Universal Pictures’ latest release, *Wicked*, is making waves in the film industry with a robust projected opening weekend of $165 million through Sunday. This monumental figure positions *Wicked* as a significant contender in the cinematic landscape, particularly notable for its status as a film adaptation of a Broadway musical. The initial estimates suggest an impressive domestic gross of $117 million, complemented by an international haul of $48 million from various markets.
The film is poised to set a new record for the highest opening weekend for a Broadway-based film, surpassing milestones previously established by *Les Misérables*, which debuted at $103 million. This puts *Wicked* not only in the upper echelons of 2024’s box office performances but also creates a lasting impression within the musical genre, ranking as the fourth-largest opening of all time for such adaptations, trailing only films like *The Little Mermaid*, which grossed $163.6 million.
Global Reception and Market Penetration
As of now, *Wicked* has only been released in 61 international markets, capturing around 65% of its potential offshore reach. Major markets such as France, China, Germany, and Japan have not yet participated in the opening wave, indicating that the figures could potentially rise significantly as these regions join the fray. Preliminary data from comparable markets illustrate that *Wicked* is on track to dominate with record-breaking numbers, reflecting the overarching enthusiasm for Broadway adaptations on the big screen.
The international opening estimate of $48 million underscores its status as a top performer amongst musicals, comfortably placing it in sixth for all-time opening weekends at international box offices. It surpasses releases like *Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again*, which opened with $43 million, and *Wonka* with $45.7 million, marking a vibrant start for a film rooted in musical theater.
In terms of regional success, the UK stands out as the leading offshore market, with expected earnings of over $15 million by Sunday. The film launched with a striking Friday total of $4.9 million, accounting for 63% of the entire market’s box office that day. This debut marks the second biggest opening Friday of the year, only behind *Deadpool* and *Wolverine*. Notably, it represents Universal’s most successful opening day since the release of *No Time To Die* in September 2021—a clear indication of *Wicked’s* resonance with audiences.
IMAX theaters have also reported outstanding figures, noting that *Wicked* has achieved the highest-grossing opening Friday for a PG film in its format. Tim Richards, CEO of Vue, highlighted the “record-breaking pre-sales for *Wicked*,” which are tracking comparably to the previous year’s blockbuster, *Barbie*. This buzz around presales further reflects audience anticipation, potentially indicating sustained interest in the following weeks.
Other territories such as Australia and South Korea have also contributed significantly to the film’s overall success. In Australia, *Wicked* hit a record for the third-largest opening day of 2024, while South Korea, a market known for its affinity towards musicals, reported a promising opening weekend amidst strong critical reception.
The overwhelming success of *Wicked* may not only reshape expectations surrounding Broadway adaptations but also reinvigorate interest among studios to explore similar projects. This opening demonstrates that there is a substantial appetite for musicals when translated onto the silver screen and hints at prospective collaborations and adaptations forthcoming in the Hollywood pipeline.
*Wicked* has crafted a robust narrative of success with its debut, paving the way for other musical adaptations in the future. The film’s exciting opening, compounded by favorable audience reception, showcases the blend of theatrical charm and cinematic spectacle, ensuring it will be a topic of conversation for filmmakers, critics, and audiences alike for years to come.
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