The domestic box office is experiencing a historic resurgence with the powerful debut of Wicked and Gladiator II. Universal’s adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical and Paramount’s sequel to the iconic Gladiator franchise are proving to be the perfect cinematic pairing, drawing in diverse audiences and reigniting theater excitement.
Wicked Soars to Record-Breaking Heights
Wicked is on track to make history with an estimated $120 million domestic opening, the biggest ever for a Broadway adaptation and the third-highest of 2024 so far. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film features Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in leading roles as Glinda and Elphaba, delivering a stunning retelling of the witches’ untold story from The Wizard of Oz. With an 89% Rotten Tomatoes score and overwhelmingly positive early reviews, the film has captivated female audiences and musical fans alike.
Boosted by advance screenings, including Amazon Prime previews that added $19.2 million to its tally, Wicked’s success marks a significant win for the live-action musical genre. Universal’s decision to move the release ahead of Thanksgiving also gives it a strategic edge over Moana 2, set to release next week.
