World News
Joker becomes first R-rated film to hit $1 Billion at global box office
Comic book film Joker passed the $1bn (£772m) mark in global ticket sales this weekend, becoming the first R-rated movie to do so.
A US R rating requires everyone under the age of 17 watching the film in a cinema to be accompanied by an adult.
Joker is currently number seven on this weekend’s US box office chart, with Le Mans film Ford v Ferrari topping the chart with takings of $31m (£24m).
The latest Charlie’s Angels movie could only manage to open in third spot.
The reboot, which stars Kristen Stewart and UK actresses Naomi Scott and Ella Balinska, took $8.6m (£6.6m) between Friday and Sunday.
World War Two naval drama Midway was second this weekend, taking $8.8m (£6.8m).
Joker became the most profitable comic book movie of all time earlier this month.
It has now reached $1bn despite not being released in China, where overseas releases with too much sex or violence can be blocked.
Its nearest R-rated rivals are 2018’s Deadpool 2 ($785m) and its 2016 predecessor Deadpool ($783m), both starring Ryan Reynolds.
The film divided critics but is tipped for Oscar nominations, and has also stirred up controversy for its portrayals of mental illness and violence.
SOURCE: BBC