As the release date for Universal’s highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved stage musical “Wicked” approaches, enthusiasm among fans is palpable. The movie, set to premiere on November 22, has managed to achieve remarkable first-day advance ticket sales on Fandango, marking it as the second-best performer of the year to date, trailing only behind the blockbuster releases from Marvel Studios such as “Deadpool” and “Wolverine.” This impressive performance places “Wicked” in an intriguing position, particularly given that Disney’s “Moana 2” had originally been a point of concern when scheduling conflicts arose.
The timing of the movie’s release just before Thanksgiving enhances its potential to draw significant crowds, especially since it now competes against “Gladiator II” instead. This adjustment has sparked discussions within the industry about the possible emergence of a new phenomenon at the box office akin to the “Barbenheimer” effect seen earlier this year. While the outcome remains uncertain, the combination of two major films launching simultaneously might yield unexpected results, amplifying interest in both titles.
Putting the ticket sales into perspective, “Wicked” enjoys the distinction of being the best PG-rated film for first-day pre-sales of 2024 on Fandango and ranks third overall in the history of PG-rated film pre-sellings, right behind titans like “Frozen II” and the 2019 adaptation of “The Lion King.” These achievements highlight the film’s marketing success and its inherent widespread appeal. The past heavyweights reported three-day box office earnings of $130.2 million and $191.8 million, respectively. Though studio distributors frequently remind us that advance ticket sales do not definitively predict box office performance, they can serve as a valuable indicator, particularly within the current context of renewed enthusiasm post-industry strike.
Amidst the excitement, industry watchers remain cautious. For instance, recent comparisons were drawn between the pre-sales for “Wicked” and the lagging figures for “Joker: Folie à Deux.” Such inconsistencies reveal that not all marquee films enjoy the same anticipatory momentum, regardless of past successes. Yet, there is optimism surrounding “Wicked,” with projections estimating a strong opening weekend. Reports indicate that competing releases, such as “Terrifier 3,” are also benefiting from advanced ticket sales, suggesting that audiences are eager for a diverse slate of cinematic options.
Jerramy Hainline, Executive Vice President of Fandango Ticketing, encapsulated the enthusiasm perfectly, stating that “fan anticipation for the cinematic masterpiece ‘Wicked’ is incredibly high for what is set to be a one-of-a-kind must-see theatrical event.” This sentiment likely reflects a broader trend where audiences are increasingly seeking out unique experiences that the cinema can offer and underscores the importance of theatrical releases in a landscape evermore dominated by streaming services.
As Thanksgiving approaches, all eyes will be on “Wicked.” With its potential to set records and carve a niche alongside other iconic film releases, it stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the film industry. Fans are ready for an unforgettable experience, and the early ticket sales are just the beginning. The coming weekends promise not only to be a monumental moment for “Wicked” but also for box office trends as they continue to evolve.
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