Elsewhere, 'Daddy's Home' and 'Joy' place No. 2 nd No 3, while 'Concussion' marks the lowest nationwide start of Will Smith's career and 'Point Break' wipes out; 'The Hateful Eight' and 'The Revenant' soar in limited debut.
Will Smith's 'Concussion' and 'Point Break' also open nationwide alongside Jennifer Lawrence-starrer 'Joy' and 'Daddy's Home,' which re-teams Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg.
J.J. Abrams' reboot has also surpassed the entire global gross of 'Star Wars: Episode II — Attack of the Clones'; a flurry of new movies open on Christmas Day.
David O. Russell's 'Joy,' Will Smith NFL drama 'Concussion' and Adam McKay's 'The Big Short' also open nationwide in the hunt for awards attention; the pricey 'Point Break' may struggle.