Universal’s upcoming film, Wicked: For Good, is poised to make a big splash this Thanksgiving. It’s expected to earn over $120 million in its opening weekend in the U.S. and more than $200 million globally. This could set a record as the highest debut for a Broadway musical adaptation.
The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, brings the beloved tale of Oz’s witches to the big screen. Ariana Grande plays Glinda, while Cynthia Erivo takes on the role of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch. It premieres on November 21, right before Thanksgiving, and will also release worldwide on the same day.
In the midst of holiday competition, Disney’s Zootopia 2 is also set to launch during this lucrative season, aiming for at least $125 million in its debut. Last year, Wicked earned over $263 million within its first ten days.
Advance ticket sales for Wicked: For Good have been impressive. Promotions kicked off in early October, including a collaboration with Dancing with the Stars. This special episode, featuring Chu as a guest judge, became the show’s most-watched segment among 18-24-year-olds in eight years and racked up 57 million TikTok views in just 24 hours. As a result, it became Fandango’s top PG-rated pre-seller ever.
The film’s early screenings have garnered an impressive 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, which is slightly higher than the previous Wicked film’s score of 96%.
Historically, musicals have often struggled at the box office. Yet, last year’s Wicked broke that trend, debuting to $112.5 million in its first three days, eventually grossing nearly $750 million worldwide. This success demonstrates a shifting landscape where musical adaptations can thrive, thanks in part to dedicated fanbases and innovative marketing strategies.
Wicked: For Good continues the story from the Broadway stage play by Winnie Holzman, inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel. The score features music from John Powell and Stephen Schwartz. The plot delves into Elphaba’s challenges as the misunderstood Wicked Witch, determined to expose the deceitful Wizard, while Glinda, the face of goodness in Oz, seeks to reunite with her estranged friend as they face a sinister threat together.
With all the excitement surrounding Wicked: For Good, it’s clear that audiences are ready to step back into the magical world of Oz once more.
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Ariana Grande,box office,Cynthia Erivo,Jeff Goldblum,Michelle Yeoh
