'Skyfall' Hits Very Rare Milestone, Makes $1bn at Box Office

Daniel Craig in the latest James Bond movie, 'Skyfall'

"Skyfall," the 23rd James Bond adventure, has surpassed $1 billion at the worldwide box office.

Jeff Blake, chairman of worldwide marketing and distribution for Sony Pictures and Gary Barber, MGM's chairman and chief executive, made the announcement Sunday.

The film, from Albert R. Broccoli's EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment, is the most successful Bond film of all time. It is also the highest-grossing film at the worldwide box office in Sony Pictures history, reports The Wrap.

"Skyfall," starring Daniel Craig as 007, took in $4.6 million this weekend in North America for a total of $289.6 million. Overseas, the film grossed $10.3 million for an international total to date of $710.6 million and a worldwide total exceeding $1 billion and growing. It has yet to play China, where it will open on January 21.

"Skyfall" is the 14th film in history to hit the $1 billion plateau. The list includes two movies from earlier this year, Warner Bros.' "Dark Knight Rises," which is No. 13 with $1.004 billion, and "Marvel's The Avengers,' which ranks No. 3 all-time with $1.5 billion.

Two James Cameron films, "Avatar" with $2.7 billion, and "Titanic," with $2.1 billion, top the list.

"To see a film connect with audiences is always gratifying but the success of this film is nothing short of extraordinary," Blake said in a statement. "We couldn't be more excited for (producers) Michael Wilson, Barbara Broccoli, (director) Sam Mendes, Daniel Craig, and especially the fans who put James Bond in this very rare and very exclusive billion dollar box office club."

"It is truly thrilling to reach this incredible milestone," said MGM's Barber. "With tremendous gratitude to Barbara and Michael, Sam, Daniel and our partner Sony, and to all of the dedicated distributors and fans across the globe, we are so proud of both Skyfall and our 50 year association with James Bond."