As the curtain rises on Universal’s highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway classic “Wicked,” the initial global box office numbers paint an impressive picture. Projected to rake in approximately $165 million by Sunday, the film’s success is fueled predominantly by its North American audience. With an estimated $117 million expected from the domestic market and around $48 million from international sales, “Wicked” is poised to break several box office records.
This remarkable opening establishes “Wicked” as the highest-grossing debut for a movie adapted from a Broadway musical, eclipsing “Les Miserables,” which previously held the record with $103 million. Furthermore, it marks the sixth biggest opening weekend globally for the year 2024 and the fourth largest ever for a musical feature. The financial performances surrounding musicals often tell a broader story about audience appetite for theatrical adaptations and the ongoing evolution of cinematic storytelling.
The debut numbers place “Wicked” ahead of other notable musical adaptations, including Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” which grossed $163.6 million. Such staggering figures serve to highlight the enduring popularity of stage-to-screen adaptations, particularly those that resonate with nostalgic audiences while appealing to new fans. Interestingly, “Wicked” is still in its early release stages, with major markets such as France, China, Germany, and Japan yet to experience its magic.
Despite being released in just 61 international markets, representing approximately 65% of its potential overseas footprint, “Wicked” has managed to deliver promising opening weekend estimates. In like-for-like launch markets, it emerges victorious, once again outpacing “Les Miserables,” underscoring that there is indeed a growing trend and appetite for musicals in cinema.
The British Isles have been particularly enchanted by “Wicked,” as evidenced by its strong performance in the UK and Ireland. With an anticipated $15 million through Sunday, it stands as the clear favorite in the market. The film’s launch day on Friday saw a remarkable $4.9 million gross from 2,250 screens, capturing an impressive 63% share of the total box office. This marks not only Universal’s biggest opening day since “No Time to Die” but also the second largest Friday opening of the year, trailing only behind “Deadpool” and “Wolverine.”
Additionally, the International Cinematographers Guild reports that IMAX viewings are breaking records for PG-rated films. The Vue cinema chain’s founder and CEO Tim Richards noted the film’s pre-sales had been remarkable, aligning closely with the success trajectory of notable previous releases, such as “Barbie.”
In Australia, “Wicked” is also enjoying a fruitful weekend, achieving the third largest opening day of 2024. Meanwhile, Korea, which has a vibrant affinity for the musical genre, reports figures of $3.3 million by Saturday, highlighted by a robust 94% CGV Egg score, indicating positive viewer reception.
Mexico has joined the list of regions where “Wicked” is performing exceptionally well. Opening on Thursday, it delivered the largest opening day ever recorded for a stage musical adaptation, affirming the film’s reach into culturally diverse markets. This clear number one title signals that audiences are not only receptive but are also excited for innovative takes on beloved tales.
Despite the simultaneous release of “Gladiator II,” which began its international rollout last weekend, “Wicked” has certainly carved out its own space within the market. Analysts predict that the combined revenues of these two blockbusters may propel the global box office to extraordinary heights.
The inaugural numbers for “Wicked” indicate not just a financial victory but a cultural moment where audiences are eagerly gravitating towards the magical world of musical adaptations. As critics and fans celebrate this early success, the film’s continued performance in competitive markets is certainly something to watch, making it a landmark in the cinematic landscape and a potential case study in the resurgence of musicals in film.
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