'Eclipse' Gets Widest Domestic Release In Hollywood History

Fans of "The Twilight Saga" are used to watching dreamy vampire Edward Cullen face down routinely shirtless werewolf Jacob Black over the heart of the beautiful Bella Swan — but it seems that Edward and Jacob have put aside their differences to team up against a new, unexpected opponent: Tony Stark.

Deadline Hollywood reports that "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" has already earned its first record without even officially landing in theaters. According to the report, "Eclipse" is currently slated to open in 4,416 theaters across North America, making it the single widest domestic release in Hollywood history. That same record was most recently held by Marvel Studios and Paramount's "Iron Man 2," which initially unspooled in 4,380 locations. Before that, "The Dark Knight" held the record in 2008 with 4,366 theaters.

There is currently no official count of how many locations plan to launch "Eclipse" with midnight showings on Wednesday (June 30).

Having already sunk its fangs into one record, the David Slade-directed "Eclipse" is well poised to cement its status in Hollywood history as it launches into theaters this week. In November, "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" enjoyed a massive $140 million opening weekend, more than doubling the initial numbers for the first "Twilight" film. With the summer season in full session, there's no telling how much damage "Eclipse" could do at the box office.

 Source