Fans of the wildly popular Harry Potter franchise are flocking to movie theaters around the world to see the last of eight films based on the books by British author J.K. Rowling.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is poised to set records in ticket sales, taking in $43 million in 26 countries outside the United States on its opening day, Wednesday. The film debuted in the key U.S. and British markets early Friday.
Its release brings to a close the famous tale of the boy wizard Harry Potter and his friends Hermione and Ron. The final installment is based on the second half of the seventh and final book and chronicles Harry's last battle with Voldemort, the most evil wizard of the series.
It is the first movie of the Warner Brothers franchise to offer three-dimensional showings. The higher price for 3D could help boost overall sales figures.
The finale had its world premiere in London last week. Eight thousand people poured into Trafalgar Square to greet the stars of the series.
In an interview, the actor who plays Harry, Daniel Radcliffe, thanked fans for their support and encouraged them to take their curiosity into the world and do "extraordinary things with it."
Harry Potter creator Rowling is known as the first author in the world to be worth $1 billion.
Her series has captivated millions, even spawning an amusement park and real-life games of the fictional sport featured in the books, known as Quidditch.
Harry Potter Fans Flock to Theaters for Final Film
