Four years after "The Return of the King" set the $8 million record for a midnight screening, cinemagoers have boosted the latest "Harry Potter" flick above the bar: "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" rang up a stunning $12 million for its witching (and wizarding) hour screenings early Wednesday.
"Harry" continued strong as the sun went up, with box office soothsayers predicting a $44.3 million opening for Wednesday alone. If that number holds, the film will surpass the reigning Wednesday champ: "Spider-Man 2," with its $40.4 million.
"Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" is the fifth installment of the legendary series. Though "Order" is currently the worst-reviewed "Harry Potter" film, it still stands high with a Certified Fresh 74 percent Tomatometer.
No doubt putting a spell on the boxoffice.
Source: Variety, Fantasy Moguls
