Star Wars earns 517m globally

'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' earned $517 million worldwide on its opening weekend. The movie had the second biggest opening ever, just less than 'Jurassic World's $525 million. However, unlike 'Jurassic World', 'The Force Awakens' was not released in China on its opening weekend and won't be screened there until January 9. It also took in a record $238 million in US and Canadian ticket sales. The latest film in the 'Star Wars' franchise stars veterans Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, along with newcomers Adam Driver, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Andy Serkis and Domhnall Gleeson. And Harrison previously revealed he admires the never-ending enthusiasm of 'Stars Wars' fans. The 73-year-old actor - who has reprised the role of Han Solo for the much-anticipated new movie - feels "proud" of the J.J. Abrams-directed film and touched by the support of fans. Speaking at the European premiere of 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' in London's Leicester Square this week, he said: "I'm glad people are interested. It becomes a part of people's lives and I really appreciate that they have such an intense, emotional interest in these films. It means a lot to me."