‘Spectre’ races to $5.3 million Thursday night

Daniel Craig’s fourth James Bond movie is off to a dashing start at the domestic box office.

“Spectre” -- from Sony Pictures, MGM and EON Productions -- grossed $5.25 million in ticket sales from Thursday night preview shows in 3,221 theaters. That’s more than the $4.6 million that 2012’s global hit “Skyfall” did in pre-shows.

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The new film, directed by Sam Mendes, is expected to open with roughly $80 million in the U.S. and Canada this weekend, after sustaining a robust opening run in Britain and other countries. Sony is projecting a conservative $60 million to $65 million in box-office receipts through Sunday.

“Skyfall” posted the biggest opening in 007 history, with more than $88 million. It eventually grossed $1.1 billion worldwide.

“Spectre” hasn’t been as well-reviewed as its predecessor, and it’s also facing substantial competition from 20th Century Fox’s “The Peanuts Movie,” which could take in $50 million to $55 million this weekend as it opens domestically.

Follow Ryan Faughnder on Twitter for more entertainment business coverage: @rfaughnder

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