The upcoming holiday season is poised to see a significant influx of moviegoers, particularly around Thanksgiving, as two powerhouse films gear up for release: Universal’s highly-anticipated adaptation of Wicked and Paramount’s Gladiator II. Both films have recently garnered attention with tracking estimates suggesting impressive opening weekend figures that could set new records at the box office. As audiences prepare for a feast of cinematic experiences, it’s essential to dive deeper into the implications and dynamics of these two films.
The Enthusiasm Surge for Wicked
Universal’s Wicked adaptation is already making waves, particularly among female audiences, with projections indicating an opening weekend of over $80 million. This would not only mark a notable achievement for director Jon M. Chu, surpassing his previous best of $41 million with G.I. Joe Retaliation, but it also stands to position the film as a leader in its category—being the highest opening for any film based on a Broadway musical. The level of excitement for Wicked is primarily fueled by its engaging story crafted from the beloved stage production, which is expected to resonate with audiences across demographics, particularly women.
It’s worth noting that presales for Wicked are significantly outpacing those of its nearest competitors, indicating that many viewers are making plans to see this film well in advance. This trend is common among female audiences who often coordinate viewing outings with friends or family, leading to earlier bookings. Additionally, the marketing prowess of Universal, showcasing the film at high-profile events like the Paris Olympics and the Super Bowl, has undoubtedly increased its visibility and generated buzz prior to its release.
On the opposing end of the cinematic spectrum, Gladiator II is tracking for a solid $65 million opening weekend. This figure not only represents a potential record for Denzel Washington, whose previous top debut reached $44 million, but it also positions Ridley Scott’s sequel to outshine the opening of the original Gladiator, which debuted with just $34.8 million back in 2000. While the Gladiator franchise may primarily attract a male audience, it is noteworthy that the interest is broadening, with significant appeal to older women as well.
This second installment is expected to build on the original’s critical acclaim, with many moviegoers keen to see how the story continues. Coupled with the emotional and epic narrative that characterized its predecessor, Gladiator II aims to draw in not just die-hard fans of the first film, but also new audiences looking for a compelling cinematic experience.
The Thanksgiving holiday presents a competitive landscape for both films, with Black Friday historically being one of the richest moviegoing days of the year. This high-stakes environment could potentially lead to a box office frenzy as families and friends gather to celebrate and partake in the holiday spirit. It is also noteworthy that Disney’s Moana 2, projected to earn over $100 million within its opening five days, stands as an additional competitor in this crowded marketplace.
As both Wicked and Gladiator II gear up for their respective openings, a key factor will be audience choice and how effectively they can capture the hearts and minds of moviegoers. While Wicked leads in presales, Gladiator II’s broader appeal and established fan base may counterbalance that initial success as the two films battle for attention during this lucrative season.
Early screenings of both films have reportedly yielded enthusiastic responses, with Wicked being particularly praised by Broadway legend Kristin Chenoweth, who encapsulates the anticipation with her enthusiastic endorsements. Given the two-part format of Wicked, with the second installment set for Thanksgiving 2025, audiences are eager for the initial offering, which sets the stage for a mount in excitement leading up to the sequel.
As Thanksgiving approaches, both Wicked and Gladiator II are positioned for successful box office runs, each with unique attributes that may attract diverse audiences. While Wicked’s engaging musical narrative seems poised to capture the hearts of many, Gladiator II’s action-packed legacy has the potential to continue its own storied saga. The convergence of these two distinct cinematic experiences is sure to create an intriguing and dynamic moviegoing season, one that could redefine box office expectations for both Universal and Paramount in the coming weeks.