Universal’s cinematic adaptation of *Wicked* has achieved a remarkable feat, outranking *Mamma Mia!* to secure its position as the most successful stage musical adaptation globally, with an astonishing gross of approximately $634.4 million as of last Sunday. This achievement showcases *Wicked* not only as a box-office behemoth in the domestic market, where it has accrued $424.2 million, but also as a formidable player internationally, pulling in $210.2 million. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this adaptation has resonated with audiences around the world, setting records in 46 different markets.
As the festive season approaches, the international box office reported an increased revenue of $13.7 million from 81 markets during the current weekend. Such growth is noteworthy, particularly in light of the theatrical landscape’s complexities during holiday periods, where cinema attendance can fluctuate due to various closures on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Nevertheless, *Wicked* demonstrated an impressive 1% growth overall in international markets, with the Europe, Middle East, and Africa region experiencing an even more robust growth rate of 7%.
*Wicked* has not only broken records for theatrical adaptations but has also outperformed other significant releases like *Mamma Mia 2*, *Maleficent*, *The Little Mermaid*, and even *The Greatest Showman* in terms of global revenue at similar points in their release cycles. This consistent performance highlights *Wicked*’s ability to draw in audiences, transcending regional preferences and cinematic trends.
In specific markets, the film’s hold has varied due to the holiday season, yet *Wicked* has shown resilience. In the UK and Ireland, for example, the film saw a 2% increase compared to the previous weekend, standing at an impressive $67 million. This positioning keeps it on par with other major releases, such as *Wonka*, during this critical period in the box office calendar.
Australia’s market has particularly embraced *Wicked*, boasting a remarkable 29% uptick in revenue during its sixth weekend, propelling it past the lifetimes of both *Aladdin* and the last two *Jurassic World* movies. With a total of $24.8 million, it now ranks as the fifth biggest title of the year in that territory, showing no signs of slowing down. Other countries, including the Netherlands, reported significant increases as well, showcasing the universal appeal of *Wicked* and its music, bolstering its global earnings further.
With an upcoming release in Japan scheduled for March 7, the anticipation continues to grow, as *Wicked* is set to woo a new audience, potentially adding to its already impressive tally. As it stands, the top five international markets for *Wicked* feature the UK, Australia, Korea, Germany, and Mexico—testament to its widespread acclaim and box office prowess.
*Wicked* is not just another musical adaptation; it has redefined box office expectations and broken barriers, establishing itself as a titan in the film industry and a cultural phenomenon that resonates with diverse audiences worldwide. As it rides the wave of success, the future looks promising for this enchanted tale.