This weekend’s simultaneous premieres of Wicked and Gladiator II have generated comparisons to last summer’s “Barbenheimer” phenomenon. While the films aren’t expected to rival the record-breaking openings of Barbie and Oppenheimer, they are attracting diverse audiences across demographics.
Wicked, a $150 million adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, is captivating female audiences with strong reviews and an A CinemaScore. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the film explores the backstory of Oz’s witches, blending star power with the magic of Stephen Schwartz’s musical compositions. Universal is betting big, splitting the story into two films, with the sequel set for release next year.
On the other side of the spectrum, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II is drawing male viewers. The $250 million sequel to the 2000 classic stars Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal. While it earned a solid B CinemaScore, it faces the challenge of living up to the legacy of its Academy Award-winning predecessor.
The Thanksgiving box office race is set to intensify with the release of Disney’s Moana 2 on November 27. Industry analysts are predicting record-breaking revenue for the five-day holiday period, coining the term “Moanapocalypse” for the trio’s combined impact.
Though they lack the cultural lightning strike of “Barbenheimer,” Wicked and Gladiator II are poised to make their mark as counterprogramming hits during this competitive holiday season.
Source: Hollywood Reporter