'Quantum' top-grossing 007 film in N.A.

CULVER CITY, Calif., Jan. 8 (UPI) -- "Quantum of Solace" is the top James Bond film of all time at the North American box office after grossing $167.1 million, Columbia Pictures said Thursday.

The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures/Columbia Pictures film, which is the 22nd 007 adventure in the franchise and which stars Daniel Craig as the suave British secret agent, surpassed the $167 million grossed domestically by "Casino Royale," the previous Bond outing, Jeff Blake, chairman of Sony Pictures Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, said.

The film is still playing in 891 theaters in the United States.

"Quantum of Solace" has grossed another $382.9 internationally and is still yet to open in Japan.

"It is always gratifying when the audience responds to a film, but to be working with a character as successful as James Bond and see the two films Sony has handled become the two most successful films in the history of the franchise makes us all tremendously proud," Blake said in a statement. "It has been a special thrill to work on the Bond films, and we couldn't be more excited by the success of 'Quantum of Solace.'"