Universal's Wicked: For Good, the sequel to last year's hit musical adaptation, is set to open domestically to $150 million after earning $30.8 million in previews. The film, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, continues the story of Elphaba and Glinda in Oz. International markets have added nearly $15 million in its first two days of release.
Box Office Performance
Wicked: For Good kicked off strongly at the domestic box office, projecting a $150 million three-day opening across 4,115 theaters. This follows $30.8 million in previews from Monday through Thursday, marking the best preview total for any 2025 release to date. The figure surpasses the first Wicked's $112.5 million debut and sets records as the highest opening for a Broadway musical adaptation. Including earlier previews, Friday's estimated gross reached $68.5 million. The film's success builds on the original's $758.4 million global haul, with strong social media buzz—1.33 billion followers across platforms—driving fan engagement. PostTrak exits show 92% positive scores and 82% definite recommends, with audiences praising Ariana Grande's Glinda as 'Oscar-worthy' and the chemistry between leads.
International Rollout
Overseas, the film earned $14.9 million in its first two days across 59 markets, starting Wednesday and Thursday. Key performers included Australia ($2.3 million cumulative), Korea ($1.7 million through Friday), and Germany ($1.1 million). In the UK and Ireland, double-bill previews generated $1.4 million. Brazil saw a fourfold increase over the first film's Thursday, hitting $1.1 million total. The rollout expands today to include the UK and Spain, with China slated for later and Japan in March 2026.
Premiere and Production Insights
The New York premiere took place on Monday, with Erivo and Grande attending. Director Jon M. Chu highlighted an improvised 'For Good' scene, where the stars' emotional farewell led to set modifications, including demolishing a wall for authenticity. New songs like 'Girl in the Bubble' and 'No Place Like Home' expand the story, alongside nods to The Wizard of Oz. The film introduces elements like silver slippers due to trademark issues and features cameos, such as Alice Fearn as Glinda's mother.
