E.L. James’ “Fifty Shades of Grey” book trilogy has been translated into 52 foreign languages and sold more than 100 million copies worldwide. That’s translating into massive overseas ticket sales for the movie, Universal Pictures said Wednesday.
“Fifty Shades of Grey,” which stars Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson as kinky lovers, has sold more than 4.5 million advance tickets in the 39 foreign markets in which it rolls out this weekend.
Exhibitors are seeing “unprecedented” advance sales for the opening, according to Universal.
More than 750,000 tickets have sold for the “Fifty Shades” opening in Germany. That’s more than “The Avengers,” “The Dark Knight” and “Avatar,” according to Empire Cinemas chief executive Justin Ribbons.
It has sold the same number in the U.K; Australia, Ireland and New Zealand are also among the top-selling countries.
There are currently no plans to play in China, the second-largest market in the world. Universal didn’t comment Wednesday, but it’s hard to imagine the steamy “Fifty Shades” clearing Beijing’s strict censors without major alterations.
The studio will have a major hit if the foreign performance of the film, produced for $39 million, can match or top its numbers in the U.S., where analysts are projecting a $60 million opening for this weekend.
15 Times the 'Fifty Shades of Grey' Trailer Made You Shift in Your Seat (Photos)
"Mr. Grey will see you now."
The anticipation builds as you realize this is the moment you will be able to put a face to THE Christian Grey.
Squirm Scale: 1.3
Focus Features
"What was he like?"- Kate
"He was polite, intense, smart, [pause] really intimidating."-Anastasia
We could not agree more!
Squirm Scale: 3
Focus Features
"I would like to know more about you."- Christian
"There's really not much to know about me. I mean, look at me" -Anastasia
Squirm Scale: 2
Focus Features
Long pause.
"I am." -Christian
Sharp intake followed by a squirm…no he did not!
Squirm Scale: 5
"I exercise control in all things Miss Steele" - Christian
"That must be really boring"-Anastasia
Oh how wrong you are Ana.
Squirm Scale: 6
Focus Features
"I don't do romance"- Christian
Oh how wrong YOU are Mr. Grey
Squirm Scale: 5.3
Focus Features
Sexual. Sexual. Sexual… Tension
Squirm Scale: 7
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"My tastes are [pause]…"- Christian
Abs. Abs. Abs.
Squirm Scale: 8
Focus Features
"…are very singular" - Christian
No. Words.
Squirm Scale: 8.5
Focus Features
"Enlighten me"-Anastasia
Yes, enlighten us Christian…RIGHT NOW
Squirm Scale: 9
Focus Features
Boom.
Squirm Scale: 9.8
Focus Features
Boom.
Squirm Scale: 9.9
Focus Features
Boom.
Squirm Scale: 10
Focus Features
Lucky b*tch…
Squirm Scale: BROKEN
Focus Features
1 of 15
Try watching Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson in the sexy ”Fifty Shades of Grey“ trailer without squirming a little in your seat. TheWrap ranks 15 of the most squirm-worthy moments with our notoriously accurate ”Squirm Scale“
"Mr. Grey will see you now."
The anticipation builds as you realize this is the moment you will be able to put a face to THE Christian Grey.
Squirm Scale: 1.3