"Rogue One," the "Star Wars" spinoff movie, is premiering on Wednesday, Dec. 14, in the U.S. and opening between Dec. 15 to 17 worldwide. But ahead of its theater release, ticket sales have already surpassed box office projections. The man behind the "Star Wars" franchise, George Lucas, is also said to have raved about the new movie after watching it in advance.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, presales day ticket numbers for "Rogue One" have sold out on the first day. It generated even better sales than last year's "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" and it's projected to break at least over $130 million on its first day.
These numbers are just for the film's domestic (U.S.) release. The projection means that Disney could beat Universal's box office sales this year, with "Rogue One" pulling the studio to the top.
It should be worth noting that "Rogue One" will feature mostly new characters and stories in the "Star Wars" movie franchise, yet moviegoers are still eager to watch the upcoming film. From the beginning, Disney and Lucas Films intended to make "Rogue One" a completely standalone story. Even if it meets box office success, the movie will not have any sequels or prequels, according to Slash Film.
10 Days until #StarWars #RogueOne!
RT IF YOU'RE READY! pic.twitter.com/fuV43w6cm9— Felicity Jones (@FelicityJones__) December 6, 2016
Meanwhile, George Lucas has reportedly already seen "Rogue One" in its entirety. Director Gareth Edwards excitedly confirmed that the man who started the "Star Wars" franchise apparently loved the film. "I don't want to put words into his mouth, but I can honestly say that I can die happy now," the "Rogue One" director said of his conversation with George Lucas following the viewing, according to Business Insider.
"Rogue One" is headlined by actress Felicity Jones, as a rebel who plans to take over the Death Star. The film also features Diego Luna, Mads Mikkelsen, Riz Ahmed, Ben Mendelsohn, Forest Whitaker and Jimmy Smits.
One iconic "Star Wars" character, Darth Vader, will be heavily referenced in the spinoff film, though. James Earl Jones is also credited as part of the movie as the voice of the villain, Cinema Blend reports.
