Straight Outta Compton proved to be an even bigger box-office success than initial estimates suggested.
The rap drama debuted to $60.2 million, more than the $56.1 million that Universal reported.
That number ranks as the fifth biggest August opening in history and the biggest debut for an R-rated film during the month.
Straight Outta Compton cost a moderate $29 million budget to produce, so it will be extremely profitable. Its debut outstrips those of “Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation” ($55.5 million) and “Ant-Man” ($57.2 million), both of which cost north of $125 million to produce.
Straight Outta Compton profiles N.W.A, the musical group credited with helping to popularize gansta rap. The film’s depictions of racial tension and police brutality resonated with audiences grappling with the aftermath of the deaths of young African-American men Freddie Gray and Michael Brown. It was co-produced by original members Dr. Dre and Ice Cube and co-financed by Legendary Pictures.
The success of Straight Outta Compton overshadowed the weekend’s other major release, “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” The Warner-produced update of the 1960s television show grossed $13.4 million. That’s a disappointing number considering that the film cost $75 million to make.