"The Dark Knight Rises" earned $30.6 million from its midnight screenings around the country on early Friday morning, a record-breaking number that has taken a backseat after the tragic shooting at an Aurora, Co. movie theater.
At least 12 people have died with 59 injured after 24-year-old James Holmes opened fire during a midnight showing of "The Dark Knight Rises."
"Warner Bros. is deeply saddened to learn about this shocking incident," the studio behind "The Dark Knight Rises" said in a statement on Friday morning. "We extend our sincere sympathies to the families and loved ones of the victims at this tragic time."
The $30.6 million earned by "The Dark Knight Rises" is leaps ahead of the $18 million "Marvel's The Avengers" earned from its midnight screenings back in May. That film had the benefit of being in 3D, which upped the ticket prices for moviegoers.
That estimate gives "The Dark Knight Rises" the second-biggest midnight debut ever, behind "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2." (Another film that was in 3D.)
"The Dark Knight," the last Batman film from director Christopher Nolan, earned $158.4 million during its opening weekend in 2008, and that still stands as the highest-grossing opening ever for a 2D film. "Marvel's The Avengers" and "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2" both earned more -- $207.4 million and $169.1 million, respectively.
"The Dark Knight Rises" is in theaters now.
For up-to-the-minute news on the Aurora shooting, click here.
