'Potter' earns $330M at global box office

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BURBANK, Calif., Nov. 22 (UPI) -- "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 1" earned $330.1 million worldwide during its first weekend in theaters, Hollywood's Warner Bros. Pictures said.

The studio said the haul included $125.1 million domestically and $205 million internationally.

The announcement was made jointly Sunday by Dan Fellman, president of domestic distribution, and Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, president of international distribution at Warner Bros.

The domestic box-office numbers shattered the franchise's previous opening weekend record -- held by "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" at $102.6 million -- surpassing it by an astounding 23 percent.

"This is truly a motion picture phenomenon, and it is just the beginning for the penultimate release of the franchise. Based on the response to the film, we anticipate its success to carry on throughout the holiday season and beyond. It demonstrates once again the enduring power and popularity of Harry Potter," Fellman said in a statement.

"We are thrilled by the enthusiastic response of international audiences. It's a testament to the extraordinary vision of J.K. Rowling; the talents of the filmmakers, cast and everyone involved in the production; and to the hard work of our distribution and marketing teams around the world," Kwan-Rubinek added.

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -- Part 2" is to open July 15.