Spider-Man: No Way Home earned an incredible $587.2m (£443.3m) in its opening weekend at the worldwide box office, it has been confirmed.
The movie, which features a plethora of guest stars in an epic multiverse plot, began opening globally on Wednesday and has been met with positive acclaim from critics.
The total box office figure includes a stunning $253m (£190.1m) in North America - already enough to make it the highest-grossing film of 2021 and 2020 and the third highest-grossing opening weekend on record.
The strong box office receipts come despite worldwide uncertainty following the emergence of the omicron strain of coronavirus, which has already led to social distancing measures being reimposed in many countries.
Sony Pictures chief exec Tom Rothman said: "This weekend's historic Spider-Man: No Way Home results, from all over the world and in the face of many challenges, reaffirm the unmatched cultural impact that exclusive theatrical films can have when they are made and marketed with vision and resolve.
"All of us at Sony Pictures, are deeply grateful to the fabulous talent, both in front of and behind the camera, that produced such a landmark film.
"Thanks to their brilliant work, this Christmas everyone can enjoy the big screen gift of 2021's mightiest Super Hero - your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man."
Spider-Man producer Amy Pascal recently revealed that the studio is already working on plans for a new trilogy of movies, the first of which is expected in 2023 or 2024.
Neil Wilkes
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