The blockbuster third installment of The Twilight Saga opened to more than $30 million on its first night in North America.
It surpasses the previous midnight opening record holder, which was the second Twilight installment, New Moon, at $26.3 million.
It’s too early to know whether Eclipse will top New Moon’s (full) first day record of $72.7 million.
The movie also set a new IMAX record for midnight grosses with over $1 million from 192 theaters, beating Transformers 2’s $959,000.
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Variety Summit's "Eclipse" scored massive figures Tuesday night, with more than $30 million at some 4,000 engagements, enough to become the all-time highest-grossing pic for midnight runs.
The franchise's third outing, which surpassed "Twilight" predecessor "New Moon" ($26.3 million) for the late-night crown, will expand to 4,416 U.S. locations today. Large-screen exhib Imax posted north of $1 million from 192 engagements, a record-setting take for the company.
Some 12 territories, including Brazil and Mexico, also screened "Eclipse" during midnight showings. Most markets will continue the film's international rollout today, with additional bows July 1. Pic will launch day-and-date in 42 overseas markets.
Pic's midnight take reps a sizeable start Stateside over the Fourth of July weekend as its core aud of young femmes mostly are on summer vacation. "Eclipse" will go against the frame's other wide release Paramount's "The Last Airbender," which is expected to best serve males aged 25 and under.
