Casino Royale box-office projections increased, buoyed by positive buzz

Variety have projected the Casino Royale box-official potential has increased since the first estimates were made.

"Casino Royale" bows Thursday in the U.K. and bookers are very upbeat about the pic's prospects, projecting a $19 million (£10 million) opening four-day figure.

Exhibs consider "Casino Royale" to be a "genuine four-quadrant movie" and note that the trailer, featuring a semi-clad Craig, has been exciting female auds.

According to the industry trade paper, final U.K. gross projections have been upped from $47.5 million ($25 million) six months ago to current estimates of between $65 million and $75 million.

But Bond's arrival does not have to mean the demise of "Borat," which has grossed $27,129,547 in 11 days in the U.K.

"The two films can combine to sell out theaters across the U.K. on Friday and Saturday," said one booker.

"Casino Royale" also bows in Russia, the Middle East, Greece, Turkey, Poland and the Czech Republic on Nov. 16. It goes out Nov. 22 in France and Belgium, Nov. 23 in Germany, Holland and Portugal, and Nov. 24 in Spain, Austria, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. Italian auds have to wait until Jan. 5 for their next Bond fix.

Thanks to `Brokenclaw` for the alert.

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