“Fifty Shades of Grey” crossed the $400 million mark at the foreign box office on Friday.
Considering its modest $40 million budget, it’s an extremely profotable picture for Universal. Combined with its North American estimated gross of $165.5 million, “Fifty Shades” should haul in $566.1 million worldwide by Sunday.
“Fifty Shades” is now Universal’s eighth highest grossing film of all time worldwide, trailing behind “Mamma Mia!” ($606.1 million).
The film is highest-grossing Valentine’s Day release of all time and Universal’s biggest R-rated movie.
Its director, Sam Taylor-Johnson, also made box office history: Its debuted of $85.2 million at the U.S. box office represents the largest opening weekend ever for a female director.
Even so, Taylor-Johnson will not return for the sequel, “Fifty Shades Darker,” based on E.L. James’ erotic trilogy.
