The cinematic adaptation of the Broadway sensation Wicked: For Good has cast a spell on the global box office, smashing records and enchanting audiences in its opening weekend. Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, this musical spectacle has not only lived up to the hype but redefined success for the genre. Here’s a deep dive into the records it shattered.
Historic Opening Weekend: $250M Global Haul
Wicked: For Good conjured $250 million worldwide in its debut, including $150M domestically (U.S./Canada) and $100M internationally—making it the biggest opening ever for a musical film, surpassing La La Land and The Greatest Showman. In India, it earned ₹35 crore ($4.2M), setting a new high for Hollywood musicals.
Female-Led Musical Dominance
Led by Erivo (Elphaba) and Grande (Glinda), the film claimed the title of highest-grossing opening for a female-led musical. Its themes of empowerment and inclusivity drew massive crowds, especially among women and LGBTQ+ audiences.
Advance Ticket Sales: $50M and Sold-Out Shows
Pre-release buzz translated into $50M in global advance sales, a record for musicals. Indian metros like Mumbai and Delhi saw 95% theater occupancy, with fans in costume flocking to midnight screenings.
Social Media Storm and Viral Moments
The hashtag #WickedForGood trended worldwide as clips of Defying Gravity and Popular surpassed 100M views on TikTok/Reels. Grande’s No Good Deed was hailed as a career-defining performance.
Premium Format Triumph: IMAX and 4DX
40% of earnings came from premium formats (IMAX, 4DX, Dolby). Indian IMAX screens were fully booked, prompting added showtimes to meet demand.
Critical and Audience Praise
The film holds an 88% critics’ score and 96% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, praised for its visuals, vocals, and fidelity to the original musical. Indian critics called it a “masterpiece.”
Future Projections: $1B and Part 2 Hype
Analysts predict a $1B+ global run, with Part 2 due next year. Its success revitalizes the musical genre and sets a new standard for adaptations.
Final Take: More Than a Movie
Wicked: For Good is a cultural phenomenon, blending box office gold with fan adoration. As one tweet declared: “This is storytelling at its most magical.”
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