ComingSoon.net reports that "Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith" earned an incredible $50 million from 3,661 theaters on its first day, breaking the record set in 2004 by Spider-Man 2:

The $50 million opening, which includes $16.9 million from midnight screenings, blows away the $40.4 million opening day record held previously by Spider-Man 2 from 4,152 theaters,...

What can you expect since Lucas fell to the Dark Side. ;)

All these fans needed to rush out and see what they have been paying for.

BUT

boxofficemojo.com - Despite the enormity of its opening day, Revenge of the Sith is not a lock to break Spider-Man’s $114.8 million opening weekend record.

UPDATE 5-23-2005

SW:III didn’t break the record of the biggest three-day opening weekend, the Friday-through-Sunday span. Sith opened on Thursday and business then tapered off, the film’s $108.5 million weekend total fell short of 2002’s Spider-Man, which opened on a Friday and took in $114.8 million.

Thursday wasn’t a handicap at all since it pulled 50 million that day anyway. I really expected it to beat that record due to the midnight showings and opening day frenzy.