The Hunger Games has shattered U.S. box office records, bringing in a breathtaking $19.7 million overnight which makes it the highest-grossing midnight opener ever for any non-sequel.
The film adaptation of writer Suzanne Collins´ action novels, starring Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss Everdeen, had previously made $15 million in advance ticket sales, and it also drew huge crowds of people as fans lined up outside cinemas to get a first-look at the film upon its release in the early hours this Friday.
Nonetheless The Hunger Games still has a good way to go before reaching the gold status of the latest Twilight sequels – the last three movies have grossed more than $26 million in midnight openings, whilst the final Harry Potter sequel, The Deathly Hallows: Part 2, is way out front with $43.5 million .
The Hunger Games is expected to break further box office records when opening weekend figures will be released this Sunday.