Disney, Lucasfilm React to Audience Response to New STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS Trailer

Variety reports with less than two months until the theatrical debut of the much-awaited STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS, Disney and Lucasfilm thanked fans for the record-breaking pre-sales as well as the huge viewership of the newest trailer for the film, which premiered during halftime on MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL.

The STAR WARS creators at Lucasfilm were "totally overwhelmed by the enthusiasm we've seen from fans this week and throughout the lead-up to this film." The fan reaction seems to be more than just enthusiastic, the trailer receiving 112 million views online within the first 24 hours as well as the 16 million viewers who watched the trailer live on ESPN Monday night.

"Thank you all for making the 'Star Wars' universe what it is, for keeping it alive and growing and meaningful," said a statement from the company. "'Star Wars' is back and beginning an exciting new journey, and it's because of you."

EPISODE VII of the STAR WARS franchise had set new presale records by Tuesday, obliterating the previous front runner, THE HUNGER GAMES, in first-day ticket sales. The J.J. Abrams-directed picture surpassed the THE HUNGER GAMES record by more than eight times and traffic on Fandango's site rose to seven times above its peak level in less than 24 hours.

Lucasfilm said the excitement for the film as well as the incredible ticket sales is worldwide. In the United Kingdom, more than 200,000 tickets were purchased on the first day they went on sale. Fans in Norway braved sub-zero temperatures to purchase their tickets early. Even with the record-setting sales, the company said tickets remain available for the opening weekend, following the Dec. 18 debut.

Lucasfilm and Disney delightedly discussed the film's sales, and the reaction to Monday's trailer. "But more than numbers, there was discussion, there were reaction videos, there were fun memes," said a statement. "There were cheers and there were tears from fans young and old. We saw and loved it all, and it meant the world to creators of the film. And we were equally blown away by the advance ticket sales."

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