'Force Awakens' crosses $250 million globally after record Friday

At the current pace, The Force Awakens is on track to bring in more than $250 million over the course of this weekend.

A Storm Trooper stands by figurines at the Star Wars Galactic Experience at L.A. Live, in Los Angeles, California, on December 12, 2015.

Such an outcome would surprise few analysts, but the numbers were nevertheless eye-popping.

Disney is on track to smash opening weekend records as fans flock to cinemas for Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The space opera produced by Disney/Lucasfilms has earned $57m (£38m) on its opening night, easily beating Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2 that earned $43.5m in 2011.

Disney execs estimate that the film is on track for a $200 million opening weekend, a rather conservative estimate at this point.

Disney's biggest worry has been that moviegoers will be too daunted by sold-out shows and long lines.

Fans flocked to theatres Thursday evening, many dressed as evil Stormtroopers or lightsaber-wielding Jedi as the movie took in $US57 million at domestic theatres. That frenzy has largely cooled off. Traditionalists with a nostalgia for the originals might prefer 2-D screenings, especially with director J.J. Abrams' use of more realistic-looking special effects like puppetry. Disney said theaters were adding showtimes to meet "unprecedented demand".

The movie had the second biggest opening ever, just less than 'Jurassic World's $525 million.

The film is playing at a total of 4,134 North American locations.

Disney purchased Star Wars producer Lucasfilm for $US4 billion in 2012 as part of his bet on big-budget films. Sequels and spinoffs are already in development for years to come, not to mention an entire corner of Disneyland devoted to the franchise.

I had huge hopes and expectations for "STAR WARS: The Force Awakens", and have no doubt that this film will be a huge box office success, smashing previous records.

As far as all-time box office sales, two films by James Cameron hold the record - "Avatar" ($2.78 billion) and "Titanic" ($2.18 billion).

Leaving The Force Awakens, I was pleased that I had seen something that was competent, decently cast, visually stunning (as would be expected in IMAX 3D), and generally very entertaining.

"Clearly, this is not the most important event that's taking place in the White House today", Obama deadpanned, after taking the lectern in the crowded briefing room. He actually watched the film with children whose family members had tragically lost their lives during the Iraq War. "Everything from Covergirl makeup to a Death Star waffle iron are being snatched up by rabid fans.CCTV's May Lee has more on the Star Wars" frenzy.