Move over, Harry Potter — another big-time movie franchise is making serious box office magic.

"Skyfall," the latest installment in the long and legendary James Bond film series, opened to huge returns in the United Kingdom this week. The ticket sales were enough to dethrone "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" and give "Skyfall" the biggest opening week of all time in the U.K.

The 23rd James Bond film took in 32.7 million pounds — or $59.5 million — over the course of its opening week across the pond, enough to solidify its place in the record books.

But "Skyfall" did fall short of overtaking "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" in just one weekend. The new Bond film brought in 20.1 million pounds in its opening weekend, a few million less than the 23 million pounds "Deathly Hallows: Part 2" took in during its first weekend run.

MGM chief Gary Barber touted the accomplishment in an interview with The Sun and said the record set by "Skyfall" is a sign of how important the James Bond franchise is.

"The continued record-breaking success of this film is a true testament to all involved and the global power of this 50-year-old franchise," Barber said.

"Skyfall" producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said in a prepared statement that they greatly appreciate the fans who made the opening week of "Skyfall" such a momentous occasion.

"We are very grateful to the Bond fans and all UK cinema audiences for making 'Skyfall' the biggest opening week ever during our 50th anniversary year," the statement said.

Daniel Craig makes his third turn as 007 in "Skyfall," which follows "Casino Royale" in 2006 and "Quantum of Solace" in 2008. "Skyfall" also stars Javier Bardem, Judi Dench, Ralph Fiennes and Albert Finney.

Though "Skyfall" did record business during its opening in the United Kingdom, the film is still untested in the United States, where it is set to open nationwide on Nov. 9.

Tags: skyfall james bond Daniel Craig Harry Potter