In a stunning display of box office power, Wicked has shattered records, claiming its place as a historic success in Hollywood’s growing trend of Broadway musical adaptations. The film, released over the Thanksgiving weekend (Nov. 22-24), grossed an estimated $114 million domestically, setting a new benchmark as the highest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation. This monumental achievement is a resounding victory for Universal and director Jon M. Chu, leaving the previous record-holder, Into the Woods (2014), far behind with its $31 million opening.
This record-breaking launch is not just a win for the film but also for the Broadway genre, which has seen a significant resurgence in Hollywood. Wicked’s debut eclipses other major musical adaptations, such as Mamma Mia! and Hairspray, whose box office openings were no match for this new record-holder. In fact, Wicked’s impressive $114 million opening is more than three times that of Into the Woods, proving the immense demand for Broadway-to-screen adaptations.
A Historic Achievement for Broadway Adaptations
Wicked‘s box office success marks a historic moment for musical adaptations. With its $114 million domestic debut, the film now holds the title of the top opening for any Broadway musical adaptation. The previous record was set by Into the Woods, which opened to just $31 million—far from Wicked’s remarkable achievement. The film also ranks as the fourth-largest domestic opening for any musical, trailing only Disney classics like The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and Frozen II.
Beyond domestic shores, Wicked also made waves globally, grossing $164.2 million worldwide. This puts it in the top five all-time global musical openings, alongside heavyweights like The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. This global success underscores the broad appeal of the beloved story of the witches of Oz and the star power of its cast, including Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda.
The Magic Behind the Records
So, what made Wicked‘s opening so historic? The film’s success can be attributed to several key factors. The combination of a beloved story, a star-studded cast, and an extraordinary visual spectacle drew audiences from all corners of the globe. The chemistry between Erivo and Grande, both of whom have legions of fans, contributed greatly to the film’s allure.
Moreover, the adaptation of Wicked into a full-scale movie allowed the timeless story to reach new audiences. The iconic score by Stephen Schwartz, combined with Jon M. Chu’s direction, created an experience that resonated with both long-time fans and newcomers alike.
The Thanksgiving release was perfectly timed to capitalize on family holiday gatherings, which undoubtedly helped propel the film’s box office numbers to historic levels.
A New Era for Broadway Adaptations
As Wicked continues to dominate the box office, it marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing evolution of Broadway musical adaptations. This historic success proves that with the right story, talent, and timing, Broadway hits can seamlessly transition to the big screen and break records along the way.
For Universal and the creative team behind Wicked, this achievement signifies more than just a box office milestone. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of musical theater and its ability to captivate audiences across the world in new and exciting ways. As Wicked continues to soar, it’s clear that it has rewritten the rules for musical adaptations, setting a new standard for all to follow.