CMU California - Star Wars: The Force Awakens has become the first film in movie history to blast past the $900 million (£621 million) milestone at the North American box office. The sci-fi epic, directed by J.J. Abrams, previously became the highest-grossing release in North American film history, after recently passing the $760.5 million (£524.3 million) Avatar hauled in 2009. The sequel has continued to haul in big profits for Disney, and on Friday (05Feb16), it crossed the $900 million (£621 million) mark in the domestic market. It is also poised to crack $2 billion globally on Saturday (06Feb16), according to industry experts. The feat will make The Force Awakens only the third film ever to surpass the huge milestone, behind only Titanic and Avatar, which were both shot by James Cameron. “This is a historic moment for Star Wars, for Lucasfilm, and for Disney, and all of us here are extremely gratified to be a part of this journey with fans around the world who have made Star Wars: The Force Awakens such an extraordinary success,” Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn said in a statement. “The film’s achievements are truly astounding, and it’s our great honor to relaunch this cinematic galaxy not only for all the devoted decades-long fans but for a new generation who will keep the Star Wars legacy alive for many years to come.” The Force Awakens isn’t too far behind Titanic, which earned $2.187 billion worldwide, while Avatar holds a safe lead with $2.788 billion.