Universal to Top $2 Billion at Domestic Box Office in Record Time

Thanks to the overperformance of N.W.A biopic “Straight Outta Compton,” Universal Pictures is tracking to cross the $2 billion mark at the domestic box office on Saturday, setting a new speed record in doing so.

Universal’s historic climb will break Warner Bros.’ previous record of reaching $2 billion by December 25, 2009. The studio is also extremely likely to break the record for all-time domestic box office high, which was set by WB in 2009 with $2.1 billion.

The studio’s record year is the result of a string of massive hits, most recently “Straight Outta Compton’s” expected $57 million debut. Monster hit “Jurassic World” has been the year’s most successful film, netting $637 million in domestic receipts on its way to becoming the third highest-grossing film of all time. Additional Universal releases “Furious 7,” “Minions,” “Fifty Shades of Grey” and “Pitch Perfect 2” have made the top 10 list of highest-grossing films of 2015.

Universal already set a global box office record earlier this month, becoming the first studio to gross $5.53 billion in a single year.

“We knew that 2015 was going to be a special year, and were hopeful that our varied slate of franchise tentpoles, sequels and original films would resonate with audiences’ diverse moviegoing tastes,” said Nick Carpou, president of domestic distribution at Universal. “This milestone contributes to a win for our entire industry in a year that continues to see healthy growth and is on pace to be among the biggest ever. We applaud our friends and partners in exhibition, whose optimistic support has been essential to our success.”