The beguiling rendering of the popular Broadway musical Wicked danced into theaters this weekend, leaving audiences spellbound and records well and truly smashed. With Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo starring, the movie took in an estimated $114 million in U.S. and Canadian ticket sales, distributor Universal Pictures said Sunday. Along with $50.2 million from international markets, the movie’s global bow hit $164.2 million.
Helmed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, which tells the previously untold story of the green-skinned Elphaba and her rise to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. The film explores themes of friendship, prejudice, and destiny, set against a backdrop of dazzling visuals and memorable music by Stephen Schwartz.
A Record-Breaking Opening
Wicked now holds the biggest opening weekend of any film based on a Broadway musical, beating out the 2012 worldwide opening of Les Misérables. Universal Pictures called it a statement to the enduring power of the Wicked narrative, which has had the hearts of audiences since the opening of its stage version in 2003.
This opening weekend success indicates the sheer endurance at the box office created by the Broadway adaptation itself, which is an adaptation of Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. With its $164.2 million haul across the globe, it means Wicked has raised the stakes for the second installment, due in 2025. diferente
Star Power and Audience Enthusiasm
Ariana Grande’s Glinda, bubbly, was appealing to fans and critics alike. So was Cynthia Erivo’s powerhouse performance as Elphaba. New dimensions brought by their chemistry and excellent vocals elevate the film to a very emotional and musical triumph.
Fans of the musical turned out in droves, with many attending in costume and sharing their experiences on social media. The film’s marketing campaign capitalized on this enthusiasm, building anticipation through teasers, trailers, and a star-studded premiere.
Competition at the Box Office
While it faced still some robust competition from the Gladiator II debut of $55.5 million in the States, Wicked was clear winner this past weekend at the box office. Gladiator II, from Ridley Scott with Paul Mescal, has been receiving strong international backing, as its global tally now exceeds $220 million. However, its expensive $250 million budget makes it a ways away from eventually turning an eventual profit.
Meanwhile, the strong launch of Wicked puts this film in an excellent place as a box office juggernaut with long legs heading into the holiday season. With families, musical theatre, and general audiences alike embracing the film, continued interest is almost guaranteed over the coming weeks.
A Cultural Phenomenon
The success of Wicked underlines the magnetic pull musicals have for movie audiences. In a similar vein to Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman, and La La Land, this film offers sufficient proof that a mix of music and storytelling will always work in theaters.
As the second installment is highly anticipated by fans, the triumph of the film chronicles another milestone in the love affair that is continuously unfolding between Broadway and Hollywood. With its spectacle, emotion, and timeless music, Wicked proved that two decades will not hinder the spell of Elphaba and Glinda’s story.
What’s Next?
Universal Pictures has confirmed that Wicked Part Two will delve into the darker turns of Elphaba’s story leading up to the events of The Wizard of Oz. Coming in 2025, this places the studio in prime position to continue momentum off of the first film, building a possible franchise as long-lived as its source material.
Meanwhile, audiences can celebrate the film magic of Wicked in its unforgettable journey through the land of Oz-a story as unexpectedly wonderful as its heroine and one that soars to dizzying heights.
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