With consumers shunning theaters because of COVID-19, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. tried to find a new outlet for one of its crown jewels. The studio talked to streaming services, including Apple Inc. and Netflix Inc., about a cash offer for the latest unreleased James Bond film ¡°No Time to Die.¡±
Fortunately for cinema fans and theater chains, the studio reverted back to its original plan to release the picture on the big screen. ¡°No Time to Die¡± has been opening internationally this week to strong reviews and impressive ticket sales, given the pandemic. It¡¯s billed as the last Bond film to star Daniel Craig, who is retiring from the role.
Early signs are good. ¡°No Time to Die¡± grossed $27.2 million on Friday across Universal and MGM markets, reaching a cumulative audience of $51.4 million, the company said. It¡¯s headed for an estimated international opening of $112.9 million from 54 markets, and in like-for-like terms, the film is in line with ¡°Skyfall,¡± and just below ¡°Spectre.¡±
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