New 'Star Wars' film hits $1 bn at box office: Disney

New 'Star Wars' film hits $1 bn at box office: Disney
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Summary International results exclude China, where the film is only due to open January 9

 Los Angeles (AFP) - The new "Star Wars" film has passed the $1 billion mark in global box office sales in a record time, Disney said Sunday.

"The Force Awakens" has posted an estimated $545 million in ticket sales in North America and $546 million internationally, in the 12 days since first hitting screens worldwide, a statement said.

The previous record was held by "Jurassic World," which took 13 days to reach the milestone.

The highly anticipated seventh installment in the blockbuster space saga has received mostly glowing reviews, and is being credited with breathing new life into the juggernaut Hollywood franchise launched by creator George Lucas in 1977.

In North America, Disney said "The Force Awakens" is already the second biggest grossing movie of 2015 and the number five of all time, posting record Christmas Day box office sales of $49.3 million.

International results exclude China, where the film is only due to open January 9.

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