'Potter' is highest-grossing film in U.K.

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LONDON, July 27 (UPI) -- "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" is the highest-grossing film in the United Kingdom so far this year, Warner Bros. Pictures International said Monday.

Taking into account the $8.5 million it made this weekend, the movie has now grossed $54 million since it opened in U.K. cinemas July 15.

"Harry Potter is a uniquely British franchise, so it's fitting that this, the sixth movie in the series, is another phenomenal success at the U.K. box office," Josh Berger, president and managing director of Warner Bros. Entertainment U.K., said in a statement. "The performance of 'Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince' has been nothing short of astonishing; it has enjoyed the biggest five-day opening weekend of the year so far, become the highest grossing movie of 2009, and the fastest edition in the franchise to reach the ($54 million) point; all in just two and half weeks."

"We share this success with Jo Rowling, whose books are the foundation of this remarkable franchise, and the tremendous team-director, writer, cast and crew -- with whom I am privileged to work every day and whose ambition for the films never ceases to amaze me. Thanks also to our friends at Warner Bros. and the countless Harry Potter fans around the world for their continued and passionate support," added producer David Heyman.