Spectre tops US box office but fails to beat Skyfall's opening weekend

Daniel Craig's latest outing as James Bond made $73 million

Daniel Craig in ‘Spectre (MGM Studios)

After receiving dazzling reviews across the board, Daniel Craig’s latest outing as James Bond, Spectre, managed to smash British box office records taking in $40 million in its first week.

Unfortunately, over in the US, 007’s adventure failed to meet the high expectations Skyfall had set, making $73 million at the box office over the weekend in comparison to its predecessors $88.3 million opening.

Of course, this is no disaster: the film still came up top of the box office, with The Peanuts Movie coming in second with $45 million.

It has been suggested the 24th Bond film may yet top Skyfall’s worldwide taking of $1.1 billion, having done better outside the US, making $296.1 in total so far.

Spectre could mark Craig’s last act as the MI6 spy. The 47-year-old has not confirmed whether he will return to the role but previously said he would rather “slash his wrists” than play the spy again. It was reported that Sony bosses told him to “shut up” by soon after.

Producers have since said they hope Craig will sign on for another film but no contract is in place yet.

In other Bond news, campaigners in Mexico have criticised the Mexican government for offering tax incentives for them to film in their country. One local said: “Bond may be a hero to some but for many here he is now cast as a villain.”

Spectre, starring Craig, Christopher Waltz, Ben Whishaw and Lea Seydoux, is in UK cinemas now.