Get ready to be spellbound—the box office is under a magical enchantment, and it’s all thanks to the witches of Oz. But here’s where it gets controversial: Wicked: For Good isn’t just breaking records; it’s rewriting the rulebook for what a Broadway musical adaptation can achieve on the big screen. Universal’s Thanksgiving blockbuster is projected to debut with a jaw-dropping $151 million-plus in the U.S. and a staggering $228 million globally, leaving industry analysts in awe. After a Friday haul of $68.7 million across 4,115 theaters—including a whopping $30.8 million from previews—it’s clear audiences are under its spell. With an A CinemaScore and a 96% Rotten Tomatoes rating, this isn’t just a movie; it’s a cultural phenomenon.
Directed by the visionary Jon M. Chu, Wicked: For Good is the second installment in his ambitious adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical and book. Starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the film dives into the untold story of Oz’s witches, blending spectacle with heart. And this is the part most people miss: If it hits its projections, it will claim the title of the biggest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, dethroning last year’s Wicked ($112.5 million). It’s also poised to become Universal’s second-largest opening behind Jurassic World, the second-best pre-Thanksgiving weekend opener after The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and the third-biggest musical debut ever, trailing only The Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. Oh, and it’s already the second-biggest film of 2025, right behind A Minecraft Movie.
But let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the box office has been in a slump, plagued by a glut of male-centric films and a lack of options for women and families. Wicked: For Good isn’t just a hit—it’s a statement. Nearly 70% of Friday’s audience was female, proving the undeniable buying power of girls and women. Bold claim? This movie isn’t just entertainment; it’s a cultural shift. And it’s a victory for NBCU’s Donna Langley, who’s been determined to crack the Broadway-to-Hollywood code. Mission accomplished.
A year ago, the first Wicked film made history with a $112.5 million debut, eventually grossing nearly $750 million worldwide. Now, Wicked: For Good is set to outshine it, proving that this franchise isn’t just a fluke—it’s a force. But here’s the question: Can Hollywood sustain this momentum, or is this just a one-off success? Let’s discuss—do you think Wicked: For Good is a game-changer, or is it riding on the coattails of its predecessor? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’re all ears!
