James Bond: Quantum of Solace Deleted Scenes

Deleted scenes from Quantum of Solace.

The 007 film, Daniel Craig's second outing as a blond James Bond, took £15.5 million between its opening last Friday and Sunday night.

On the Friday it broke opening day UK box office records, taking £4.9 million, according to Sony Pictures.

Seven out of every £10 spent at the British cinema box office over the weekend was on the film, according to industry publication Screen Daily.

It beat the previous record for a British opening weekend, set by Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in 2005. The adaptation of JK Rowling's novel took £14.9 million.

In addition to the UK takings, Quantum of Solace took another £14.2 million in France and Sweden.

The Odeon in Leicester Square took more than £100,000 thanks to the film on both Friday and Saturday nights, a record for the West End cinema.

Craig's critical success in his first Bond movie, Casino Royale, has now translated into even greater commercial success for the second.

Despite mixed reviews from critics, Quantum of Solace took more than a third (35 per cent) more than Casino Royale, which grossed £11.4 million on its opening weekend two years ago.

Based on a short story by Ian Fleming, Quantum of Solace still has some important milestones to reach, however.

On 14 November it opens in the US. While a strong opening now appears all but assured, the question remains about whether it will be as well received by the viewing public over the Atlantic as it has been in Britain.

There is also the question of its longevity at the box office, and whether cinema-goers who are not die-hard Bond fans will see it.

Casino Royale took more than £50 million at the British box office.

Given the opening success of Quantum of Solace, its makers will be hoping the film will easily surpasses that figure.

The 22nd Bond film was directed by Marc Forster, who directed Academy Award winning Monster's Ball starring former Bond girl Halle Berry, and Finding Neverland with Johnny Depp.