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Jurassic World Congratulates Star Wars: The Force Awakens On Box Office Record

‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ has smashed the box office… and former record-holder ‘Jurassic World’ says congratulations with style.

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It’s no secret that ‘Star Wars 7’ completely destroyed previous box office records this weekend – including the one set by ‘Jurassic World’ for the biggest opening weekend of all time.

But there are no hard feelings as ‘Jurassic World’ raises a glass to ‘The Force Awakens’.

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‘Jurassic World’ producer Frank Marshall has taken to Twitter, releasing the rather awesome image of his beloved T-Rex bestowing BB-8 with a medal.

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The caption reads: “Universal Pictures, Steven, Frank and Colin congratulate Star Wars: The Force Awakens on the biggest opening weekend in galactic history.”

Of course, there’s no wonder that this friendly rivalry is so amicable – after all, Frank Marshall, Kathleen Kennedy, Steven Spielberg, and J.J. Abrams have a bit of a history.

Marshall and Kennedy have been married since 1987, both having worked with Spielberg. And with Colin Trevorrow set to direct ‘Star Wars: Episode IX’ after helming ‘Jurassic World’ there’s already a sense of connectivity.

But this isn’t the first time this has happened…

Earlier this year, Marvel Studios published a similar image to congratulate ‘Jurassic World’ for toppling the box office record set by ‘The Avengers’.

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But where does this tradition come from?

These awesome images are a call back to earlier times, when film directors would take out full-page adverts in the Hollywood trades to congratulate each other on their achievements.

Here are some of the best:

Star Wars beats Jaws in Domestic Video Rentals

That’s right – back in 1977, video rentals were still a thing.

Director Steven Spielberg and ‘Star Wars’ creator George Lucas have been friends for a very long time… and when Lucas toppled Spielberg’s home video record with ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’ he simply had to congratulate him.

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The rather cute advert reads:

“Dear George, Last week ‘Star Wars’ moved ahead of ‘Jaws’ in domestic film rentals. Your hyperspace performance package really did the trick. Congratulations to the Cantina crowd and all the forces of your imagination that made ‘Star Wars’ so worthy of the throne.”

E.T beats Star Wars in Domestic Video Rentals

Just a few years later in the 1980s, the video rental throne was snatched back from Lucas by his pal Spielberg with ‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.

And once again, a rather cool advert followed.

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“Dear Steven, Congratulations to you and your Extra-Terrestrial buddy. This week E.T. moved ahead of Star Wars to take first place in domestic film rentals. E.T.’s adventure on earth and his gift of intergalactic friendship continue to touch us all. May the Force always be with you.”

Star Wars Special Editions win back Domestic Video Rentals

This particular achievement seems to be a long-running exchange between Spielberg and Lucas… as the ‘Star Wars’ special editions finally won back the title in 1997.

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This time, E.T. was depicted crowning R2-D2…

“Dear George, Congratulations for renewing the most enduring motion picture in cinema history.”

Let’s just not mention some of his more controversial ‘Star Wars’ changes…

Titanic becomes Highest Grossing Movie of All Time

In 1998, James Cameron’s ‘Titanic’ became the highest grossing film ever made… snatching the title from ‘Star Wars’ creator, George Lucas.

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Short and to the point, Lucas took out this awesome full-page ad in Variety to congratulate James Cameron… which depicts the ‘Star Wars’ cast jumping from the titular ship as it sinks into the ocean.

“Jim, Congratulations! George”.

How long will ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ hang onto its box office records? For now, we’ll have to wait and see… but surely Highest Grossing Movie of All Time is firmly within its sights.

‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ debuted in cinemas on 17 December 2015.

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Picture Credit: Universal Pictures, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas