The Force Awakens Breaks US Box Office Record

Star Wars: The Force Awakens has become the highest grossing film of all time in the United States and Canada.

Disney said ticket sales in the two countries had reached $758.2m (£518.3m) as of Tuesday, and would beat the record of $760.5m (£519.9m) set by Avatar on Wednesday.

The company also revealed the film has passed the $800m (£546.8m) mark overseas on Tuesday.

The film has taken in $1.5bn (£1.02bn) so far around the world, and is already the fourth highest-grossing movie of all time just three weeks after its release, Disney said.

Box office analysts say that to beat the global record of $2.8bn (£1.9bn) held by Avatar, The Force Awakens must do well in China, where it opens on Saturday.

The film is the seventh movie in the franchise, and reunites original cast members Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher and Mark Hamill, as well as introducing characters who are expected to develop the sci-fi saga through at least three more new movies.

Creator George Lucas sold the franchise to Disney in 2012 for $4.05bn.