Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of Wicked has shattered box office records, achieving a historic opening and outperforming rivals in both domestic and international markets.

Wicked, the highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway musical, has made a powerful impact on the US box office. Released in theatres on November 22, 2024, the movie grossed a staggering USD 114 million on its opening weekend, setting a new record for the best opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Wicked exceeded all expectations and established a commanding presence at the box office.

Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, the film is set in the world of The Wizard of Oz and tells the untold story of the Wicked Witch. Wicked is not only the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation but also outperformed previous records set by films like Into the Woods, which grossed USD 31 million on its opening weekend in 2014.

In addition to its US success, Wicked performed exceptionally well on the international stage, grossing USD 50.2 million from overseas markets. The worldwide total now stands at an impressive USD 164 million, making it the highest-grossing film adaptation of a Broadway musical, surpassing even Les Misérables. This remarkable opening also places Wicked fifth among all musical films worldwide. Despite its triumph, Wicked’s success does not necessarily signal an imminent surge of blockbuster musicals. Some adaptations, such as the 2019 film Cats, faltered despite high expectations. However, analysts like Paul Dergarabedian from Comscore emphasize that Wicked’s success is a result of meticulous planning and strategy, and replicating this formula for future musical adaptations will not be easy.