbers should put paid to the ridiculous notion that STAR WARS is dead. I find it baffling that people are quick to proclaim the end of this franchise just because it didn't make $200 million+ opening weekend. The film is already well on its way to $1 billion at the global box office. There's still very much a market for the franchise and people will keep coming back for the brand. Having said that, it doesn't mean that Disney and its creatives don't have their work cut out for them. The Skywalker Saga is now over and if the House of Mouse wants fans to come back for more, this next trilogy needs to be something truly special from a story and spectacle standpoint.

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER starring Daisy Ridley, Oscar Isaac, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Keri Russell, Lupita Nyong'o, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Richard Grant, Anthony Daniels, Domhnall Gleeson, and Dominic Monaghan is currently in theaters.