Universal Pictures Passes $3 Billion at the International Box Office
For the first time in the studio’s stellar 103-year history, Universal Pictures has grossed over $3 billion internationally.
This unprecedented achievement in 2015 is thanks in large to the successes of Furious 7 and Jurassic World. The car chase sequel grossed over $1.16 billion internationally, and was followed by the domestic record-breaking dinosaurs, which currently stands at $843.9 million worldwide. However, Jurassic World is currently on track to surpass Furious 7's international total.
In addition, Fifty Shades of Grey brought in $403 million internationally and was a hit with audiences, with two planned sequels in the pipeline. The biggest surprise this year for Universal came in the form of their comedy sequel, Pitch Perfect 2, which grossed an unexpected $96.6 million. A third movie for franchise has been green lit by the studio. Currently, Minions has performed well overseas, standing at $141.7 million at the moment. Minions gross is expected to expand hugely once the movie has been given its complete roll-out in the next few weeks.
The hits may continue for Universal, too. F. Gary Gray’s anticipated Straight Outta Compton hits theatres soon with reaction to the trailers being very positive, and early reviews strong. Judd Apatow, Amy Schumer, Bill Hader's comedy, Trainwreck, is due for release in the next month. Apatow has always been a bankable box office success, and with reviews starting to come in, it looks like the writer-producer may have another hit on his hands.
