Universal Pictures’ highly anticipated film, Wicked: For Good, just shattered box office records with a stunning $150 million opening weekend in North America and a whopping $226 million globally. This monumental achievement marks the largest debut ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, surpassing the first film’s $112 million launch.
According to studio estimates released on Sunday, Wicked: For Good has taken the box office by storm, solidifying its status as the second biggest opening of the year, trailing only behind the A Minecraft Movie, which earned $162 million. The film’s success is powered predominantly by female audiences, with approximately 71 percent of ticket buyers being women, as reported by PostTrak exit polls.
While critics have offered mixed reviews for the final installment of the beloved franchise, audience reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. An impressive 83 percent of moviegoers indicated they would “definitely recommend” the film to friends.
Directed by Jon M Chu, Wicked: For Good stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, reprising their roles from the first film, which grossed over $758.7 million worldwide and garnered ten Oscar nominations, winning two awards for costume and production design.
The question looms: How high can Wicked: For Good soar? With a combined production budget of around $300 million for both films, excluding marketing expenses, the stakes are high for Universal Pictures as they aim to maximize the film’s profitability.
As this cinematic phenomenon continues to unfold, audiences globally are eager to see if Wicked: For Good can maintain its momentum. Keep an eye on the box office as this story develops, and get ready to share your thoughts on this musical masterpiece.
