‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ Crosses $900M Domestic Box Office Mark

Peter Mayhew and Harrison Ford in "Star Wars: The Force Awakens (Photo by Lucasfilm).

LOS ANGELES - Today, in its 50th day of release, Star Wars: The Force Awakens is expected to cross the $900 million mark at the domestic box office. It is the only film in history to reach this milestone.

In addition, on Saturday (53rd day of global release), Star Wars: The Force Awakens is expected to reach the $2 billion mark worldwide, becoming only the third film ever to do so and just the second to do it in original release.

“This is a historic moment for Star Wars, for Lucasfilm, and for Disney, and all of us here are extremely gratified to be a part of this journey with fans around the world who have made Star Wars: The Force Awakens such an extraordinary success,” said Alan Horn, Chairman, The Walt Disney Studios. “The film’s achievements are truly astounding, and it’s our great honor to relaunch this cinematic galaxy not only for all the devoted decades-long fans but for a new generation who will keep the Star Wars legacy alive for many years to come.”

Through February 4, Star Wars: The Force Awakens has earned an estimated $899.1 million domestically and $1,095.6 million internationally for a global total of $1,994.7 million. Opening internationally December 16 and domestically December 18, Star Wars: The Force Awakens posted the all-time biggest global and domestic debuts with $528.9 million and $247.9 million respectively. Over the course of its eight-week run, it has set numerous other records, including:

— Biggest domestic preview gross ($57 million)

— Biggest opening day domestically ($119.1 million)

— Biggest domestic second weekend ($149.2 million)

— Biggest domestic third weekend ($90.2 million)

— Biggest opening week domestically ($390.8 million)

— Biggest opening weekend in 18 territories: U.K. (4-day), Australia, Russia, Germany, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Austria, Poland (3-day), Denmark (5-day), Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, Croatia, Ukraine, Iceland, Serbia, New Zealand

— Fastest film to $1B globally (12 days)

— Biggest film of all time in the U.S. and the U.K.

Directed by J.J. Abrams, written by Lawrence Kasdan & J.J. Abrams and Michael Arndt, and produced by Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams and Bryan Burk, Star Wars: The Force Awakens was named one of AFI’s top ten films of 2015 and has received five Academy Award nominations, for film editing, visual effects, sound editing, sound mixing, and for series composer John Williams’ original score.

The Star Wars Saga continues December 15, 2017, in Star Wars: Episode VIII, picking up in the wake of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Later this year, Rogue One, a new adventure detailing events prior to Star Wars: A New Hope, takes flight on December 16, 2016.

MTV to Premiere New Season of Iconic Series ‘The Real World’ on March 17

The new cast of "Real World: Go Big or Go Home," includes (from left to right) Sabrina, Chris, Kailah, Dean, Jenna, CeeJai and Dione (Photo by MTV Networks/Xavier Guerra).

NEW YORK – MTV HAS announced the premiere date, twist and cast of iconic series "Real World: Go Big or G​o Home." This season which premieres on Thursday, March 17th at 10PM ET/PT, seven strangers are brought together in Downtown Las Vegas for a wild, adrenaline-filled season that will confront their hopes, fears, and anxieties.  From the moment they first meet, they are thrown into a series of over the top, daring missions – some for the entire group and some designed specifically for each individual – but always with the caveat that if they can't complete the mission, they are sent home and another roommate will take their spot.

Living in a tricked out suite atop the Gold Spike hotel, the diverse roommates must learn to live together not knowing what the next day or next hour will bring.  From jumping out of a hot air balloon to performing on stage in a strip club, or meeting the birth mom who placed them for adoption, the roommates are forced to face deeply emotional moments from their past while accomplishing dreams they never thought possible.  In typical Vegas style, they always 'go big' – but if they fail, it will be time to go home. 

"Real World: Go Big or Go Home" Cast includes:

DEAN - This charming hunk is going through a divorce and looking to explore his life as a bachelor.  Dean grew up until the age of 5 in Ghana, Africa and then moved to Las Vegas with his father.  He attended the University of Nevada, Reno where he wooed the sorority girls with his humor and pretty boy vibes until meeting the woman he had a nightmare relationship with. Dean is coming into the Real World looking for a fresh start and is ready to cut loose in Las Vegas. 

KAILAH - This stunning flirt credits her Puerto Rican heritage for her notable eyebrows, impressive derriere, and loud unpredictable personality.  Unafraid of the casual hook up, Kailah warns guys not to fall in love with her due to her sexual prowess. A mean girl in high school, Kailah was a cheerleader and was voted "Gossip Queen" by her peers.  Though she was popular growing up, Kailah admits to having very few friends due to her strong personality and to this day has trouble maintaining friendships and roommates.  While living in the Real World house, Kailah hopes to work on her patience and grow past her drama queen phase.

