Universal’s latest cinematic venture, the film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical *Wicked*, is making headlines with a glorious debut that has drawn immense attention not just in North America but across the globe. The film is projected to rake in impressive numbers, with estimates suggesting a total of around $165 million by the end of its opening weekend. This outstanding performance primarily stems from the domestic box office, where it is expected to earn approximately $117 million, alongside an international haul of around $48 million. Such staggering figures position *Wicked* as a significant milestone in cinema, establishing it as the highest-grossing opening weekend for any film adapted from a Broadway production.
This strong start not only speaks volumes about the film’s popularity but also about the increasing trend of musicals gaining traction within the film industry, suggesting a potential renaissance for this genre. By outclassing established titles such as *Les Misérables*—which previously held the record with a $103 million opening—it is clear that *Wicked* has captured audience interest in ways that many had anticipated.
Despite the fact that *Wicked* has only been released in 61 international markets, accounting for about 65% of its global reach, its performance has proven steady. Major entertainment sectors such as France, China, Germany, and Japan are yet to witness the film’s full potential, which highlights an exciting opportunity for future earnings as these markets may push the overall figures significantly higher.
The $48 million in international revenue marks the sixth-largest opening weekend for any musical film, illustrating a growing enthusiasm within global markets for musicals as a viable box office draw. Not only has *Wicked* established itself an impressive entry in this competitive arena, but it has also outperformed other musicals like *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again*, which earned around $43 million during its opening weekend.
Looking closer at specific regions, the UK has emerged as a particularly lucrative market, driven by performances of stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The film achieved an expected $15 million in its UK and Ireland debut, making it the clear leader during its opening phase with a staggering 63% of the total market share. This also marks Universal’s best opening day since *No Time To Die* in 2021, showcasing an ever-growing appetite for premium cinematic experiences in the region.
Australia has similarly shown its support for *Wicked*, marking the film’s Australian debut with significant earnings. All these successes create a favorable outlook as theaters continue to showcase the film, potentially leading to longer-term box office success as positive reviews and word-of-mouth promotion gain traction.
With its magnificent launch, *Wicked* serves as an emblematic case study for how major productions adapt to shifting consumer preferences, leaning into the nostalgia of Broadway while also embracing modern cinematic techniques. As anecdotal evidence suggests—Vue’s CEO pointing to record-breaking pre-sales tracking in line with last year’s phenomenally successful *Barbie*—*Wicked* demonstrates the multitude of possibilities that exist within the entertainment sector.
The ongoing success of *Wicked*, juxtaposed with the concurrent interests in massive blockbusters like *Gladiator II*, raises crucial questions about the sustainability and future of musical films in a landscape dominated by action and high-paced storytelling. If *Wicked* can maintain momentum, it may pave the way for further adaptations of beloved stage productions.
The debut of *Wicked* heralds a new era for musicals at the box office, underscoring a promising trend that may reshape the film industry’s focus moving forward. As it continues to cast its spell across international markets, avid audiences await to see what this enchanting adaptation holds for both its immediate financial success and the broader implications for future musical storytelling in cinema.