Movie lovers returned to cinemas in large numbers this weekend, and Wicked: For Good delivered in spectacular fashion. The much-awaited second installment of Universal’s Broadway adaptation stormed the domestic box office with an impressive $150 million debut.
More than just a strong start, this opening weekend set a new benchmark for stage-to-screen productions. Long after its Broadway beginnings, the magical world of Oz continues to enchant audiences, proving that its story still holds remarkable power on the big screen.
Breaking Records and Expectations
Wicked: For Good didn’t just outpace its predecessor, it outshone it in a big way. The first Wicked film opened to around $112–114 million, while this sequel has soared past that with ease.
According to early box office estimates, the sequel’s $150M launch is:
- The biggest opening ever for a Broadway adaptation.
- The second-largest domestic opening of 2025, trailing only behind A Minecraft Movie, which opened to approximately $162.7 million.
- The third-largest opening for any musical film, with only The Lion King (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2017) ahead in terms of opening weekend grosses.
- It also ranks as Universal’s second-biggest domestic opening ever, behind Jurassic World.
Global Impact: A Worldwide Debut
The movie’s success was not limited to North America. Wicked: For Good pulled in $76 million from 78 international markets, pushing its global debut to roughly $226 million.
This wide appeal underlines how universal (pun intended) the story of Wicked remains, even beyond Broadway and the English-speaking world.
What’s Fueling the Frenzy?
- Why is Wicked: For Good resonating so strongly at the box office? Several factors come into play:
- Cultural Phenomenon: This isn’t just a sequel; it’s part of a larger cultural moment. The first Wicked film already turned heads. According to analysts, both films together have created “a cultural phenomenon” rather than just riding a trend.
Yahoo - Word of Mouth: Even though some critics gave mixed reviews, audiences loved it. The film earned an A CinemaScore, with 95% of audience ratings positive on Rotten Tomatoes.
- Smart Release Timing: The movie opened over a high-potential weekend, with Thanksgiving around the corner, when families traditionally go to theaters. This timing likely boosted turnout.
- Wide Footprint: With over 4,100 theaters nationwide, the film was very accessible.
Forbes - Strong Preview Sales: Before the official release, the film earned $30.8 million in preview showings, a sign that fans were already excited much in advance.
Beyond Box Office: Why It Matters
The success of Wicked: For Good is more than just a financial win, it’s also a morale boost for studios and theaters. After a sluggish October at the box office, this film’s performance suggests that audiences still hunger for event-style, theatrical experiences.
Moreover, it may help kick off a strong year-end for Hollywood. With other big titles like Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash lined up, Wicked: For Good could serve as the spark that reignites holiday box office momentum.
What’s Next for Wicked (and Others)
Analysts are already making long-term projections:
Based on the strong start and favorable audience reception, some estimate Wicked: For Good could end its run with $675–785 million, or even cross $800 million globally.
Forbes
If the film’s daily performance holds up (especially through the Thanksgiving stretch), it could become one of the highest-grossing musicals of the year, and perhaps of all time in its genre.
From a broader perspective, this could re-energize theatrical musicals on screen. Bigger budgets, high-profile casts, and wide releases may once again become more common as studios respond to the clear appetite for such stories.
Final Thoughts
Wicked: For Good hasn’t just flown, it’s soared. By combining nostalgia, strong casting, and smart marketing, Universal has crafted a sequel that is not only commercially successful, but culturally resonant. For theatergoers, fans of musicals, and even casual movie watchers, this feels like a win: a reminder that movies about magic, friendship, and finding one’s place in the world still matter, especially on the biggest screen.
If Wicked: For Good can sustain this momentum in the weeks ahead (especially through Thanksgiving), it could end up being a defining film of the year, and a turning point for musicals in cinema again.
