There has never been much doubt that the new Star Wars spinoff Rogue One would be a box office success--the question is how big? The latest projections estimate that the film could set the second highest December opening in history when it arrives this weekend.

　　As reported by Variety, Rogue One is on course to make between $120 million and $150 million at the US box office in its opening three days. Combined with a projected $150 million from the international release, this would give it the second biggest December opening of all time, behind last year's Star Wars: The Force Awakens, which opened with $248 million worldwide.

　　Other studios are steering clear of releasing against Rogue One--the only other films that are opening this weekend are low-key dramas that could play well with those with less interest in the Star Wars series, such as the Will Smith-starring Collateral Beauty and the Denzel Washington-directed Fences.

　　Earlier this week, Lucasfilm boss Kathleen Kennedy admitted that making this first Star Wars spinoff was risky, given it is not a continuation of the classic saga movies. "If we're going to keep Star Wars alive, and we're going to make it interesting for the fans and for ourselves as well, we have to keep pushing ourselves," she said. "And we have to keep pushing those stories and finding new adventures and finding new technology and great new characters."

　　Early reviews for Rogue One have been very positive--check out our roundup here. The movie hits theaters on December 16.