TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" shattered the opening day record held since 2011.
The latest installment of the franchise brought in $57 million in its opening day Thursday, which took the top spot away from "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part Two" that made $43.5 million.
"J.J. Abrams and George Lucas did a wonderful job," said Brittney Olsen, who saw the movie on its opening night.
"What's really cool is it's building off the canon of the universe and not just the films. So, I mean, in a lot of ways it helps if you're a huge fan and you know what goes on in the 30 between films," said Olsen, adding that you will still enjoy the film even if you know nothing about the "Star Wars" universe.
This was the first film since Disney took over the franchise. That made some fans nervous before the opening, but fans 9 On Your Side spoke to said Disney did a good job.
"It had a Star Wars feel to it. Disney didn't weirdly turn it into a cartoon or anything," said Olsen.
"Big difference. A lot of laughter," said Pierson, who saw the film with his son. "This one had a lot more action, a lot more action."
Pierson added that the new lightsaber was his favorite part but would not share what made it so cool. "You have to go see it," he said.
"The Force Awakens" will now attempt to beat the record for opening weekend sales as well. That record is currently held by "Jurassic World" which made $208 million in its opening weekend earlier this year.
