In a spectacular turn of events, Universal’s cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical *Wicked* has shattered expectations with a remarkable global debut. Projected to gross a staggering $165 million by the close of the weekend, the film has established itself as a powerhouse at the box office, particularly in North America where it is anticipated to rake in approximately $117 million. The remaining $48 million is expected from international markets. This impressive opening positions *Wicked* as the highest-grossing debut of any film based on a Broadway adaptation, eclipsing previous records held by hits like *Les Misérables*, which opened to $103 million.
What makes this accomplishment even more impressive is that *Wicked* is not just making waves in the realm of theatrical adaptations; it has also emerged as one of the top global openings of 2024 so far, ranking sixth overall. Furthermore, it stands as the fourth-largest opening for a musical film, narrowly surpassing *The Little Mermaid*, which posted an opening of $163.6 million.
International Performance and Market Impact
Despite its success, it’s important to note that *Wicked* is still in the early stages of its international rollout, having only debuted in 61 overseas markets, affecting 65% of the potential international box office. Major markets like France, China, Germany, and Japan have yet to launch the film, signaling that the potential for growth in the coming weeks remains significant. Nevertheless, in the markets where it has been released, *Wicked* is already setting the bar high for Broadway adaptations, outpacing *Les Misérables* in like-for-like launch comparisons.
The $48 million from international screenings positions *Wicked* as the sixth-biggest domestic opening weekend ever for a musical, ahead of productions like *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again* ($43 million), with the film also achieving the seventh-best opening among musicals in similar markets. One standout market is the UK, where *Wicked* enchanted audiences to the tune of over $15 million, making it the dominant box office performer there. The hyped opening day yielded $4.9 million across over 2,200 screens, resulting in a significant 63% share of the total box office, marking it as Universal’s largest opening since *No Time to Die* in 2021.
Record-Breaking Pre-Sales and Audience Reception
Prior to its official release, *Wicked* was already generating buzz with record-breaking pre-sales, compared favorably to last year’s *Barbie*. This enthusiasm translated into ticket sales that have made *Wicked* one of the year’s must-see films. The high expectations were met with critical acclaim, and IMAX screenings contributed notably to the overall success, achieving the highest grossing opening day for a PG-rated film in that format.
In Australia, *Wicked* continued to thrive, claiming the number one box office position with substantial earnings. The film began its rollout with the third-best opening day of 2024, further solidifying its international appeal. Meanwhile, audiences in Korea have received the film particularly well, evidenced by a strong performance and positive viewer ratings—indicators of a growing appreciation for musicals within the market.
In Mexico, *Wicked* made history with the largest opening day ever for a stage musical adaptation, confirming its global appeal. As more markets unlock, and as competition from ongoing releases, such as *Gladiator II*, unfolds, one can only speculate on the longevity of *Wicked*’s commercial success. The film’s robust opening has not only set a new standard for Broadway-to-screen adaptations but has also introduced an invigorated interest in the genre, promising an exciting landscape for musical films in the future.
As audiences around the world become captivated by the magic of *Wicked*, it is clear that this film is not just a commercial success; it is a cultural phenomenon that has the potential to redefine the relationship between stage and screen. The journey of *Wicked* is certainly one to watch as it continues its box office ascent and charms audiences everywhere.
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