The highly anticipated sequel Wicked: For Good has shattered box office records, earning over $151 million in the U.S. and $228 million globally during its opening weekend. Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the film surpasses the performance of its predecessor, marking a major win for Universal Pictures.
Box Office Performance
Wicked: For Good launched with impressive numbers, projecting a domestic opening of $151 million-plus, the largest for a musical film to date. Globally, the movie amassed $228 million, outperforming the first installment's debut. This success comes amid high expectations following the original Wicked's strong reception in 2024, which set the stage for the two-part adaptation of the Broadway hit.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, the sequel continues the story of Elphaba and Glinda, drawing audiences back to theaters during the holiday season. Industry analysts note the film's momentum as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Wizard of Oz prequel, with early tracking indicating even stronger turnout than anticipated.
Background and Context
The movie arrives as part of a packed Thanksgiving release slate, competing with family-friendly titles like Zootopia 2 and Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. Wicked: For Good picks up where the first film left off, focusing on the evolving friendship between the leads amid Oz's political turmoil. Universal's strategy of splitting the musical into two parts has paid off, with the sequel capitalizing on fan enthusiasm and critical buzz.
No official quotes from the cast or director were available in initial reports, but the box office figures underscore the project's cultural impact. As theaters see increased attendance post-holiday meals, Wicked: For Good positions itself as a seasonal standout, potentially extending its run into awards season.