Ahead of its highly anticipated release on November 22, Universal Pictures’ film adaptation of the acclaimed stage musical *Wicked* is already making waves in the box office arena. The film’s first-day advance ticket sales through Fandango have positioned it as the second-best performer for the year, only surpassed by Marvel Studios’ *Deadpool* and *Wolverine*. This early success signals a robust public interest, as fans eagerly await what promises to be an enchanting cinematic experience.
Interestingly, the *Wicked* film is set to premiere just before Thanksgiving—traditionally a prime time for family outings to the movies. Competing directly with major releases can often be a gamble, but Universal has strategically moved *Wicked*’s release date to avoid clashing with Disney’s *Moana 2*, opting instead for a face-off with Paramount’s *Gladiator II*. This strategic maneuver has incited discussions within the industry regarding a potential “Barbenheimer effect,” akin to the success seen with the simultaneous releases of *Barbie* and *Oppenheimer*. Such comparisons hint at an enthusiastic landscape for dual hits at the box office, though only time will reveal if this theory holds true.
In the realm of pre-sales, *Wicked* has made its mark, emerging as the best PG-rated pre-seller of the year and the third-best of all time in this category. Its predecessors, *Frozen II* and 2019’s *The Lion King*, set a high bar with their remarkable opening weekend figures, making *Wicked*’s comparisons both flattering and daunting. The market knows, however, that pre-sale figures can be unpredictable. Historically, films have experienced fluctuations between pre-release excitement and actual box office performance. In light of the recent actors’ and writers’ strike, there’s renewed validation that presales are indeed becoming more reliable indicators of box office performance.
Despite previous concerns about drawing interest against established franchises, early indicators suggest that *Wicked* could usher in a formidable opening weekend. Director Jon M. Chu’s vision combined with a beloved source material may fuel audiences’ excitement.
Fan anticipation surrounding *Wicked* is palpable and has been echoed by industry insiders. As Jerramy Hainline, EVP of Fandango Ticketing, pointedly noted, the film is expected to be “a one-of-a-kind must-see theatrical event.” This framing sets high expectations for both the visual spectacle and the narrative depth of the adaptation. The film’s marketing has played an instrumental role in shaping public perception, with promotional strategies effectively tapping into nostalgia while appealing to a new generation of viewers.
As exhibition industry professionals analyze presale trends, they are cautiously optimistic about what *Wicked* might bring to theaters. As *Wicked* prepares for its grand entrance onto the silver screen, industry watchers will keenly await its performance against both pre-sale projections and historic box office figures set by previous animated blockbusters. Whether this magical stage adaptation translates into box office gold remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: anticipation is running high, and moviegoers are ready for a memorable cinematic experience.