Back in November, we reported that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 earned an estimated $125.1 million at the U.S. box office over its opening weekend, besting the series’ prior opening-weekend record of $102.7 million, held by Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Opening day screenings alone generated an estimated $61.2 million. The film also earned an additional $205M overseas, including £17.5m / $28.0M in the UK for the biggest 3-day opening ever. Saturday’s £6.6M box office alone was the biggest single day ever in UK history.

Now, with an International box office take of over $657 million, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 has become the highest grossing installment in the Harry Potter franchise in international markets. Check out the official press release below, along with a bit about how Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is effecting the lovely Miss Emma Watson‘s life.

Official Press Release:

BURBANK, CA, March 9, 2011 – Warner Bros. Pictures’ Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 has become the highest grossing installment in the Harry Potter franchise in international markets. With just months to go before the release of the finale of the record-breaking film series based on the beloved books by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1 has earned a staggering $657.24 million and counting, soaring past the previous record-holder, 2001’s Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, which grossed $657 million. The announcement was made today by Veronika Kwan-Rubinek, President of International Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.
“It’s tremendously gratifying to reach this benchmark as we enter the final stretch of this remarkable journey,” said Jeff Robinov, President of Warner Bros. Pictures Group. “We share this achievement with Jo Rowling, whose books are the foundation of this rich and vibrant world, as well as the talented people who brought her vision to life on the screen.”
“We are also incredibly proud of our teams around the world who have brought a consistent level of excellence, passion and ingenuity to the campaigns for these films,” said Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing for Warner Bros. Pictures. “And, of course, we’re thrilled that longtime fans and new audiences alike have continued to champion each film, resulting in the huge success of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1.”
Kwan-Rubinek added, “These numbers speak to the phenomenal and enduring strength of this property, which has captivated audiences across all borders, regardless of age or culture. We’re looking forward to releasing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 this summer, which will be a fitting way to bring to a close the movie event of a generation.”
With the success of its first six of seven titles, the Harry Potter series had already achieved the distinction of being the top-grossing film franchise of all time, with a combined worldwide gross of $6.37 billion. This benchmark for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 1—which has earned $951.8 million worldwide—as well as the anticipation for Part 2, opening globally on July 15, 2011, should ensure its place in film history for years to come.

While principal photography on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 wrapped sometime ago, post-production work on the film is still very much in progress. Emma Watson seems to be having trouble fitting all of her Harry Potter duties in with her college studies at Brown University.

Watson recently announced on her website that she will be taking a break from college to focus on her acting career, and to finish her work on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, which makes its way to theaters this summer.

“Hi everyone

As you know, I love Brown and I love studying pretty much more than anything but recently I’ve had so much to juggle that being a student AND fulfilling my other commitments has become a little impossible.

I’ve decided to take a bit of time off to completely finish my work on Harry Potter (the last one comes out this summer) and to focus on my other professional and acting projects. I will still be working towards my degree…it’s just going to take me a semester or two longer than I thought : )

Hope you are all well! Thank you for all your continuing support.
Emma xx “

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 is slated to hit theaters on July 15th, 2011. The film stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Alan Rickman, Gary Oldman, Ralph Fiennes, Bonnie Wright, Michael Gambon.