“Fifty Shades of Grey” didn’t relinquish control of the box office.
Universal’s erotic drama starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan earned $23.2 million at No. 1 in its second weekend at the box office, according to studio estimates Sunday.
Despite the victory, “Fifty Shades of Grey” plummeted a steep 75 percent from its record-breaking $93 million debut last weekend.
“There was a pent-up demand and excitement for `Fifty Shades of Grey’ last weekend, so this was its destiny after it broke the box-office record for the biggest opening in February and didn’t have the added bonus of a holiday weekend,” said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for box office firm Rentrak.
The action spy film “Kingsman: The Secret Service” and the family friendly “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water” similarly maintained their respective No. 2 and No. 3 spots at the box office in their second weekend.
Fox’s “Kingsman” nabbed $17.5 million, while Paramount’s “SpongeBob” soaked up another $15.5 million.
A trio of newcomers failed to crack the top three.
Disney’s cross-country racing tale “McFarland, USA” launched at No. 4 with $11.3 million. Lionsgate’s high school comedy “The DUFF” debuted at No. 5 with $11 million. Paramount’s wacky sequel “Hot Tub Time Machine 2” opened at No. 7 with $5.8 million.
A few Oscar contenders received a boost at the box office ahead of Sunday’s 87th annual Academy Awards.
“American Sniper,” which is up for six awards, including best picture and best actor for Bradley Cooper, racked up another $9.6 million at No. 6 in its ninth weekend of release.
“The Imitation Game,” nominated for eight Academy Awards, including best actor for Benedict Cumberbatch and best supporting actress for Keira Knightley, came in at No. 9 with $2.5 million in its 13th weekend.
“Still Alice,” which features best actress front runner Julianne Moore, earned $2.2 million after expanding to 765 theaters in its sixth weekend.
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Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Rentrak. Final domestic figures will be released Monday.
1. “Fifty Shades of Grey,” $23.2 million.
2. “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” $17.5 million.
3. “The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water,” $15.5 million.
4. “McFarland, USA,” $11.3 million.
5. “The DUFF,” $11 million.
6. “American Sniper,” $9.6 million.
7. “Hot Tub Time Machine 2,” $5.8 million.
8. “Jupiter Ascending,” $3.6 million.
9. “The Imitation Game,” $2.5 million.
10. “Paddington,” $2.3 million.
