Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are captivating audiences worldwide with their dazzling performances and the adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, Wicked. Since its theatrical debut on November 22, 2024, the film has soared to unprecedented heights, breaking box office records and captivating both old and new fans.
According to reports, Wicked achieved the remarkable feat of earning $81.1 million during its second weekend, which has now made history as the highest-grossing second weekend for any film not topping the box office. This remarkable success occurred even as Disney's Moana 2 dominated the theater scene with its massive opening totals.
Despite facing tough competition from the likes of Moana 2, which saw its own impressive $139.7 million over the same weekend, Wicked has made waves with stunning cumulative takings of $263.1 million domestically and $359.2 million globally, solidifying its position as the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation of all time at the box office.
Before Wicked, the title was held by other timeless adaptations like Grease, and Mamma Mia!. Breaking records has become almost customary for Wicked, as it has surpassed even the lifetime gross of Grease, which previously held $188.62 million.
Interestingly, this success isn't surprising. The filmmakers were aware of the stakes involved, considering the hefty production cost of around $300 million combined for both parts of the story, intimated previously by industry insiders. They banked heavily on the franchise's popularity and its cast's star power to draw audiences.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film weaves together the story of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned girl who would become the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, her bubbly, light-hearted friend. The two actresses embody these iconic characters with finesse, promising awards buzz for their performances.
Box office analysts couldn't help but draw comparisons between Wicked and last year's phenomenon, Barbie. Just as Barbie achieved enormous success by appealing to female audiences and featuring relatable themes, Wicked taps deeply back to its theatrical roots and engages its viewers with heartfelt storytelling and catchy musical numbers.
The opening weekend set the stage for exceptional figures, raking in $114 million domestically and over $50 million internationally. This was hailed as the biggest global debut for any Broadway adaptation, eclipsing Les Misérables.
Even with the breakneck success, the competition was fierce. Wicked had to contend with other family-friendly films during the holiday break, proving its worth by drawing multi-generational crowds. The extraordinary opening wasn't just a lucky break; it showcased consistent momentum. With the film only dropping 28% from its debut weekend—a significant achievement by Hollywood standards—the film’s performance over the coming weeks remains something box office experts will monitor closely.
So far, the movie is on track to break numerous additional records. Analysts project it will surpass the $400 million mark domestically, which would secure it within the upper echelons of box office success for all live-action musicals.
For many involved, including Universal Pictures and the creative team behind Wicked, the stakes remain high. With plans for Wicked: Part Two following soon after and set to be released in November 2025, the anticipation and excitement around the second installment has only grown. They hope to build on the foundation of the first film's success, creating something even grander and more poignant.
A significant element fueling the buzz around Wicked focuses on its cultural impact. The musical and now the film have long been synonymous with themes of acceptance, friendship, and self-discovery. Many audience members connect with Elphaba’s struggles, making the film's messages particularly powerful and relevant. With tickets flying off the shelves and merchandise sales surging, it's clear the audience is wholly engaged with the characters. This historical moment showcases the staying power of Broadway adaptations, demonstrating their strong place within the shifting bug of cinematic storytelling.
All considered, the runaway success of Wicked bodes well for not just the cast and crew but the future of musical adaptations. Should the current momentum continue, we could witness more adaptations hitting the big screen shortly after, capitalizing on the newfound interest sparked by this hit. For now, all eyes remain on Wicked, as it aims for even greater milestones and captures the hearts of audiences everywhere.