Star Wars: The Force Awakens Is Already Breaking Ticket Sale Records

Star Wars: The Force Awakens isn't even out yet and it's already breaking records.

Sources told The Wall Street Journal and The Hollywood Reporter today that ticket pre-sales have so far generated more than $50 million in North America alone. That's more than double the previous record of $25 million, set by 2012's Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises.

THR's sources added that IMAX sales alone accounted for one third of all pre-sale ticketing revenue.

The $50 million figure is likely to balloon even further in the lead-up to The Force Awakens' release in December, as pre-sale tickets have not yet sold out. THR surveyed major online ticketing services and found there are still "plenty of seats" available for opening-weekend showings.

Pre-sales opened on October 19, timed with the release of a new trailer. Demand was so strong that some ticketing sites crashed.

WSJ reports that many in Hollywood are predicting The Force Awakens will topple Jurassic World's $209 million in first-weekend sales to have the biggest opening in film history. But even if it doesn't beat that initial mark, The Force Awakens--which opens December 18--could enjoy a strong performance over its next two weeks. That's because many adults will be off work and children out of school for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.

Avatar remains the top-performing movie of all time in terms of box office receipts with $2.79 billion. WSJ explains that The Force Awakens will need to perform well in China and Russia, regions where the Star Wars franchise is not as ingrained in pop culture, if it wants to topple that mark.

The Force Awakens is directed by JJ Abrams and stars Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Oscar Isaac, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, and Mark Hamill.