MUMBAI: The latest film in the Batman franchise The Dark Knight made a record breaking $158,411,483 in its opening weekend in the US. The announcement was made by Warner Bros. Pictures president domestic distribution Dan Fellman.

The Dark Knight toppled multiple records in its opening frame. The weekend box office total broke the previous overall industry opening weekend record by more than $7 million. Earlier in the weekend, The Dark Knight had broken records with its first 12:01 am showings, totalling $18.5 million; its opening day total of $67,165,092; and its record-breaking Sunday gross of $43,596,151. The Dark Knight also enjoyed a record-breaking North American opening in Imax theatres, earning $6.3 million in 94 locations, for a per-screen average of $67,000.

Fellman said, “We knew ‘The Dark Knight‘ was something remarkable and it is incredibly gratifying that critics and audiences wholeheartedly agree. Regardless of the anticipation leading up to this weekend, the fact remains that this level of success could not have been achieved if the film did not deliver. It does, on every front and with all audiences, which is a tribute to the amazing work of the filmmakers and the entire cast. We congratulate them on the start of what promises to be a great run.”

On the international front, The Dark Knight launched in 20 countries, including Australia, Mexico and Brazil, grossing an outstanding $41.3 million, almost tripling the opening of Batman Begins” in the same markets. Warner Bros. Pictures president international distribution Veronika Kwan-Rubinek said, “We are delighted with this spectacular start and look forward to a long and successful run.” The film will continue to roll out internationally over the coming weeks, including Italy, Holland, the UK, Korea on 7 August, Japan on 9 August, Spain and France on 13 August and Germany on 21 August.