SABRINA - Often viewed as aggressive, this Boston bred beauty is not afraid to speak her mind.  This aspiring singer/song-writer has a fascination with whip cream and an ability to sexualize any situation.  Sabrina was adopted as a baby and her biggest fear is to find and meet her biological mother. She has heard rumors that her mother lives either in Vegas or California but she isn't sure.  Sabrina wants to find and hopefully meet her biological mom but is worried about what she will find out if she goes down that road.

CEEJAI - Growing up in East St., Illinois, Ceejai' was faced with many tough obstacles.  Not only has she lost several friends to gun violence, but it has also directly impacted her family. Turning a tragedy into social action, Ceejai works to bring awareness to her community about gun violence and domestic abuse.  She hopes to eventually pursue a career as an attorney to fight for stronger gun laws and bring promise back to the tough neighborhood in which she was raised. Ceejai', an adrenaline junky and currently single, is hoping that this experience will open up a whole new world for her.

JENNA - Don't let this Southern bombshell's looks fool you, this feisty tomboy knows how to get down and dirty – from shooting guns to bow and arrows in her bikini.  A proud Southerner, Jenna is very vocal about her beliefs and the traditions she was raised with; and is no doubt the only roommate with a pet pig at home. Jenna was raised by her deer-hunting Mormon father, until she moved in with her mother at the age of 15.  Real World will be a chance for Jenna to explore life, culture, and beliefs outside of her country town of Easley, South Carolina. 

CHRIS - Christopher is a Salt Lake City bred Mormon boy turned liberal New York City hipster. His disassociation from the Mormon Church and recent acceptance of his 'pansexuality' have fueled his fight against religious discrimination, made him an advocate for LGBTQ rights, and put him at odds with his conservative family. Chris is on a journey to find his true self and enter a new chapter of life where he refuses to say "no" to anything.  What better place to put that into practice than in the Las Vegas Real World house?

DIONE - Better known as "Jungle Boy", this adrenaline junkie prides himself on living life on the edge without the burden of responsibility.  Having fully embraced the Peter Pan lifestyle of never growing up, his biggest fear is having a 9-5 job, or having to work at all for that matter. Dione would much rather find women that will fall to his charm and boyish personality, rather than get into anything serious. His female roommates are sure to lust over this "Jungle Boy", but only time will tell if his roommates can handle his crazy, over-energized antics.

 "Real World" pioneered reality-based television debuting its first season in New York City.  Each season, the show brings seven young strangers to live together in a new town and rolls the cameras 24-7, witnessing as their lives intersect, their ideas are challenged, and their passions emerge.

Throughout the 30 seasons of the series, "Real World" has been one of the network's highest rated shows.  Last season's "Real World: Skeletons" ranked #1 in its time period across all television among MTV's core P12-34 audience with an average viewership of 1.4 million.

Source: P12-34 and L7 unless noted.  Nielsen.  ​

"Real World" was created for MTV by Jonathan Murray and Mary-Ellis Bunim of Bunim/Murray Productions.  Jonathan Murray, Gil Goldschein and Jim Johnston serve as Executive Producers of "Real World."

Sony to Distribute Morgan Spurlock's ''The Eagle Huntress' Documentary

"The Eagle Huntress," a documentary by executive produder Morgan Spurlock and director Otto Bell, has been nabbed by Sony Pictures Classics for distribution.

LOS ANGELES - Sundance hit film "The Eagle Huntress"  – a film by Otto Bell has come to rest at Sony Pictures Classics (SPC). A distribution deal was announced today by the film's producers with SPC acquiring distribution rights in North America, Latin America, Germany, Australia/New Zealand, Scandinavia and Asia.

Directed by Otto Bell, and Executive Produced by Academy Award-nominated director/producer Morgan Spurlock and actress Daisy Ridley ("Star Wars: The Force Awakens"), THE EAGLE HUNTRESS is the spellbinding true story of Aisholpan, a 13-year old Mongolian girl who is striving to become the first female Eagle Hunter in the 2,000 years of male dominated history.

Aisholpan is a real life role model on an epic journey to win victory in a faraway land. Under the tutelage and support of her father and her grandfather, she learns all aspects of this ancient tradition, including taming her very own eaglet and training for the annual Golden Eagle Festival, which involves competing against 70 male Eagle Hunters. She even dreams of hunting in the frozen winters to prove that a girl can do anything a boy can, so long as she's determined.

