Universal’s highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway sensation *Wicked* has made an impressive splash at the global box office, projecting a noteworthy $165 million by the end of the weekend. This substantial figure largely stems from North American audiences, expected to contribute approximately $117 million, while the international box office is anticipated to account for around $48 million. Such a robust opening weekend positions *Wicked* as a significant player in the realm of musical adaptations, highlighting both the enduring popularity of the source material and the effective marketing behind the film.
This debut not only represents the largest opening weekend for any film inspired by a Broadway musical—eclipsing *Les Misérables*, which debuted at $103 million—but it also ranks as the sixth largest opening weekend of 2024 thus far and the fourth biggest ever for a musical on a global scale, surpassing *The Little Mermaid*’s remarkable $163.6 million opening. The impressive figures signal an enthusiastic response from audiences, showcasing the film’s ability to attract a diverse demographic eager to re-experience the beloved narrative.
Despite its stellar performance domestically, *Wicked* faces a unique situation internationally, with its release currently active in only 61 overseas markets, which amounts to 65% of its potential global footprint. Major markets like France, Japan, and Germany have yet to see the film, leaving plenty of room for further growth in future earning potential. Even within its available markets, *Wicked* is tracking toward record-breaking openings, aligning closely with *Les Misérables* in terms of performance metrics.
The estimated $48 million from the international markets places *Wicked* as the sixth-largest opening weekend ever for a musical—an impressive feat considering it is still navigating the theater landscape while competitors like *Gladiator II* also vie for audience attention.
The film’s reception has been particularly magical in specific international regions, with the UK dominating the overseas market as the top performer. The film launched impressively with over $15 million expected through the weekend, alongside a record-breaking opening day of $4.9 million across 2,250 screens. Notably, it captured a dominant 63% share of the total box office, marking a significant triumph for Universal and indicating that local audiences remain captivated by the enduring story of Elphaba and Glinda.
Moreover, the UK presents the second-largest opening Friday for the year, second only to *Deadpool 3*. The film exceeded Universal’s previous opening day performance since the release of *No Time To Die* in 2021, reaffirming the studio’s capabilities in launching major cinematic events.
Australia has also embraced *Wicked*, achieving the third-largest opening day of 2024, while Korea has shown strong affinity for musicals, contributing with $3.3 million and a stellar CGV Egg score of 94%. Even markets like Mexico are making their mark, with the adaptation achieving record-breaking opening day figures for stage musical adaptations.
Implications for the Musical Film Genre
With *Wicked*’s record-breaking numbers, the film not only reinvigorates interest in musicals but also sets a new standard for adaptations from Broadway to the big screen. Successful franchises can pave the way for future productions, demonstrating the potential financial rewards of beloved stage works transitioning to film. Expectation levels are set high for upcoming adaptations, as *Wicked*’s performance may inspire studios to invest more resources into the genre.
As we contemplate the film’s journey, the synergy of engaging storytelling, exceptional performances from leads Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and meticulous production work culminates in an experience that resonates strongly with audiences. As such, *Wicked* solidifies its position as a cornerstone of cinematic arts while earnestly challenging the boundaries of budget and revenue expectations in the genre.
As the dust settles on its initial launch, *Wicked* remains poised for even greater success with more international territories yet to open. Its spellbinding narrative combined with star power and strong marketing leads indicate that audiences worldwide are eager to return to Oz. The state of the film industry may see a transformative shift, as adaptations like *Wicked* demonstrate that the blend of theater and film continues to enchant and engage, promising an exciting future for musicals on the big screen.