Universal's 'Wicked: For Good,' the second installment of the Broadway musical adaptation, is set to break records with a projected $200 million-plus worldwide debut this weekend. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprising their roles as Elphaba and Glinda, following the first film's $758.7 million global haul. Early reviews praise its enhancements to the source material, including new songs and deeper character arcs.
Box Office Projections
Sources indicate 'Wicked: For Good' is poised for a strong launch, with a global weekend forecast exceeding $200 million. This includes over $70 million from 78 international markets and $125 million to $150 million domestically across 4,000 U.S. and Canada theaters. The film has already become Fandango's top PG-rated advance ticket seller and the best pre-seller of 2025, surpassing the first 'Wicked's' $112.5 million domestic and $164 million worldwide opening from last year. Exhibition estimates even suggest domestic figures could top $175 million, though presales may frontload results similar to the predecessor, which combined with 'Moana 2' for a record $420 million Thanksgiving week.
Release Details
Directed by Jon M. Chu, 'Wicked: For Good' picks up after Elphaba's exile from the Emerald City, exploring themes of deception, friendship, and redemption. The cast includes Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, Ariana Grande as Glinda, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Ethan Slater as Boq, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard. Running 137 minutes with a PG rating, it features Imax and premium formats, sharing screens with 'Zootopia 2' over Thanksgiving. Previews begin with large-format fan events at 6 p.m. Wednesday, followed by Thursday starts at 2 p.m., incorporating Amazon sneaks. The film opens in more territories than the first (which launched in 61), excluding Japan (March 6) and awaiting a China date.
Critical Reception
The sequel earns a 74% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes from critics and 97% from audiences, compared to the first's 88% and 95%. Variety's review highlights improvements to the Broadway second act, adding over an hour of material and new songs like 'The Girl in the Bubble' for Glinda and 'No Place Like Home' for Elphaba, while sharpening critiques of manipulative leadership. It praises the emotional depth in Erivo and Grande's performances and the film's event-like spectacle. A global press tour kicked off November 4 in Sao Paulo, Brazil, continuing through Paris, London, Singapore, and New York.
