Universal’s highly anticipated film, Wicked: For Good, is projected to make a significant splash at the Thanksgiving box office, with prerelease tracking indicating an opening of over $115 million. This remarkable debut would set a new record for a musical adaptation of a Broadway show, further solidifying the film's place in cinematic history.
Scheduled for release in North America on November 21, just before the Thanksgiving festivities, Wicked: For Good is also set to premiere simultaneously around the globe. This strategic timing aims to maximize audience turnout during one of the busiest movie-going weekends of the year.
Leading market research firm NRG has forecasted a domestic opening of $115 million, but insiders privy to NRG’s raw data suggest that the film could potentially reach, or even surpass, $120 million in its opening weekend. Early indications show that pre-sales for this sequel are significantly outpacing the original film, although Universal and the film’s creators are opting for a conservative estimate of $115 million to manage expectations.
Last year, the initial installment of Wicked achieved a record-breaking $112.5 million in its three-day debut, marking the highest opening ever for a musical adaptation. The first film went on to gross nearly $750 million worldwide, a remarkable feat that also stands as the best performance for a Broadway musical adaptation in Hollywood, a genre often challenging for filmmakers to succeed in.
Wicked: For Good sees the reunion of producer Marc Platt and director Jon M. Chu, alongside stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The film continues the story of these iconic characters, who must grapple with the implications of their past decisions. Erivo portrays Elphaba, famously known as the Wicked Witch of the West, while Grande takes on the role of Glinda, the Good Witch. Both actresses are anticipated to be strong contenders in the upcoming Oscar race, alongside the film itself.
With its impressive projections and talented cast, Wicked: For Good is poised to capture the hearts of audiences this Thanksgiving and leave an indelible mark on the box office.
