Wicked Box Office Collection: A Magical Musical Triumph

The 2024 release of Wicked (officially titled Wicked Part I) has taken the world by storm. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp and Ariana Grande as Galinda Upland, this musical fantasy film has broken records and set a new benchmark for stage-to-screen adaptations. Here's an in-depth look at the film’s box office performance and its remarkable journey.

Box Office Overview

• Budget: $150 million

• Worldwide Gross: $366 million (as of December 2, 2024)

• Domestic Gross: $268.8 million

• International Gross: $97.1 million

Opening Weekend Performance

Wicked soared to the top of the box office charts, debuting with an impressive $112.5 million domestically and a staggering $162.9 million worldwide in its opening weekend. This marked the largest opening for a film based on a Broadway musical, surpassing the likes of Les Misérables (2012) and Into the Woods (2014).

The film also shattered records for pre-release ticket sales, becoming the second-highest first-day ticket pre-seller of 2024 on Fandango, behind Deadpool & Wolverine.

Thanksgiving Box Office Feat

Released strategically ahead of Thanksgiving, Wicked capitalized on the holiday season. On Thanksgiving Day alone, it earned $16.9 million, the second-best Thanksgiving total ever. The film continued its magical run with $32 million on Black Friday, solidifying its dominance over the festive weekend.

Second Weekend Success

Wicked showed incredible staying power in its second weekend, earning $80 million (a 29% drop) and a five-day total of $117.5 million, second only to Disney's Moana 2. By the end of the holiday frame, its domestic gross surpassed $250 million, making it the highest-grossing stage musical-to-screen adaptation in U.S. history, beating Grease (1978).

International Performance

Internationally, Wicked has garnered $97.1 million, with strong performances in Australia, the UK, and other markets. The film premiered at the State Theatre in Sydney, Australia, on November 3, 2024, generating significant buzz in the region.

Why Was Wicked So Successful?

1. Star Power: With Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande in leading roles, the casting attracted both Broadway enthusiasts and mainstream audiences.

2. Legacy Appeal: The film is based on the beloved Broadway musical, itself adapted from Gregory Maguire’s novel and L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.

3. Strategic Release: Launching before Thanksgiving gave the film a significant boost, allowing it to dominate the box office during the holiday season.

4. Critical Acclaim: The movie received positive reviews for its breathtaking visuals, emotional storytelling, and faithful adaptation of the first act of the stage musical.

5. Awards Buzz: With Oscar-worthy performances and dazzling musical numbers, Wicked has garnered early awards-season attention, driving further interest.

What’s Next for Wicked?

The story of Wicked is far from over. Wicked Part Two is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025, and will conclude the tale of Elphaba and Glinda. With the groundwork laid by Part I, the sequel is expected to soar even higher.

Final Thoughts

Wicked has proven that musicals still hold a special place in cinema, captivating audiences with its timeless story, stellar performances, and enchanting music. With record-breaking numbers and a second part on the horizon, this magical journey through Oz is far from finished.

If you haven’t experienced the wonder of Wicked yet, now’s the time to join the revolution against the system—because some stories deserve to be told, even if they’re deemed “wicked.”

Stay tuned for updates on Wicked Part Two and its box office magic!