It's already smashed box office records overseas, but in Australia there's just one question: Can Bond beat Batman?
New 007 film Quantum of Solace earned more than $36 million on its opening weekend in Britain, breaking the $35 million record held by 2005 film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
It is expected to have a similar reception when it opens in the US on Friday, and at its Australian premiere on November 19.
But whether it can beat the Australian opening weekend record of $14 million set in July by Batman blockbuster The Dark Knight, starring Christian Bale, only time will tell.
Sony Pictures managing director Stephen Basil-Jones hopes the film will take at least $7 million at its opening weekend in Australia.
"What we're aiming for is trying to surpass what we did on Casino Royale," he said. "That film took about $6.8 million on its opening weekend - our aim is to beat that."
About 2000 people are expected to turn out at the Sydney premiere, alongside stars Daniel Craig and Olga Kurylenko.
Adelaide cinemas are bracing themselves for bumper audiences, with many sessions already booked out.
Danielle Tsogas, from Greater Union, said advance ticket sales for Quantum had been "terrific".
"Many of those pre-booking are wanting to ensure they don't miss out on being one of the first to get in and see it," she said. "The last Bond release took over $30 million, which was a surprise to everyone. So if that's anything to go by, then we're in for a big one."
Wallis programming manager Bob Parr said he expected Quantum to "turn the tide" on the current lull in cinema attendances, despite the economic crisis.
"In bad times like this, people actually go to the movies more; rather than spend money and go away, they're more likely to stay home," he said. "The UK is in much worse strife than we are and this film took 20 per cent more than Casino Royale did (in 2006)."
The film kicks off the summer blockbuster season, with Baz Luhrmann's epic Australia to open on November 26, High School Musical 3 on December 4, and Madagascar 2 on December 18.
Media Man Australia Profiles
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