The cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway phenomenon “Wicked” has burst onto the global stage with an impressive debut, projected to rake in a staggering $165 million by the end of its opening weekend. This figure underscores the film’s strong anticipation and audience excitement, particularly within its home market—North America. With an estimated $117 million expected from domestic audiences and another $48 million anticipated from international markets, “Wicked” has achieved remarkable milestones right from the start. This success makes it the highest-grossing opening weekend for a film adapted from a Broadway show, surpassing the previous record held by “Les Misérables,” which earned $103 million upon its release.
“Wicked” is not only setting new benchmarks for Broadway adaptations; it ranks as the sixth biggest global opening of 2024. Moreover, it stands as the fourth largest musical opening of all time, eclipsing hits like “The Little Mermaid,” which previously held the position with $163.6 million. Such remarkable statistics highlight the film’s universal appeal and the powerful draw of its storyline, characters, and production. Even as the film has so far been released in only 61 international markets—accounting for approximately 65% of the expected offshore reach—its performance suggests a bright trajectory ahead. Major markets such as France, China, Germany, and Japan are yet to experience the magical allure of this film, leaving analysts and fans alike eagerly awaiting the subsequent releases.
The international box office is already reacting positively to “Wicked,” showing signs of strong performance in like-for-like markets. With a projected $48 million overseas, the film is also positioned to achieve the sixth largest opening weekend for a musical in international markets, overtaking previous favorites like “Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again” as it unfolds its global reach. Particularly noteworthy is the strong showing in the United Kingdom, where “Wicked” has captivated audiences. The film’s release there has generated an estimated $15 million, making it the clear frontrunner among competing titles. Launching with $4.9 million on its opening day alone—making it the second biggest launch Friday of the year behind “Deadpool & Wolverine”—demonstrates the robust enthusiasm surrounding this adaptation.
Interestingly, the film’s opening day success in the UK marks Universal’s most successful debut since “No Time To Die” in September 2021. With its striking presence across over 2,250 screens, “Wicked” commanded an impressive 63% share of the total box office, showcasing its strong market positioning. IMAX screenings also played a significant role in propelling the film’s financial performance, achieving the highest-grossing opening Friday in that format for a PG-rated film, indicating a willingness among audiences for a breathtaking cinematic experience.
Turning to other international markets, “Wicked” is also favored in Australia, ranking as the no. 1 title there with a significant opening day, establishing itself as a dominant force in the region. Meanwhile, in South Korea, which traditionally has a favorable view toward musicals, the film is thriving, currently boasting a $3.3 million earnings through Saturday with an impressive fan engagement rating. Mexico has likewise made its mark with an extraordinary opening day, recording the highest attendance for a stage musical adaptation to date.
As “Wicked” continues to enchant audiences worldwide, its successful global launch sets the stage for further financial success and cultural impact. This adaptation has not only resurrected the magic from stage to screen but also promises to cement its status in cinematic history. With upcoming releases in key international markets, the film is poised for spectacular growth. As we brace for continued box office revelations, “Wicked” serves as a reminder of the timeless allure of storytelling and its ability to transcend mediums, captivating audiences across the globe.