The much-anticipated film adaptation of *Wicked*, directed by Jon M. Chu, has made a remarkable entrance into the global box office, set to rake in a projected total of $165 million by the end of this weekend. This stellar performance underscores *Wicked*’s status as a powerful player in the cinematic landscape, particularly for films derived from Broadway musicals.
An Unprecedented Opening Weekend
As the film graces screens worldwide, it is projected to lead the charge with a substantial $117 million expected from domestic markets in North America, while its international take stands at approximately $48 million. Such numbers place *Wicked* firmly at the forefront of box office history, marking it as the highest-grossing opening weekend for a film adapted from a Broadway show, surpassing *Les Miserables*, which achieved $103 million during its debut.
Moreover, *Wicked* has secured the position as the fourth biggest opening of all time for a musical globally. Previously held by fan-favorites like *The Little Mermaid*, which garnered an opening weekend total of $163.6 million, this new entry is not only a critical success narratively but also a blockbuster in financial terms.
While *Wicked* has showcased strong performances domestically, its international earnings are impressive despite a limited release in just 61 markets, accounting for 65% of its international footprint. Major markets such as China, France, Germany, and Japan have yet to roll out the film, raising questions about its potential long-term performance as it expands into these territories. Nevertheless, in the release markets available, *Wicked* is shaping up to outperform previous adaptations based on Broadway material.
Analysis of these figures exhibits a promising trajectory, with *Wicked* slated to become the top performer in its genre even under these constrained circumstances. The $48 million slated for international markets marks it as the sixth-highest opening weekend for all time for a musical abroad, further solidifying its status.
Breaking Records in Key Markets
Particularly noteworthy is the film’s dominance in the UK, where it is expected to surpass $15 million by Sunday. This opening has been bolstered by a stellar $4.9 million figure on Friday alone, a day marked by an impressive share of 63% of the total box office in the region. This accomplishment not only highlights *Wicked*’s popularity but also provides a significant boost for Universal Pictures, marking it as their biggest opening since the release of *No Time to Die* in 2021.
In addition, the film has set records for its opening day in Australia, replicating its success in Korea, which has responded favorably with an impressive $3.3 million through Saturday. In this market, *Wicked* has generated a strong 94% CGV Egg score, indicating positive audience reception. Mexico, too, has seen unprecedented success, generating the largest opening day for a film adapted from a stage musical, further illustrating the universal appeal of *Wicked*.
The anticipated success of *Wicked* comes on the heels of established films like *Gladiator II*, which is simultaneously unveiling its international rollout and is set to exceed $200 million globally. The competition in the current box office atmosphere is intense, yet *Wicked* seems well-positioned to captivate audiences and maintain its momentum in the weeks to follow.
Overall, the film’s strong performance not only portrays the compelling narrative and musical score but also indicates the broader trend of adaptation success in today’s cinematic world. The overwhelming box office reception signifies both the sustained interest in musical adaptations and the powerful legacy of *Wicked* as a revered theater production. Its performance sets a new benchmark for future adaptations, making it a critical point of reference in discussions about the evolution of film and musical theater.