Universal’s adaptation of the Broadway sensation “Wicked” has cast a mesmerizing spell over audiences and box offices alike. With an impressive projected global opening of $165 million through Sunday, the film demonstrates a remarkable draw for both die-hard fans of the stage production and new viewers alike. The bulk of this revenue emerges from the North American market, where the film is expected to generate around $117 million. Meanwhile, international earnings are estimated at approximately $48 million, highlighting the film’s broad appeal across various markets.
Notably, this opening weekend positions “Wicked” as a significant player in the box office landscape, setting records for films derived from Broadway productions. It surpasses previous benchmarks held by “Les Misérables,” which grossed $103 million during its worldwide premiere, securing “Wicked” the title of the highest-grossing opening weekend for a musical adaptation. As an early 2024 release, this marks the sixth largest debut of the year, illustrating a competitive landscape already dominated by such films. Furthermore, in the grander timeline of musical openings, “Wicked” finds itself within the top four globally, only behind the likes of “The Little Mermaid,” reflecting a robust interest in musical storytelling.
The international box office performance of “Wicked” is equally promising, although it is currently represented in only 61 overseas markets across 65% of its potential global reach. Notably absent from this list are key territories such as France, China, Germany, and Japan, which have yet to launch the film. Nevertheless, in markets where it has premiered, it is leading the charge as the highest opening for a Broadway adaptation, indicating strong local reception.
The overseas estimate of $48 million also marks it as the sixth largest debut for a musical in international cinema history, outperforming “Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again” and carving out a notable space for itself in records for musicals. Another noteworthy mention is its performance in Korea, where it raked in $3.3 million and boasted a significant 94% score on CGV Egg, showcasing its potential for sustained engagement in markets traditionally receptive to musical content.
The UK and Ireland have emerged as significant markets for “Wicked,” anticipated to deliver over $15 million through the weekend. Its opening day results were particularly striking, pulling in $4.9 million across 2,250 screens. This total not only positions “Wicked” at the forefront of the box office in the region but also marks Universal’s most successful opening day since “No Time to Die,” indicating powerful momentum at the box office.
Adding to its triumphs, the film has demonstrated impressive pre-sale numbers; Vue founder Tim Richards noted that the film’s pre-sales were on par with last year’s blockbuster “Barbie.” Such insights suggest that audience anticipation was not just muted chatter but rather a roaring call for a film that resonates deeply with nostalgia and fresh experiences alike.
Future Prospects and Comparisons
As “Wicked” continues to enchant audiences around the globe, its box office trajectory will be worth monitoring, particularly as it competes with other continuing releases like “Gladiator II,” which also debuted recently in international markets. While “Wicked” solidifies its place in the box office annals, its performance resonates beyond numbers. It encapsulates a revival of interest in musical adaptations and serves as a reminder of the potent magic of storytelling through music and innovative visuals.
Ultimately, “Wicked” has not only established itself within the upper echelons of musical adaptations but also forged a pathway for future productions to aspire toward. Its success could pave the way for more cinematic interpretations of beloved stage productions, proving that the world is still enraptured by the allure of the theatrical musical experience.