Since its opening in the U.K. on 26 October (15), 007's latest cinematic outing has earned an estimated $63.8 million (£41.7 million) in its first seven days of release.

Daniel Craig's fourth appearance as the British spy beat its predecessor Skyfall's record for the highest seven-day gross in U.K. box office history, with its $63.8 million edging out Skyfall's previous record of $59.2 million (£37.2 million).

Movie bosses at the film's studio Sony Pictures are "delighted" with the film's record breaking earning power, which also smashed Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban's record for the highest earning opening week, which had stood at $38.2 million (£23.9 million).

"We are delighted that audiences in the U.K. and Ireland continue to embrace these stories about one of our biggest and best cultural icons," says Peter Taylor, Managing Director Sony Pictures UK.

"This opening proves once again, that the film world of James Bond speaks to cinema-goers like no other."

Globally, the film has taken in $80.4 million (£50.2 million) at the box office, a figure which will receive a major boost when it opens in the U.S. on 6 November (15).