MGM/Columbia Pictures' Quantum Of Solace has become the highest grossing James Bond film released in North America after reaching $167.1m.

The 22nd entry in the 007 canon passed the previous high water mark of $167m set by its 2006 predecessor Casino Royale and has grossed a further $382.9m overseas, bringing the global tally to an even $550m.

Quantum Of Solace currently ranks as the second biggest worldwide Bond film behind Casino Royale on more than $594m.

'It is always gratifying when the audience responds to a film, but to be working with a character as successful as James Bond and see the two films Sony has handled become the two most successful films in the history of the franchise makes us all tremendously proud,' Sony Pictures worldwide marketing and distribution chairman Jeff Blake said.