The world of cinema often intersects with the magic of theatre, and Universal’s latest endeavor, Wicked, has made a remarkable entry into that arena. The film, which is based on the beloved Broadway musical, has set the stage for a promising future at the box office. With a projected global debut of approximately $165 million through this Sunday, the numbers reflect both anticipation and acclaim. The film’s financial performance underscores the mainstream appeal of musical adaptations in today’s cinematic landscape.
As the driving force behind Wicked’s triumph, North America contributed significantly to the overall earnings, with an estimated $117 million coming from domestic ticket sales. This impressive start not only highlights the film’s popularity among American audiences but also establishes Wicked as a benchmark for future Broadway adaptations on screen. Historically, the film surpasses the opening weekend figures of previous adaptations, such as Les Miserables, which garnered $103 million during its own debut. This speaks volumes about the market’s growing appetite for musical films, pushing Wicked to the forefront of modern cinematic achievements.
Internationally, Wicked has garnered a promising $48 million from 61 markets. While this is not a comprehensive worldwide rollout—key territories such as France, Germany, Japan, and China have yet to experience the spellbinding performances of Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba and Ariana Grande’s Glinda—the film has still made a significant impact in the markets where it premiered. The $48 million figure positions Wicked as the sixth largest opening weekend for a musical globally, surpassing notable titles like Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again. This is indicative of the film’s universal themes and ability to resonate with a diverse audience, which is crucial for long-term box office success.
Record-Breaking Launch in the UK
The film’s performance in the UK has particularly stood out, with an astounding expected box office of over $15 million by the end of the weekend. This figure positions Wicked as the reigning champion in the region, capturing a staggering 63% share of the total box office on a recent Friday. Such dominance illustrates how powerful the draw of a familiar name and an impressive cast can be, bolstered by enthusiastic pre-sales that rival last year’s blockbuster Barbie. Moreover, Wicked’s opening day recorded Universal’s finest since No Time To Die, a testament to the studio’s ability to carve out significant openings for musical adaptations.
As Wicked enchants audiences down under, Australia has reported a commanding start as the film launched at the number one position. Reaching the third largest opening day of 2024 thus far, Wicked’s ascent is notable, considering the marked preference for theatrical productions in the country. Similar trends can be observed in South Korea, where the film achieved impressive scores indicative of its reception. Meanwhile, Mexico’s ticket sales broke records for stage musical adaptations, clearly demonstrating Wicked’s global appeal.
However, the excitement surrounding Wicked’s release does not exist in a vacuum. Competing releases, such as Paramount and Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II, remain important to keep an eye on, especially as they also vie for box office supremacy. Gladiator II commenced its international rollout ahead of Wicked, suggesting that even with much fanfare, the competition is fierce, and the box office landscape is continually evolving.
Universal’s Wicked has not only satisfied expectations but also soared to remarkable heights in its global debut. With strong domestic numbers and encouraging international sales, the film could reignite interest in musical adaptations. As audiences around the world flock to theaters, Wicked stands as a testament to the enduring allure of musical storytelling, setting a precedent for upcoming adaptations to follow.