Universal’s ‘Wicked’ achieves a record-breaking start at the box office, while ‘Gladiator II’ continues to perform strongly with over $220 million globally.
Universal’s highly anticipated big-budget adaptation of Wicked has made a spectacular global debut, grossing $164.2 million at the worldwide box office in its opening weekend. This includes $50.1 million from international markets, but the film’s true triumph came in North America, where it raked in $114 million, making it the third-biggest domestic debut of the year and the best-ever for a Broadway-to-film adaptation.
The film has not only broken records but has also become the largest opening for any film based on a Broadway musical, surpassing the $103 million earned by Les Misérables in 2012. Wicked now ranks as the fifth-biggest global debut for a musical film in history, just behind major hits like The Lion King (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2017). Notably, it outperformed Disney’s The Little Mermaid remake ($163.6 million), which had previously held a strong position in the rankings.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked stars Ariana Grande as Glinda, the Good Witch, and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, in a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. Set before, during, and after the events of The Wizard of Oz, the story delves into the origins of both iconic characters, long before Dorothy’s arrival in Oz. Despite its lengthy runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes, the film only covers the first act of the Broadway musical, with the sequel, Wicked: Part Two, set for release in November 2025 to finish the tale.
Meanwhile, Gladiator II, the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2000 epic, continues its impressive box office run, surpassing $220 million globally. Directed by Ridley Scott, the film follows the story of Maximus’s son, Lucius, and his journey within the brutal world of ancient Rome, starring Paul Mescal in the lead role. While Wicked may have taken the spotlight this weekend, Gladiator II remains a powerhouse in cinemas worldwide, holding its own with strong performances from international audiences.
Wicked’s success at the box office proves the lasting appeal of beloved Broadway musicals, especially with the star power of Grande and Erivo. With a sequel already in the works and its continued box office performance, it seems the film will enjoy long-lasting success in theatres.
