Wicked: For Good, the highly anticipated sequel to the two-time Oscar-winning Wicked, is gearing up for a spectacular release on November 21. Industry forecasts suggest that the film is on track to achieve an impressive opening weekend, potentially earning between $112 million and $115 million. This figure mirrors the successful debut of its predecessor, which opened to $112.5 million during the Thanksgiving weekend last year.
Last year, Wicked contributed to an astounding $420 million box office total over the Wednesday-to-Sunday Thanksgiving period, alongside other major releases such as Paramount’s Gladiator 2 and Disney’s Moana 2. As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, all eyes will be on Wicked: For Good to see if it can replicate this remarkable success.
In addition to Wicked: For Good, Disney's Zootopia 2 is set to hit theaters on November 26, although tracking for this animated sequel will not be available until next week. This will provide further insight into its potential performance against the backdrop of the highly competitive holiday season.
The sequel's unaided awareness—a key metric in audience interest—aligns closely with that of the original film, suggesting that anticipation is high. Moviegoers have shown their enthusiasm through an A CinemaScore rating for the first movie, which is a strong indicator of positive word-of-mouth leading into the sequel's release.
The original Wicked film ran for 2 hours and 40 minutes, while Wicked: For Good has trimmed its runtime to a more concise 2 hours and 18 minutes. This adjustment may help in attracting a broader audience, making it easier for viewers to fit the film into their schedules.
Wicked holds the record for the highest box office earnings for a feature adaptation of a Broadway musical, with a final domestic gross of $473.2 million and a global total of $756.4 million. Such impressive figures set a high bar for Wicked: For Good as it aims to build on the original’s success.
Interestingly, this year there will be no major R-rated tentpole film like Gladiator 2 competing during the weekend before Thanksgiving. Last year, Gladiator 2 opened to $55 million and ultimately grossed $172.4 million domestically and $462.1 million globally. However, the upcoming weekend will see the release of Running Man from Paramount and Now You See Me: Now You Don’t from Lionsgate, which will help fill the box office landscape leading up to Thanksgiving.
Running Man is anticipated to perform well with male audiences and is currently tracking ahead of Mickey 17, which is projected to open to $19 million. Meanwhile, Now You See Me 3 aims to attract a diverse audience, with women prominently featured in its first-choice demographics. Originally scheduled for November 21, Running Man has shifted its release to November 14 to secure IMAX access, while Now You See Me 3 will have premium large format options such as Dolby and 4DX available.
As the release date for Wicked: For Good approaches, excitement continues to build among audiences and industry experts alike. With its strong female appeal, impressive box office projections, and the absence of major competitors in the immediate lead-up to Thanksgiving, Universal’s latest entry in the Wicked franchise is poised to deliver a cinematic experience that fans will cherish. Mark your calendars for November 21, and get ready for a magical journey back to Oz!
