Bond film ‘Skyfall’ sets £100m record in Britain

British actor Daniel Craig (R), French actress Berenice Marlohe (L), British director Sam Mendes (2nd L) and US producer Barbara Broccoli (2nd R) pose as they arrive for the German premiere of the new James Bond movie “Skyfall” in Berlin on October 30, 2012. The film will start in German cinemas on November 1, 2012. AFP

LONDON – The latest James Bond film “Skyfall” has become the first movie ever to take £100 million at the British box office, it was announced Monday.

The 23rd official Bond film surpassed the landmark, equivalent of $162 million (123 million euros), after becoming the highest grossing film ever in Britain earlier this month when it overtook the £94 million generated by “Avatar”.

“Skyfall” achieved the figure in just 40 days, while “Avatar” (2009) took 11 months to amass its total.

Globally, the new Bond film has taken more than $1 billion.

It is a mark of the franchise’s continuing appeal as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Daniel Craig’s third appearance as British secret agent Bond is still on general release more than two months after it first hit British cinemas.

The movie sees Bond battling with villain Raoul Silva (played by Javier Bardem), who aims to take revenge on his former boss M (Judi Dench).