The film is set amongst the magical Altai Mountains of Northwestern Mongolia - the most remote part of the least populated country on Earth. This little known world is rich in exquisitely preserved tradition, yet spoiled by an ignorance that is perpetuated by this isolation. For far too long, women have been seen as "too fragile" to hunt with an eagle. Aisholpan is out to prove them wrong and change history.

"Without question Sony Pictures Classics is the dream distributor for our film," stated director Bell. "Now audiences around the world can enjoy Aisholpan's story on the big screen. We are all very grateful for SPC's passionate belief in this film."

"This is a spectacular, one of a kind movie. This young girl's true story about her amazing skills with eagles is told in a fresh and exciting way. It will inspire audiences of all ages," said Sony Pictures Classics.

"The Eagle Huntress" had its world premiere last week at the 2016 Sundance to standing ovations and sold out screenings. Aisholpan, together with her father and mother, made the over 6000-mile journey from Mongolia to Park City, Utah to present the film and participate in discussions.

"The Eagle Huntress" is the first feature documentary from director Otto Bell and is produced by Stacey Reiss and Sharon Chang. Daisy Ridley, Morgan Spurlock, Jeremy Chilnick, Marc H. Simon, Dan Cogan, Regina K. Scully, Barbara Dobkin and Susan Maclaury are executive producers in association with Artemis Rising Foundation, Impact Partners, Shine Global and Warrior Poets. The film is edited by Pierre Takal and director of photography is Simon Niblett with the film's theme song written and sung by internationally renowned singer/songwriter SIA.

'Law & Order: SVU" Creator Dick Wolf Extends Deal with NBC Through 2020

Veteran producer Dick Wolf has extended his deal with NBC through 2020 (Photo by NBC).

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – Iconic television creator/producer Dick Wolf has signed a new overall deal with NBCUniversal that extends his relationship with the network through 2020.

In addition, NBC has given an 18thseason renewal for “Law & Order: SVU” as well as a pickup for the second season of Wolf’s newest drama, “Chicago Med.” Both “Chicago Fire” (season 5) and “Chicago P.D.” (season 4) have previously been renewed.

Wolf is also in active development for the latest incarnation of the Chicago franchise, “Chicago Law,” as well as the reality series “Law & Order: You the Jury,” where the audience will decide the binding result of a live court case.

“Dick Wolf is a without a doubt one of the greatest producers in the history of dramatic television,” said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman, NBC Entertainment. “The ‘Law & Order’ legacy would have been enough to set him apart from all the rest, but the Chicago franchise now kicks him into the stratosphere. He has been a defining voice of NBC for over a generation, and he is most welcome at this company forever.”

Added Jennifer Salke, President, NBC Entertainment: “I’m personally thrilled to be working so closely with Dick, and on behalf of everyone at NBC and Universal Television we are so happy to extend our relationship with all the incredibly talented people at Wolf Entertainment. His brand is pure quality, and our continuing partnership is not only great for us but even better for broadcast television.”

“I’ve been in the same office, with the same phone number, for 30 years. I’m glad people won’t have to learn a new one,” Wolf said. “Staying was really a foregone conclusion. My partnership with Bob has been the best relationship I’ve ever had with the head of a network. He has also assembled a great team of executives at both the network and the studio who make it possible for the Wolf Entertainment team to turn out multiple shows. It is truly a synergistic group effort that makes me enormously excited about both the present and the future.”

So far this season, “Law & Order: SVU” originals have averaged a 2.8 rating in adults 18-49 and 10.0 million viewers overall in L+7 results from Nielsen Media Research. “SVU” has built on its regular lead-in by an average of +45% in adult 18-49 rating (L+SD) and the Nov. 11 telecast generated “SVU’s” most dominant head-to-head win to date versus time-period rival “Criminal Minds,” a +25% margin.

“Chicago Med” originals are averaging a 2.8 rating in adults 18-49 and 11.3 million viewers overall, according to  L+7 results from Nielsen Media Research. In the Tuesday 9-10 p.m. ET slot, “Chicago Med” has prevailed over regular competition on the Big 4 networks with five of six telecasts to date in adults 18-49 (L+SD). ”Chicago Med” has improved that time period by +58% versus NBC’s slot average for the prior season, excluding weeks when “The Voice” ran in the slot in 18-49 and by +114% in total viewers.

Wolf, one of the most successful television producers of all time, is the creator of the “Law & Order”-branded series and is a two-time Emmy Award-winning producer. His company produced the Oscar-winning documentary “Twin Towers” and the Grammy Award-winning documentary on the Doors, titled “When You’re Strange.”  Wolf  Entertainment currently produces NBC’s “Law & Order: SVU,” “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.” and “Chicago Med” with Universal Television.