Even without Harry, Hermione and Ron, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" cast a spell on audiences around the world this weekend. The Warner Bros. film, a spinoff of the hugely popular J.K. Rowling franchise, brought in an estimated $218 million at box offices around the world this weekend. The film's opening was in line with industry projections and represents a solid start for the new "Fantastic Beasts" franchise, which is slated for five films. The haul is even more impressive since the franchise -- set in the world of Harry Potter -- doesn't include the beloved characters from the series. Related: 'Fantastic Beasts' unleashes a so-so Harry Potter spinoff"Fantastic Beasts," which opened in 4,144 theaters in the U.S., used the Potter brand and good reviews to propel itself to the top of the weekend box office.

Source: CNN November 20, 2016 17:32 UTC