The highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical “Wicked” from Universal Pictures has made a grand entrance at the box office, amassing an impressive $165 million in its global debut. This thrilling figure is expected to come from a domestic tally of $117 million and $48 million from international markets, highlighting the film’s strong performance both at home and abroad. Notably, this debut has established “Wicked” as the most successful opening weekend for a film derived from a Broadway show, surpassing previous record-holders like “Les Miserables,” which opened at $103 million.
“Wicked’s” inaugural numbers place it securely among the elite openings of 2024, marking it as the sixth biggest debut of the year worldwide. Furthermore, it stands as the fourth largest debut for a musical film in history, trailing only behind Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” which previously raked in $163.6 million. Such monumental figures illustrate not only the film’s financial success but also the considerable audience appetite for adaptations of Broadway sensations, particularly during a time when cinema is navigating post-pandemic recovery.
The dynamic between domestic and international box office earnings paints a compelling picture of “Wicked’s” reach. While a significant share of revenue comes from North America, the international market has yet to fully tap into the film’s potential. The movie has been released in a limited number of markets—61 to be exact—which constitutes about 65% of its anticipated overseas footprint. Major film markets such as China, Germany, Japan, and France have yet to see the film’s debut, suggesting that the global figures may still rise in the future as these areas release the film.
The international opening is being hailed as one of the strongest starts for similar Broadway adaptations. With a $48 million international debut, “Wicked” has already outperformed its predecessor “Les Miserables” in numerous territories, underscoring its broad appeal.
In terms of geographic performance, the UK has emerged as a leading market for “Wicked,” recording an estimated $15 million through the opening weekend. Interestingly, it debuted with a whopping $4.9 million on its first day alone, capturing a remarkable 63% share of the total box office. This figure solidifies the film’s place as the second largest opening Friday of the year, only trailing behind the recent success of “Deadpool & Wolverine.” It’s also noteworthy as Universal’s best opening since the 2021 release of “No Time to Die.”
Australia has also welcomed “Wicked” with open arms, generating a leading position at the box office and achieving the third-best opening day of 2024. In South Korea, where musicals have a dedicated following, the film has earned an impressive $3.3 million over the weekend clock, boasting a 94% CGV Egg score, suggesting strong audience approval.
Leading up to its release, “Wicked” experienced remarkable pre-sales, enough for Vue’s CEO Tim Richards to compare their early sales performance to that of the cultural phenomenon “Barbie.” Such strong anticipation and consumer interest have underscored the film’s potential for continued success in subsequent weeks. In addition, another major cinematic release, “Gladiator II,” which debuted in international markets the weekend prior, adds an interesting layer to the competitive box office landscape.
Overall, “Wicked’s” phenomenal box office debut speaks volumes about not only the film’s potential for subsequent revenue generation but also the power of stage adaptations in the contemporary film market. As audiences continue to seek out exciting cinematic experiences, this film is poised to captivate viewers and collectors alike through its glamorous storytelling, musical score, and impressive performances. The results of “Wicked” will likely influence how future stage adaptations can approach their film versions, setting a high standard for years to come.