‘Wicked’ Dominates Global Box Office

In a stunning display of box office power, Universal's adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical "Wicked" has soared to a remarkable $164.2 million globally on its opening weekend. This staggering figure includes a significant $50.1 million from international markets, while North America alone contributed a hefty $114 million, marking it as the third-largest domestic debut of the year and the biggest ever for a Broadway adaptation.

"Wicked" now holds the title for the largest opening weekend for a film inspired by a Broadway show, surpassing the previous record set by "Les Misérables" in 2012, which grossed $103 million. Overall, ticket sales for "Wicked" rank as the fifth-biggest musical debut in history, trailing behind hits like Disney's "The Lion King" (2019) and "Frozen 2" (2019).

Directed by the talented Jon M. Chu, "Wicked" features an impressive cast including Ariana Grande as Glinda, Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, and prominent actors like Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh. The narrative unfolds before, during, and after the events of "The Wizard of Oz," exploring the backstory of Elphaba, later known as the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, who becomes Glinda the Good. Despite an ambitious runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes, the film only covers the musical's first act, with "Wicked: Part Two" set to release in November 2025.

Universal has invested heavily in this project, spending $150 million on the first film and an additional $150 million for the sequel, not including an extravagant promotional campaign that has seen partnerships with major brands like Target and Starbucks. The studio aims to maintain excitement and ticket sales not just through the holiday season, but well into Thanksgiving next year, especially with the positive critical reception and enthusiastic audience feedback that have followed its release. "Wicked" has already made a strong impact in key international markets, starting with $17.6 million from the UK and Ireland, followed by Australia ($6.7 million), Korea ($4.7 million), and Mexico ($4 million). However, it has yet to premiere in major territories like France, China, and Japan, indicating potential for even greater earnings.

‘Gladiator II’ Rakes in $221 Million Worldwide

Meanwhile, "Gladiator II," the highly anticipated sequel to Ridley Scott's 2000 classic, also made waves at the box office, accumulating $221 million globally so far. Its initial weekend saw $50.5 million in overseas ticket sales alongside $55.5 million domestically, bringing its international total to $165.5 million.

Starring rising talents like Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington, "Gladiator II" has a hefty production cost exceeding $250 million, coupled with around $100 million for marketing. Paramount Pictures is banking on strong audience engagement during the Thanksgiving period and into the New Year to make the investment worthwhile.

Industry Trends

Both films exemplify the current trends in the entertainment industry, showcasing adaptations from successful Broadway shows and sequels to iconic films, a strategy that continues to draw audiences to theaters worldwide. Stay tuned as these box office giants battle it out for top revenue as more international markets open up!