With consumers shunning theaters because of COVID-19, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. tried to find a new outlet for one of its crown jewels. The studio talked to streaming services, including Apple Inc. and Netflix Inc., about a cash offer for the latest unreleased James Bond film "No Time to Die.”

Fortunately for cinema fans and theater chains, the studio reverted back to its original plan to release the picture on the big screen. "No Time to Die” has been opening internationally this week to strong reviews and impressive ticket sales, given the pandemic. It’s billed as the last Bond film to star Daniel Craig, who is retiring from the role.

Early signs are good. "No Time to Die” grossed $27.2 million on Friday across Universal and MGM markets, reaching a cumulative audience of $51.4 million, the company said. It’s headed for an estimated international opening of $112.9 million from 54 markets, and in like-for-like terms, the film is in line with "Skyfall,” and just below "Spectre.”