LONDON (AFP) ― The latest James Bond film “Skyfall” has become the first movie ever to take 100 million pounds at the British box office, it was announced Monday.

The 23rd official Bond film surpassed the landmark, equivalent of $162 million (123 million euros), after becoming the highest grossing film ever in Britain earlier this month when it overtook the 94 million pounds generated by “Avatar.”

“Skyfall” achieved the figure in just 40 days, while “Avatar” (2009) took 11 months to amass its total.

Globally, the new Bond film has taken more than $1 billion.

It is a mark of the franchise’s continuing appeal as it celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Daniel Craig’s third appearance as British secret agent Bond is still on general release more than two months after it first hit British cinemas.

The movie sees Bond battling with villain Raoul Silva (played by Javier Bardem), who aims to take revenge on his former boss M (Judi Dench).