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‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ whips up stunning $81.7 million

In this image released by Universal Pictures and Focus Features, Dakota Johnson, left, and Jamie Dornan appear in a scene from the film, "Fifty Shades of Grey." (AP Photo/Universal Pictures and Focus Features)
In this image released by Universal Pictures and Focus Features, Dakota Johnson, left, and Jamie Dornan appear in a scene from the film, "Fifty Shades of Grey." (AP Photo/Universal Pictures and Focus Features) In this image released by Universal Pictures and Focus Features, Dakota Johnson, left, and Jamie Dornan appear in a scene from the film, "Fifty Shades of Grey." (AP Photo/Universal Pictures and Focus Features)

By Associated Press 3 min read

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Audiences were more than curious to check out the big-screen adaptation of the racy phenomenon “Fifty Shades of Grey” this weekend. The erotic R-rated drama sizzled in its debut, earning an estimated $81.7 million from 3,646 theaters in its first three days, distributor Universal Pictures said on Sunday.

In addition to destroying Valentine’s and President’s Day weekend records, “Fifty Shades of Grey” has also become the second-highest February debut ever, behind “Passion of the Christ’s” $83.9 million opening in 2004.

The chart-topping film cost a modest $40 million to produce. Starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan as Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey, it could be on track to earn over $90 million across the four-day holiday weekend.

According to Universal, North American audiences were 68 percent female.

Internationally, director Sam Taylor-Johnson’s adaptation of E L James’ book earned an estimated $158.3 million from 9,637 locations in 58 territories. That’s the second biggest international opening for Universal, right behind the $160.3 million debut from “Fast & Furious 6,” and the highest international opening for an R-rated film ever.