Wicked Tops Gladiator II in Box Office Battle

Wicked’s Magical Weekend Box Office Win

Wicked soared to the top spot, raking in an impressive $114 million from 3,888 theaters this weekend. Fans flocked to witness the enchanting story unfold on the big screen, making it the talk of the town.

Meanwhile, Gladiator II fought hard but landed in second, earning $55.5 million across 3,573 cinemas. The numbers don’t lie Wicked’s spellbinding debut left its competition in the dust.

Star Power Shines in Wicked and Gladiator II

In Wicked , Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo take on the iconic roles of Glinda and Elphaba, bringing fresh magic to the origin story of Oz’s witches. Their performances have fans spellbound.

On the other hand, Gladiator II introduced Oscar-nominated Paul Mescal as Lucius, the son of Maximus (Russell Crowe), making a powerful impact on the next generation in the epic saga. Both films bring star-studded performances to the big screen.

A New Barbenheimer Moment

Both Wicked and Gladiator II captured the spotlight, sparking excitement and creating a new Barbenheimer -esque moment at the box office. Fans couldn’t wait to dive into these two highly anticipated films.

Paul Mescal shared his excitement about the double feature, encouraging moviegoers to watch both films. “I think they complement each other really well because they’re so different,” he said. “And if you love cinema, get out there and support it.”

Wicked’s Box Office Magic Breaths New Life into Cinema

Wicked has officially cast a spell on the box office, debuting with a stunning global total of $164 million . This lavish, big-budget musical lit up theaters and led to one of the busiest moviegoing weekends of the year.

With Wicked’s magic at the top, it now holds the title for the third-biggest opening weekend of 2024, trailing only Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2 . It’s clear: the world is ready for some Broadway-to-screen enchantment.

Gladiator II Fights Back

Gladiator II entered the arena with a massive $250 million production budget and an additional $100 million spent on promotion. With stars like Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, and Pedro Pascal, Paramount was hoping for big returns.

The sequel opened with $55.5 million domestically, a bit under the $60 million projection. But it found strength internationally, adding $50.5 million globally, showing that Gladiator II has legs beyond the U.S. box office.

Gender-Driven Box Office

The box office showdown between Wicked and Gladiator II proved to be a classic case of counter-programming, with the movie choices split along gender lines. Wicked , much like Barbie before it, saw a strong female audience, with 72% of ticket buyers being women.

On the flip side, Gladiator II leaned male, with 61% of its audience identifying as men. Wicked’s female-driven appeal was a clear winner, securing a dominant opening weekend and once again showing the power of movies that resonate with women.

Wicked Breaks Records with Best Broadway Film Opening

Wicked just claimed the crown for the biggest opening ever for a film based on a Broadway show, surpassing 2012’s Les Miserables . It’s a huge win for Universal, proving that the magic of Oz resonates worldwide.

Globally, Wicked landed as the fifth-highest musical debut ever, with $164 million in ticket sales. It beat Disney’s 2023 Little Mermaid and stands just behind The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, Frozen 2, and Aladdin, making it a box office powerhouse.

From Broadway to Blockbuster

Turning Wicked into a film was no small feat, and director Jon Chu knew it. He embraced the challenge by staying true to the magic of the original Broadway musical while pushing the boundaries of cinema. Instead of relying on CGI, he built practical sets, making the Land of Oz feel real and tangible.

Chu also made a bold move by recording live vocals, giving the performances a raw, authentic energy that lip-syncing couldn’t match. And with nods to the 1939 Wizard of Oz , he made sure the movie captured the timeless essence of the magical world.

A Glinda and Elphaba Origin Story*

Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked takes us on a journey through the origins of two iconic witches, Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), before Dorothy’s famous arrival in Oz.

With a star-studded cast, including Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Jonathan Bailey, the film dives deep into their lives and the events that led them down very different paths.

