Cinema-goers will happily be Beauty and the Beast's guests as Disney's live adaptation has just landed one of the top box office openings of all time.
The reimagining of the1991 classic animation - starring Emma Watson as a modern day Belle and Dan Stevens as the rugged Beast - also scored the biggest opening for a PG-rating ever, both here and in the US, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
So far the film has earned a staggering $170 million at the US box office, and $350 million globally, setting an impressive five box office records in one go. The film - directed by Bill Condon - now holds the the biggest domestic and international opening of all time, leaping ahead of last year's Finding Dory.
It has also become the seventh biggest opening in history - just behind the final installment of the Harry Potter franchise - and the biggest debut for a film with a female lead, as well as being 26-year-old Watson's biggest opener to date.
Disney has set a new record for itself too - the film has become the studio's highest debuting of Disney's live-action remakes, toppling Alice in Wonderland's $116.1 million opening.
Beauty and the Beast's producer David Hoberman offered suggestions for the film's huge success, telling The Hollywood Reporter: 'This is such a beloved property. And in such a time of uncertainty in this country, and all over the world, I think this movie gives people a sense of joy and comfort.'
Its unprecedented success is a positive result following the furore and controversy made by some countries over the film's 'exclusively gay moment' as described by director Condon. It introduces LeFou - played by Josh Gad - as an LGBT character. He appears to pine romantically for his sidekick Luke Evans's Gaston.
Disney has pulled the film from Malaysia after the country's censorship board refused to approve it unless the 'gay moment' was cut, and Russia has given it an adult-only rating.
Naomi Gordon is news writer mainly covering entertainment news with a focus on celebrity interviews and television.
