Jurassic world joins 500 million club

Los Angles

Dinosaurs are anything but extinct at the box office.

Jurassic World, the fourth film in the series that began with Jurassic Park more than 20 years ago, became the highest global opener of all time with a staggering $511.8 million US in its first days in theatres.

It also devoured a number of U.S. box office records with a $204.6 million take. In addition to setting a record for 2015, Jurassic World is now the second-highest U.S. opening of all time, right behind Marvel's TheAvengers  which took in $207.4 million in 2012. By the time Monday actuals roll in, there is a chance the film could dethrone Avengers.

It's been 14 years since there has been a new Jurassic film in theatres, and the combination of cinematic grandeur, nostalgia and awareness helped Jurassic World far surpass analyst predictions going into the weekend, which had the film on track for a $125-million opening.

"This over-performed in a way that I've never seen," Rentrak's Senior Media Analyst Paul Dergarabedian said. "It broke the box office sound barrier."

Universal Pictures and Legendary co-financed the $150 million, PG-13 rated film. Audiences in every quadrant turned out to see the film in theaters. According to exit polls, 39 per cent were under the age of 25, signifying the massive interest of both a new generation and the continued enthusiasm of those who saw Jurassic Park in 1993.

Also, audiences shelled out the extra money to see the film in the biggest format possible. Approximately 48 per cent of U.S. audiences opted for 3D.

"It is extraordinary. The film has resonated with audiences around the world," said Nick Carpou, Universal's President of Domestic Distribution.

Pratt hailed as modern-day action hero

Directed by Colin Trevorrow and executive produced by Steven Spielberg, Jurassic World is the third in a series of blockbusters for star Chris Pratt, who also starred in the 2014 box office hits Guardians of the Galaxy and The Lego Movie.

"He's like Jimmy Stewart with a leather vest and muscles," Dergarbedian said. "He's a great modern-day action hero."

This is also likely not the last Jurassic film audiences will see. Pratt has stated in interviews that he has signed on for future installments, but right now, Universal is focusing on what's in theatres.