The musical fantasy Wicked, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, has shattered box office expectations, earning $114 million in its three-day domestic opening weekend. The film not only surpassed Frozen’s $93.6 million debut but came impressively close to Frozen 2’s $130.3 million opening weekend, which benefitted from the Thanksgiving holiday boost.
This incredible performance places Wicked among the top 10 biggest November openings of all time, outpacing Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire to secure the 10th spot. Its global debut of $164.18 million, including $50.18 million from international markets, cements its place as one of the most successful openings for a musical adaptation.
A Box Office Triumph
Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, offering a fresh perspective on the beloved classic The Wizard of Oz. Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba have been praised for their stellar performances, adding to the film’s widespread appeal.
Not only did Wicked surpass Frozen in its debut, but it also outperformed recent musical fantasy Wonka, which debuted with $39 million last year. With earnings nearly three times higher, Wicked showcases the growing demand for high-quality musical adaptations.
Top 10 November Openings
Here’s how Wicked stacks up against other November blockbusters:
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – $181.3 million
- The Hunger Games: Catching Fire – $158 million
- The Twilight Saga: New Moon – $142.8 million
- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 – $141.1 million
- The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 – $138.1 million
- Frozen II – $130.3 million
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 – $125 million
- Thor: Ragnarok – $122.7 million
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 – $121.9 million
- Wicked – $114 million
A Milestone for Musical Adaptations
Wicked’s success marks one of the best debuts ever for a musical fantasy, further solidifying the genre’s appeal. As fans flock to theaters, the film has positioned itself as a holiday season favorite, potentially challenging other box office giants in the coming weeks.
Released on November 22, Wicked continues to ride high on its strong opening numbers, critical acclaim, and fan excitement. With Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo leading the charge, this musical fantasy proves that big dreams, stellar performances, and a sprinkle of magic can turn into record-breaking success.