Fifty Shades of Grey is continuing to break records, even after being in theaters since Valentine’s Day. This weekend, the film has grossed over $400 million dollars overseas. So far, the movie has brought in over $566 million worldwide when combined with the $166 million already taken in domestically.
With these combined incomes, Fifty Shades has jumped to number 8 in Universal’s all time leading money makers, just behind Mamma Mia!, which grossed $606 million.Other records that Fifty Shades has managed to beat so far: The highest grossing Valentine’s Day weekend opening, Universal’s biggest R-rated opening and the highest grossing weekend opener by a female director.
These records are huge for a film that was only budgeted and produced on a $40 million budget.
Even though it’s achieving these accolades, it did not happen without a little controversy, but what ever does. First, we have the naysayers, who believe that the film, and novels that they were adapted from, exploits violence against women. My opinions on that matter: it was made known in both film and book that the choices made were consensual. If you don’t agree with the subject matter at hand, then don’t watch it or read it. But anyway, enough of my high horse. Secondly we have the rumored rift between Director Sam Taylor-Johnson and author EL James. We don’t know what actually happened on set, but it has been confirmed by Taylor-Johnson that she will not be returning to direct the sequels Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed. Lastly, we have the fact that nothing has been confirmed for the sequels as of yet. Audiences were hoping for the first sequel to be released next year. As of now, from what we’ve heard, main cast members Jamie Dornan (Christian Grey) and Dakota Johnson (Anastasia Steele) will be returning. As for who will be writing the scripts and who will direct, everything is still in the air.
For now though, I’m just waiting until the Unrated version becomes available on Blu-Ray in May. If the sequels are meant to be, we will see it in the news shortly.
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