James Bond finds cash ‘Solace’ of $70.4 million

? James Bond’s quantum of the weekend box office: $70.4 million.

“Quantum of Solace,” with Daniel Craig returning as Bond for the first direct sequel in the spy franchise, pulled in nearly $30 million more over opening weekend than its predecessor, 2006’s “Casino Royale,” according to studio estimates Sunday.

The debut also topped the previous opening-weekend record for a Bond flick, $47 million for 2002’s “Die Another Day.”

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC:

1. “Quantum of Solace,” $70.4 million.

2. “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa,” $36.1 million.

3. “Role Models,” $11.7 million.

4. “High School Musical 3: Senior Year,” $5.9 million.

5. “Changeling,” $4.2 million.

6. “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” $3.2 million.

7. “Soul Men,” $2.43 million.

8. “The Secret Life of Bees,” $2.4 million.

9. “Saw V,” $1.8 million.

10. “The Haunting of Molly Hartley,” $1.6 million.