I think it was just the anticipation that gives Indy its big Box Office. The character has such a mass appeal and is so universal.
I think Indy, along with Star Wars, Spider-Man and others present a more simplified, straight up hero and Good vs evil with a feelgood factor, that parents are comfortable with. Bond is not really trying to achieve this in films such as CR, there are grey areas, Bond has a dark side to him and is a bit more complex, not your straight up good guy. CR also has a slightly bitter ending overall compared to the hero getting the girl and living happily ever after.
And I think especially in the US, Bond is not numero uno, but is still big box office. But on Worldwide box office Bond is up there with the top echelon.
In the US, Casino Royale got beaten by a number of big films in 2006 , but it was still around the top 10. But Indy, Star Wars, Harry Potter, LOTR , Pirates etc. Because of their appeal, and some to younger audiences, can draw more cash in the US. I am not surprised Indy has got 310Mill in the US compared to 167 Mill for CR. It has a larger demographic, and for all the other reasons(long gap between films etc..).
CR has the same sort of audience as the Bourne films, it is not really for, or aimed at children, although children will see it. But the family outings such as Spider-Man, X-Men, Star Wars etc... May draw many of the young adults and over 13s, that Bond does not draw.
I think that Batman looks also well hyped and will get a big audience, along with Iron Man this year in the US, and Harry Potter to come, I don't expect QOS to get near them in the US(somewhere about 200Mill would be a good result), but worldwide, I hope it will be up there with them(600 mill+).
As Long as QOS is a great Bond film, though, and is reasonably successful, that is all I am bothered about.
Edited by BoogieBond, 13 July 2008 - 11:13 PM.