"Discover the Magic of 'Wicked' at the Box Office"

Domestic Box Office Performance

"Wicked" achieved an astonishing $114 million in North America during its opening weekend. This not only set a new record for films based on Broadway adaptations but also surpassed the opening weekend of "Into The Woods" by a significant margin. It shows the enduring popularity of the Broadway source material and the ability of this film to draw in audiences.

The third-best debut of 2024, behind "Deadpool & Wolverine" and "Inside Out 2", highlights its strong start. It outperformed other major releases and established itself as a must-see movie. The fact that it surpassed the opening weekend of "The Little Mermaid" remake further emphasizes its unique appeal.

International Box Office Performance

Adding to its success, "Wicked" collected an additional $50.2 million internationally. This made it the biggest opening for a film based on a Broadway adaptation in both reported and like-for-like markets, surpassing the 2012 release of "Les Miserables". It also had a sixth-best debut of all time for a musical, beating out "Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again".

The global reach of "Wicked" is evident as it overtook "Les Miserables" to achieve the biggest opening weekend for a Broadway adaptation. Its performance in international markets showcases its ability to connect with audiences around the world and become a cultural phenomenon.

Story and Cast

Directed by Jon M. Chu, "Wicked" stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Jonathan Bailey. Set before, during, and after "The Wizard of Oz", the story tells the origins of Grande's Glinda and Erivo's Elphaba. It provides a unique perspective on these beloved characters and their journey before Dorothy's arrival in Oz.

The talented cast brings the story to life, with Ariana Grande's Glinda and Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba stealing the show. Their performances add depth and emotion to the characters, making the audience connect with them on a deeper level.

Impact on Movie Theaters and Studios

The success of "Wicked" is a huge win for movie theaters. Ticket sales have been sluggish compared to 2023 and pre-pandemic times, but "Wicked" has breathed new life into the industry. It shows that there is still a demand for quality film experiences and that audiences are willing to flock to theaters for the right movie.

For Universal, the production of "Wicked" came with a hefty price tag of $150 million per installment. However, with its strong box office performance, it has the potential to justify these costs. The need for "Wicked: Part Two" to resonate at the global box office through Thanksgiving of next year is crucial for the studio's financial success.

Critical reviews and audience sentiment have been overwhelmingly positive, adding to the film's appeal. As Glinda sings in the show, "thank goodness" for this success, as it bodes well for the future of musical films and the movie industry as a whole.