Skyfall Biggest-Grossing Movie Of The Year

Skyfall has become the biggest box office hit of the year as well as the highest-grossing James Bond film in the UK.

In less than a fortnight the 23rd Bond outing has taken £57m at cinemas across the UK, surpassing the previous record for Casino Royale.

That film, which was the first to see Daniel Craig play 007, took £55.6m in 2006.

Until now the biggest cinema hit of the year in the UK had been Batman movie The Dark Knight, starring Christian Bale.

Bond producer Barbara Broccoli said: "We are thrilled and proud to reach this box office landmark in record time and are delighted that UK audiences continue to enjoy Skyfall."

The film sees Bond on the trail of warped villain Raoul Silva, played by Javier Bardem, as he wreaks havoc on MI6 in an effort to even a settle a score with M, who is played by Dame Judi Dench.

Skyfall had its world premiere on October 23 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, attended by the Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.

It was released in the UK three days later on October 26, and is scheduled to be released in US cinemas on Friday.

Ray Subers, of Box Office Mojo , said: "While it's out in most areas now, it still has China, Australia, Japan and Turkey on the way.

"It should have no trouble obliterating Casino Royale's \$427m (£267m) overseas total, which is currently the franchise record.

"In fact, \$500m (£313m) appears to be a foregone conclusion at this point."