Directed by Jon M. Chu, the sequel of Wicked (2024) has not only become an instant blockbuster but has officially claimed the title of the biggest opening debut for a Broadway adaptation in cinematic history.
A Record-Breaking Domestic Launch
The domestic numbers alone tell a story of massive public fervor. Wicked: For Good dominated the weekend box office with a record-breaking $150 million in North America. This colossal debut instantly secured two major milestones:
It became the biggest opening for a Broadway film adaptation, easily surpassing the previous record held by its own predecessor, Wicked (2024), which opened to an impressive $112.5 million.
The $150 million haul is the second-biggest opening weekend for a movie in the U.S. this year, falling just shy of the massive video game adaptation, A Minecraft Movie ($162 million).
The Oz Saga Continues
The film, which reunites stars Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda), picks up immediately where the first installment left off. As the Wizard’s deceit is exposed and the citizens of Oz turn against the Wicked Witch, Glinda and Elphaba are forced to confront the true meaning of their singular, volatile friendship. The sequel promises an emotional, action-packed conclusion to their story, with Erivo’s powerful vocal performance and Grande’s delicate transformation earning early critical praise.
Wicked vs. Wicked: An Unstoppable Franchise
The combined success of the two films underscores the franchise’s rare, sustained commercial power. The first film, Wicked (2024), was a blockbuster hit, grossing over $758 million worldwide. With Wicked: For Good already launching with a massive international debut, the two-part saga is strongly projected to clear well over $1 billion globally, confirming Universal’s decision to split the narrative was a masterful strategic move that rewarded the dedicated fan base with maximum spectacle.
Critics and Crowds Agree
While the film’s current Rotten Tomatoes score of 70% sits below the first film, audiences have embraced the sequel with enthusiasm, giving it a near-perfect 95% Audience Score and an ‘A’ CinemaScore.