“Wicked: For Good” Soars Past Expectations in Record-Breaking Opening Weekend:

The highly anticipated sequel to Wicked, Wicked: For Good, has exceeded all expectations at the box office during its opening weekend, setting new records for a musical film adaptation. Starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo reprising her role as Elphaba, the film was initially projected to earn around $145 million in North America. However, it soared past that forecast, bringing in an impressive $150 million domestically, according to the studio. This remarkable debut sets a new benchmark for film adaptations of Broadway musicals, solidifying Wicked: For Good as one of the most successful musical releases in cinematic history. In fact, the film now ranks among the top-performing movie musicals of all time after just its first weekend. The sequel reunites audiences with the beloved characters of Elphaba and Glinda as they face new challenges in the magical Land of Oz. Following the storyline of the original Broadway musical, which itself was based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, the film explores the duo’s continued struggles against the sinister plans of The Wizard, played by Jeff Goldblum, and the cunning Madame Morrible, portrayed by Michelle Yeoh. Fans of the franchise are already praising the performances and the continuation of the rich, vibrant world established in the first film. In comparison, the original Wicked had opened to $111 million in North America, highlighting just how much stronger the sequel’s debut has been. International audiences have also embraced the film, with Box Office Mojo reporting $76 million in earnings overseas during the same opening weekend. This brings the worldwide total to a staggering $226 million, positioning Wicked: For Good as the 18th highest-grossing film of 2025 already. The film’s success has already seen it surpass the lifetime earnings of notable releases such as Disney’s Snow White ($205 million), One Battle After Another ($202 million), and Joker: Folie à Deux ($207 million). Industry analysts attribute the blockbuster opening to the film’s star-studded cast, strong fanbase, and the enduring popularity of the original Wicked story. With its record-breaking debut and critical acclaim, Wicked: For Good is not only proving to be a massive hit at the box office but also a cultural phenomenon, reaffirming the timeless appeal of the Wicked franchise. As audiences flock to theaters worldwide, the sequel is poised to become one of the defining musical films of the decade.

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