"Wicked Soars at the Box Office - A Musical Phenomenon"

Domestic Box Office Domination

" 'Wicked' has been nothing short of a box office juggernaut. As reported by Deadline, through Friday, its running domestic gross reached an astonishing $214.3 million. This figure alone is enough to make heads turn, as it has already surpassed the lifetime gross of 'Grease,' a movie that came out almost 50 years ago. The movie shows no signs of slowing down, with estimates suggesting it will bring in another nearly $50 million before the weekend is over, pushing its overall expected domestic gross to a whopping $263 million. This is a testament to the enduring popularity and appeal of the 'Wicked' story."

"It's important to note that these figures only account for the domestic market. When it comes to the worldwide take, 'Wicked' has pulled in nearly $360 million since its opening earlier this month. This global success further cements its status as a major cinematic event and showcases the universal appeal of the musical."

Worldwide Musical Rankings

"While 'Wicked' may be trailing some of the all-time musical greats in terms of worldwide gross, it still holds a significant place in the pantheon of musical movies. Currently, it trails 'Les Miserables' with a worldwide gross of $442.7 million and 'Grease' with $396.2 million. However, it's important to remember that 'Wicked' is still in its early days, and its potential for further growth is immense. Additionally, it's worth noting that 'Mamma Mia!' holds the record for the highest worldwide gross among musical movies at $611.2 million, but 'Wicked' is sure to give it a run for its money in the coming years."

"The critical acclaim for 'Wicked' is another factor contributing to its success. Critics have fallen in love with the movie, and it is expected to generate some serious Academy Awards buzz when voting kicks off next month. This recognition from the film industry further validates the quality and impact of 'Wicked'."

Future Earnings and Installments

"This is just the first part of 'Wicked.' Universal Pictures stands to rake in even more dough with the release of the second installment next year. The characters in 'Wicked' are truly 'Dancing Through Life,' and the producers are likely swimming in gold like Scrooge McDuck with this franchise. The potential for continued success and profitability is enormous, and 'Wicked' is set to become a lasting legacy in the world of cinema."