With the long-awaited release of Wicked, the anticipation surrounding its box office performance was palpable. Setting flight from its grand debut on November 22, 2024, this musical adaptation has already lit up theater screens worldwide, eclipsing both expectations and box office records.
For those keeping score, the musical's opening weekend saw it gross approximately $114 million domestically and $164 million globally. Such numbers are nothing short of remarkable, particularly considering Wicked launched alongside blockbuster competition like Gladiator II. The latter only managed to pull in just over $55 million, which makes Wicked’s earnings not just significant, but staggering—more than doubling its competitor's take.
Wicked holds the title for the biggest opening weekend for any movie adaptation of a Broadway musical, taking the crown from Into the Woods, which previously held the record of $31 million back in 2014. This figure solidifies Wicked's position as the third biggest opening of the year, falling behind Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2, two heavyweights themselves.
The hype and momentum began well before the film's release; pre-sales alone indicated strong interest, making Wicked the best-seller for PG-rated first-day tickets of 2024. This eager anticipation fed its box office triumph even before the film actually hit theaters. According to Box Office Pro, it ranked as the third-best PG-rated first-day ticket pre-seller of all time, right behind Frozen and The Lion King.
Director Jon M. Chu, known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians, steered Wicked with considerable buzz. He had successfully infused his signature style, creating something uniquely captivating even for audiences unfamiliar with the Broadway phenomenon.
Fans flocked to see Wicked not just out of curiosity, but from loyalty, as many have cherished the musical since its Broadway debut back in 2003. Theater aficionados who’ve belted out songs like “Defying Gravity” have been waiting for this moment for over a decade, adding to the film’s buzz.
The film features powerhouse performances from Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, with critics already hailing their dynamic performances. That kind of star power undoubtedly attracted viewers, pushing them past the doors of theaters. But it wasn’t just the leads; the ensemble featured seasoned talents who contributed to the film’s rich fabric.
Of note, supporting cast members include Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Peter Dinklage—each bringing their own flair, adding depth to character portrayals. Newcomer Marissa Bode plays Nessarose, marking her as the first disabled actress to portray the wheelchair-bound sister of Elphaba on film.
To accompany this strong talent roster, Universal Pictures executed one of the most ambitious marketing campaigns since the release of Barbie earlier this year. The movie’s promotion didn’t just stop at traditional means; products inspired by Wicked surged, flooding stores with pink and green merchandise. From water bottles to makeup lines, the film became intertwined with popular culture, ensuring it was top of mind for potential viewers.
Social media played its part too, with countless memes and notable viral moments capturing the film's essence and its lead actresses. Fans shared emotional press conference exits, weeping interviews, and behind-the-scenes clips, fostering a community built around the film's emotional core.
Part of Wicked’s financial success lies also within its cultural resonance. Its adaptation remains rooted yet fresh, as it presents the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West, modifying darker themes from the source material, Gregory Maguire’s Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, to fit tonal shifts more appropriate for the screen.
The film’s reception has been largely positive, characterized by enthusiastic audience reactions paired with impressive ticket sales. Domestically and internationally, it carved out its space among the top-grossing films of 2024, generating excitement around its yet-to-come sequel. Part 2 of Wicked is already on the horizon, slated for release November 2025, ensuring extended interest and anticipation for what’s next.
With this successful start, Wicked is now poised to reinvigorate Broadway adaptations under the Hollywood spotlight, potentially reigniting studios’ interest in musical films. The question now becomes: Will this pressure lead to more adaptations? The groundwork laid by Wicked at the box office indicates strong momentum following its wider appeal.
Time will tell how long Wicked will soar at the box office, but for now, its record-breaking launch has proven once and for all the lasting power of theater and its ability to capture the hearts of audiences across generations.
