Box Office: ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Roared To $75 Million Opening Gross In The US; Weekend Global Gross To Reach $200M

J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter spin-off "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" has won the hearts of muggles at the Friday box office, raking $30 million for the day and a pleasing $75 million on more for the weekend. Thursday-night previews saw the film hauling $8.75 million.

"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" also played around the world, where it took $23.5 million from its global markets such South Korea, France, Australia, and Russia. The fantasy film is predicted to generate $200 million globally through Sunday.

The movie stars Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander who tries to retrieve magical creatures that have escaped from his valise and have wreaked havoc in 1926 New York City. "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" is written by British author J.K. Rowling who also penned the widely popular "Harry Potter" series.

The cast for "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" also includes Colin Farrell, Dan Fogler, Katherine Waterston, and Samantha Morton. Directorial credit goes to David Yates who helmed the last four "Harry Potter" movies. He has been tapped to do the second "Fantastic Beasts" movie.

"Fantastic Beasts" is a litmus test for producer Warner Brothers and author Rowling as they plan to produce five more films, without Harry Potter himself. The film has been received warmly by critics including "New York Daily News" Joe Dziemianowicz who commended Yates for being in his elements and "ReelViews'" James Berardinelli who describes the film as an enjoyable standalone.

Forbes magazine reported if "Fantastic Beasts" will play strictly to fans or will attract more general audience. It compared the film's opening box office receipts to other "Harry Potter" films which all had impressive first-day and first-weekend grosses.

"Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them"" will open more international markets including Spain, the U.K., and Mexico.