Running 2 hours and 40 minutes, Wicked only covers the first act of the Broadway musical, setting the stage for the highly anticipated Wicked: Part Two , which will complete the story. It’s a magical ride that’s just getting started.

Erivo’s Voice Steals the Show

When it comes to Wicked , the music is undeniably a driving force behind its success, and no one has proven that better than Cynthia Erivo.

Known for her iconic performance in the 2016 Broadway revival of The Color Purple , Erivo brings a level of vocal mastery to Wicked that’s nothing short of breathtaking.

Her renditions of The Wizard and I and, of course, Defying Gravity will have you speechless, and her voice soars in ways that leave you absolutely mesmerized. But here’s the real magic: Erivo pulls off these vocal feats while performing gravity-defying stunts.

The Perfect Glinda

Who better to take on the role of Glinda than Ariana Grande? Ariana proved she was the perfect pick to bring the beloved character to life, swapping her usual silky-smooth vocals for a commanding soprano technique.

Ariana’s magical performance as Glinda defied expectations, proving that her vocal prowess and stage presence were more than enough to cast a spell on audiences.

Universal Bets Big on Wicked

Universal spared no expense with Wicked , pouring $150 million into production, not including an epic press tour that featured major partnerships with brands like Target and Starbucks.

The studio’s hoping the pink and green magic will last well beyond the holiday season and into Thanksgiving next year to justify those massive costs.

Globally, Wicked kicked off strong, with its biggest opening in the UK and Ireland, followed by Australia and Korea. However, with big markets like France and China still waiting for their turn, the movie’s full international potential is just starting to unfold.

Clever Marketing Magic Behind Wicked’s Success

Wicked has become a cultural sensation, and brands are eager to capitalize on the buzz. From Crocs to REM Beauty to the Stanley Cup, collaborations are everywhere, giving fans more ways to connect with the movie.

A smart strategy? Offering dual options. Crocs released two Wicked pairs, “green” and “glam,” reflecting Glinda and Elphaba. REM Beauty followed suit with two eyeshadow palettes, letting fans choose their side of Oz. These moves deepened the connection with fans, making them feel part of the magic.

Fans Are Spellbound

Fans are absolutely enchanted by Wicked , with social media exploding in praise for the stunning visuals, powerhouse performances, and fresh take on a beloved Broadway classic. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have truly captured the hearts of audiences worldwide as Glinda and Elphaba.

The excitement doesn’t stop there fans can’t wait for Wicked: Part Two to continue the magical journey. With the story only just beginning, the anticipation is building, and the countdown for next year’s sequel is already in full swing.

Jon M. Chu’s Bold Decision: Wicked Split into Two Films

Jon M. Chu decided early on to split Wicked into two films, calling it a crucial decision. He felt combining both acts into one would shortchange the story and the fans.

Both parts were greenlit together, with Wicked: Part Two set to release on November 21, 2025. Shot simultaneously with the first film, the sequel will pick up right where the first left off.

Discover how Wicked Dominated The Korean Box Office and set new records.

Discover the details about the Wicked Spoiler That Has Fans Furious, As Andy Cohen Reveals A Major Plot Twist ahead of the film’s release.

What’s Next in Wicked: Part Two? The Story Continues

“Wicked: Part Two” will explore Elphaba’s journey toward becoming the Wicked Witch and Glinda’s transformation into the Good Witch. The sequel promises to revealng pivotal moments from the Broadway show.

Expect drama, magic, and surprising twists, like Elphaba defending oppressed animals and Glinda’s engagement to Fiyero. Fans are eagerly anticipating the next chapter that leads up to The Wizard of Oz .

Could Ariana Grande’s Glinda Performance Land Her an Oscar Nomination ? Fans are already buzzing.

Read next:

Cynthia Erivo Responds to Altered Wicked Movie Poster .
Wicked Almost Starred Pop Icons Before Grande and Erivo.
Barry Keoghan Chooses Saltburn Over Gladiator II.