“Wicked: For Good” delivered a powerhouse opening weekend, earning an estimated $150 million in domestic ticket sales and becoming the biggest-ever debut for a Broadway musical adaptation. Universal’s sequel to last year’s hit “Wicked” also secured the second-highest opening of 2025, trailing only “A Minecraft Movie,” which launched with $163 million in April.
With international markets added in, the film is expected to surpass $226 million globally in its first three days. Industry analysts estimate that roughly 10 million domestic tickets were sold, far outpacing the 8 million sold during the initial “Wicked” release in 2024.
Premium large-format screenings played a significant role in the film’s strong launch. According to EntTelligence, 30% of domestic showings took place in premium auditoriums, a sizable increase from last year’s 18% share. Higher-priced tickets—averaging $18.75 on premium screens compared with $15.25 for standard formats—provided an additional boost to early box office totals.
The sequel arrives at a key moment in the holiday movie season. Last year’s Thanksgiving box office set an all-time record with the combined muscle of “Wicked,” “Gladiator II,” and “Moana 2.” This year, “Wicked: For Good” leads a slate that includes Disney’s “Zootopia 2,” which analysts say could open to around $100 million over its first three days and exceed $125 million across the full five-day holiday frame.
Industry observers say Universal successfully built on the momentum of the original “Wicked,” drawing a broad audience eager to return to the world of Elphaba and Glinda, played by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. With Thanksgiving week ahead—a period known for sustained family turnout—analysts expect the film to show strong staying power.
Source: CNBC