Wicked, set to release on November 22, 2024, has already made a splash, posting the second-highest first-day ticket presales of the year. Only trailing behind the highly anticipated Deadpool 3, this musical adaptation is off to a flying start, marking it as a potential juggernaut at the box office. And for fans of musicals, this one is a must-watch.
The film, directed by Jon M. Chu (In the Heights, Crazy Rich Asians), adapts the beloved Broadway show by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, itself inspired by The Wizard of Oz. The story revisits the land of Oz but from a fresh perspective, focusing on the friendship and rivalry between Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West. This fantasy musical has captivated audiences for nearly two decades on stage, and Universal is betting big—its $150 million budget reflects the studio's confidence in the project.
But it's not just fans of the Broadway production who are excited. Wicked's star-studded cast includes Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, with strong supporting performances from Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, and more. With such a lineup, the film promises both heart and spectacle, but will it appeal to moviegoers beyond the musical theater crowd?
Despite the excitement, the film faces stiff competition. Wicked shares its November 22 release date with Ridley Scott's Gladiator II, leading to speculation about a box office showdown akin to last year's “Barbenheimer” phenomenon. In fact, social media has already dubbed this double-bill “Wickiator.” Will Wicked come out on top, or will Scott's historical epic steal the spotlight?
On a critical note, some are already wary of the film's marketing. The September trailer stirred mixed reactions, with its heavy use of green-screen and a soundtrack that downplayed the film's musical nature. For a movie rooted in song, choosing to hide its identity as a musical is a questionable strategy.
Still, with such strong early numbers—Wicked's presales are the third-highest ever for a PG-rated film, following Frozen II and The Lion King—all signs point toward this being a massive hit. Whether or not it can capture the hearts of non-musical fans remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Wicked is ready to cast a spell over the box office.
What do you think? Will Wicked's impressive presales translate into box office domination, or will Gladiator II claim the crown? Let us know!
