BEIJING -- The new Bond movie "Spectre" starring Daniel Craig, surpassed ticket sales of the last installment "Skyfall" Tuesday, taking in more than 376 million yuan ($58.9 million) five days after its opening in the world's second-largest film market.
Facing no other major competition, the 24th installment of the franchise also grabbed several other records, including the biggest Friday opening and the biggest weekend earning for a 2D movie.
Since "Casino Royale" in 2007, all four Bond movies played by Daniel Craig have been shown in China as the series forges a close relationship with the Chinese market.
Scenes in "Skyfall" were shot in the streets of Shanghai. During the promotion of "Spectre," Daniel Craig showed up at a TV gala to celebrate Singles' Day on Nov 11, an online shopping festival created by Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba.
As the most expensive Bond movie, "Spectre" cost roughly $350 million.