Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer executives took a victory lap concerning No Time to Die during an investor call.

"It's been a long time coming, but it was worth the wait and a real thrill for all of us at MGM to deliver on our goal to release Bond in theaters around the world," Christopher Brearton, the studio's chief operating officer, said in prepared remarks.

"There have been many great stories about the excitement amongst Bond fans that returned to theaters for Daniel Craig's last turn as 007 -- all underscoring that a Bond film is one of the biggest events in the theatrical marketplace," he added. "To that point, the film is performing well despite ongoing pandemic challenges. The film has now surpassed $700 million in worldwide box office and it is still going strong."

No Time to Die's global total stood at $709.6 million as of Thursday night, according to Box Office Mojo. It is on the verge of catching F9: The Fast Saga's $721.1 million. F9 is No. 1 globally in 2021 among movies released by major U.S. studios.

The COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the movie-going market. Billion-dollar box office films had become regular events before COVID-19. Box Office Mojo lists 48 such movies. That includes 2012's Skyfall at No. 28.

The pandemic caused three separate delays in No Time to Die reaching theaters. It finally came out in late September in the U.K. and early October in the U.S.

"Releasing Bond when theaters were opened was the right decision for the film and for MGM," Brearton said.

In addition to its theatrical release, No Time to Die moved into premium video on demand on Nov. 9 in the U.S.

MGM executives did not take questions from investors. The company has agreed to be acquired by Amazon. That deal is still undergoing regulatory review.