The highly anticipated film Wicked: For Good achieved remarkable success during its opening weekend, significantly surpassing the performance of its predecessor. Released on March 15, 2024, the film earned an impressive $150 million from North American theatres and a total of $226 million globally. These figures mark the largest opening for a Broadway musical adaptation, eclipsing the first film’s opening weekend of $112 million.
Director Jon M. Chu helmed both films, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprising their roles in this epic conclusion. The opening weekend’s strong performance places it as the second-largest debut of the year, just behind the A Minecraft Movie, which opened with $162 million.
Women played a pivotal role in driving ticket sales, comprising approximately 71 percent of the audience, according to PostTrak exit polls. While critics offered mixed reviews regarding the film, audience reception was overwhelmingly positive, with 83 percent indicating they would “definitely recommend” it to friends.
The first Wicked film achieved significant commercial success, grossing over $758.7 million worldwide and receiving ten Oscar nominations, two of which it won for costume and production design. The combined production costs for both films are around $300 million, excluding marketing expenses.
As Wicked: For Good continues to show strong box office performance, questions arise regarding how high its earnings can soar. With its record-breaking opening, the film is set to further establish its place in cinematic history. As audiences flock to theatres, the future of this beloved franchise appears bright.
