THE RISE OF the comic book superhero movie continues in Hollywood with Joss Whedon’s The Avengers smashing all US box office records over the weekend.

Starring Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo and Robert Downey Jr, the film took in $207.4 million, shattering the previous opening-weekend record of $169.2 million set by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II last summer.

The movie surpassed all expectations as cinema-goers came in their droves to see the Marvel Comic’s superhero smorgasbord.

In just 12 days, Walt Disney Studios has seen a worldwide box office gross of about $655 million. And they’re obviously happy about it.

“From the super-talented cast to the spectacular visual effects, it’s a grand slam, and we’re proud to be a part of this history-making film,” said executive vice president Dave Hollis.

Opening weekend records were also set in Mexico, Hong Kong, New Zealand and United Arab Emirates.

The success means we haven’t seen the last of Marvel’s superheroes. A sequel to last year’s Captain America: The First Avenger will be released in April 2014, while Thor II and the third instalment of Iron Man are due out next year.