Film
Dino-Mite Opening for Jurassic World Obliterates World Records
Paleontologists estimate that dinosaurs have been extinct for nearly 65 million years, but Jurassic World’s astounding $524.4 million opening weekend has proven that dinosaurs still thrive at the global box office. Jurassic World shattered Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2’s stronghold as the highest grossing opening weekend of all time and became the first ever movie to net more than half a billion dollars in a single weekend.
Two decades since Steven Spielberg’s larger-than-life Jurassic Park captivated audiences, and 14 years since the previous installment, Jurassic World has risen from the dead to feed nostalgic fans and pilot a new generation of action-hungry moviegoers.
In addition to earning its summer blockbuster stripes, Jurassic World has also lifted Universal Pictures to $1 billion at the domestic box and $3 billion worldwide, each milestone set faster than any studio in history. Universal Studios has produced four of the six films with highest grossing opening weekends in 2015: No. 1 Jurassic World ($208.8 million), No. 3 Furious 7 ($147.2 million). No. 5 Fifty Shades of Grey ($85.2 million), and No. 6 Pitch Perfect 2 ($69.2 million).
The vision for the latest chapter in the hit franchise is a collaboration between Spielberg, Colin Trevorrow, Frank Marshall, and Pat Crowley. Starring Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard, the film takes place at the Jurassic World Luxury Resort just off the coast of Costa Rica. Home to a population of genetically engineered dinosaurs, the theme park is a popular destination for scientists and tourists. When the ferocious and highly intelligent Indominus Rex escapes the confines, the island spirals into a state of mayhem and destruction. It’s up to former Navy Seal Owen Grady (Pratt) to save the island from complete catastrophe.
With Jurassic World gripping the box office, and Minions just around the corner, Universal also looks to add to its summer success with anticipated films like Ted 2, Trainwreck, and Straight Outta Compton ... coming soon to theaters near you.
- Jillian Harrington for Comcast
