The much-awaited film adaptation of Wicked hit the screens on Friday (November 22), smashing box office records in its debut weekend.
By Monday morning (November 25), the musical had grossed a staggering $112.5 million in the US and $162.5 million globally, making it a lucrative endeavour given its $150 million production budget.
The film has set new benchmarks, including the highest global and domestic opening for a movie adapted from a Broadway show, surpassing the worldwide opening of 2012’s Les Miserables which raked in $103 million.
Pop sensation Ariana Grande also made history with the biggest domestic opening for a pop star, outperforming Lady Gaga’s A Star is Born at $42.5 million, Harry Styles’ Don’t Worry Darling at $19.3 million, and Britney Spears’ Crossroads at $14.5 million.
It’s a record-breaking opening weekend for star Cynthia Erivo, director Jon M. Chu, and producer Marc Platt too, eclipsing all their previous films, reports .
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Wicked has broken box office records (Image: Universal Pictures)
With the film expected to continue its successful run at the box office in the weeks ahead, the final tally remains to be seen.
Ariana takes on the role of Galinda Upland, who evolves into Glinda the Good, while Cynthia portrays Elphaba Thropp, who eventually becomes known as the Wicked Witch of the West.
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, featuring Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Ethan Slater among others.
The much-anticipated film is the first instalment of a cinematic reimagining of Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman’s beloved stage musical, itself a creative take on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel.
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Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande (Image: Universal Pictures)
Announced a decade ago in 2012, the on-screen version of Wicked encountered setbacks due to the -19 pandemic, resulting in delays. Despite these hiccups, the film has achieved blockbuster status and won critical plaudits, with accolades specifically pointed at the stellar performances and impressive production design.
With an outstanding 8.2 rating on IMDb from 23,000 votes and a robust 90% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 283 reviews, audiences and critics alike have embraced it.
One critic praised: “It’s got playful verve. It crushes the classic songs. It boasts solid production design, excellent costumes and two truly great leading performances to build around. Erivo in particular hits all the film’s high notes with ease.”
Wicked is in cinemas now. Wicked Part Two is scheduled for release on November 21 2025.