Wicked: For Good Shatters Box Office Records with $147 Million Opening

The magical land of Oz has delivered a historic box office spell. The film sequel Wicked: For Good has conjured a spectacular $147 million in its domestic debut. This stunning result sets a new record for Broadway musical adaptations. It marks the second-biggest opening weekend of the year in North America.

Audiences flocked to theaters starting November 21. The film expands the story from the 2024 hit. Industry reports from Variety confirm the record-breaking numbers.

Universal’s Musical Sequel Conquers Global Charts

Global numbers are just as magical. The film earned an additional $76 million internationally. This brings its worldwide opening total to a massive $226 million. That figure is the biggest ever for a stage musical film adaptation.

The performance crushes the first film’s $112.5 million domestic opening. It solidifies the Wicked franchise as a cinematic powerhouse. Universal Pictures released the film across 4,115 theaters.

Analysts note the film’s perfect timing. It launched in the coveted pre-Thanksgiving corridor. Audience demographics were heavily female, at 71 percent. This highlights the story’s powerful resonance with its core fanbase.

Awards Buzz and Critical Praise Fuel Success

The film’s success is not just financial. It has earned strong critical and audience praise. The movie received an “A” grade from CinemaScore polls. This matches the high marks given to the first installment.

Director Jon M. Chu returns to helm this darker second act. He expands the visual scope of Oz with elaborate musical sequences. The story delves deeper into the complex relationship between its two leads.

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprise their iconic roles. Erivo plays Elphaba, the misunderstood Wicked Witch. Grande returns as the popular Glinda the Good. Their performances are already generating significant awards season discussion.

Wicked: For Good has proven the enduring power of a great musical story, breaking records and casting a powerful spell on the global box office that will be remembered for years to come.

Info at your fingertips

How much did Wicked: For Good make opening weekend?

The film earned $147 million domestically and $76 million internationally. Its global opening weekend total reached $226 million, setting a new record for Broadway adaptations.

Is this opening bigger than the first Wicked movie?

Yes. This debut of $147 million significantly surpasses the first film’s $112.5 million domestic opening in 2024. The global total is also substantially higher.

Who stars in Wicked: For Good?

Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba and Ariana Grande stars as Glinda. Both actors reprise their roles from the first 2024 film, directed again by Jon M. Chu.

What does this mean for the box office in 2025?

This result provides a massive boost to the annual box office. It proves that major event films based on beloved IP can still draw enormous crowds to theaters.

Could the lead actors get Oscar nominations?

Industry analysis, including from The Guardian, suggests significant awards buzz. The actors are seen as strong contenders for recognition in the upcoming season.