That benchmark was easy for this film, it seems. The death of one of its stars certainly helped. After Paul Walker’s death, there was some concern over the future of the franchise. That future is no longer in doubt. When people go to certain movies, they go, and go, and go again.
Like it or not, the film is huge. According to Box Office Mojo, it sailed over the $1 billion mark in 17 days. That means, they noted, it did that faster than “Avengers,” “Avatar” and the final “Harry Potter” film. They all accomplished that feat in 19 days.
Fastest to $1 billion
1. “Furious 7” – 17 days
2. “Avatar” – 19 days
3. “Avengers” – 19 days
4. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2” – 19 days
Currently, there are only 20 films that have passed $1 billion, and only two has surpassed $2 billion, at the box office. The two that have climbed over the $2 billion mark are both films by James Cameron. They are “Avatar” and “Titanic,” respectively. They also only have one word titles, if that means anything.
Now, of course, this is worldwide figures and does not account for inflation, as that throw it all for a loop. Meanwhile, a film is often ranked higher on a worldwide list than it is on a domestic only list. For example, worldwide, “Furious 7,” is now No. 20 worldwide, but domestically, it is at No. 71.
Box Office Mojo indicated that a little more than 73 percent of the take comes from the overseas market.
So basically speaking (or writing), “Furious 7” is doing much better overseas than it is in North America. Along the way, domestically, it opened to an April record, plus a second week best for the month.
“Furious 7 is directed by James Wan and written by Chris Morgan. It stars a plethora of stars. They include Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Lucas Black, Jason Statham, Djimon Hounsou and Kurt Russell.
But wait, as “Avengers: Age of Ultron” gets ready to launch. It is already being touted as a potential $1 billion film. It opens the Hollywood summer and it looking to best the opening of “Furious 7.” Hollywood really wants a record year and at this pace, they will get it.
