Stormbreaker Storms a Million On Opening Weekend

Stormbreaker stormed the UK Box Office over its opening weekend, taking over £1m, according to producer Marc Samuelson who was attending a gala presentation of Stormbreaker in Douglas, Isle of Man, where the film was made.

The event brought a real taste of Hollywood to the Manx capital with the film's star Bill Nighy, author Anthony Horowitz and movie producer Marc Samuelson all in attendance at the black-tie event at the Villa Marina.

The £25m film is based on the first in the series of Alex Rider novels by Anthony Horowitz. Stormbreaker tells the story of how 14-year-old Alex Rider reluctantly becomes a spy and then goes on his first mission.

Nighy plays spy boss Alan Blunt and he appears alongside stars including Ewan McGregor, Alicia Silverstone, Sophie Okonedo and Alex Pettyfer, in the lead role.

Producer Marc Samuelson revealed Stormbreaker had taken more than £1 million since opening on Friday. 'It seems to be going very well,' he said. 'It is going to be distributed in every country in the world, it will be seen everywhere.'

Mr Samuelson added that without the assistance of Isle of Man Film, the movie may not have been made.

Writer Anthony Horowitz revealed he was working on the script for the second film - based on Point Blanc on the island - and that could start shooting next year.

However, fans of 16-year-old Alex Pettyfer may be disappointed. He may not reprise the Alex rider role, because of his age.