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Wicked: For Good has cast a powerful spell over cinemagoers worldwide, smashing box office expectations with one of the biggest film debuts of the year. The highly anticipated sequel soared to a record-breaking $150 million in North America and an impressive $226 million globally during its opening weekend, securing its position as a cinematic force and reaffirming the enduring magic of the land of Oz.
Opening on Friday to a commanding $68.7 million from 4,115 theatres, the film wasted no time proving its commercial might. This total includes a staggering $30.8 million in previews, giving Universal Pictures one of its strongest launches in recent years. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this second chapter in his ambitious adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical brings the untold backstory of the witches of Oz to spectacular life, expanding the world fans thought they knew while introducing it to an entirely new generation.
Fronted by powerhouse performances from Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, the film delivers a visually stunning and emotionally charged continuation of the beloved story. The on-screen chemistry between the leads and their soaring vocal performances have been widely praised by critics and fans alike, driving excitement and repeat viewings across the globe.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Wicked: For Good now holds the record for the largest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, surpassing the already impressive $112.5 million debut of last year’s first instalment, Wicked. This extraordinary performance also places the film as the third-largest opening of all time for a musical, behind Disney’s juggernauts The Lion King (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2017). With audiences turning out in huge numbers and strong word-of-mouth already spreading, industry insiders predict the film will continue to dominate throughout the next several weeks.
Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain’s Peep Show ran from 2003 to 2015, delivering 54 episodes across nine series. (Robert Webb left, David Mitchell right) – Credit: AP
Much of the buzz surrounding the film stems from Chu’s bold and heartfelt direction, which embraces the emotional complexities of the story while elevating the scale of its musical numbers. The sequel explores deeper themes of identity, friendship, betrayal, and destiny, elements that resonate strongly with both longtime Wicked fans and new viewers experiencing Oz for the first time. The film’s lush visuals, dazzling costumes, and sweeping musical arrangements build on the foundation of the original, offering a cinematic spectacle that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda has been singled out as a standout, with critics praising her blend of charm, vulnerability, and humour. Meanwhile, Cynthia Erivo’s powerful and emotionally rich interpretation of Elphaba delivers the grounding force of the narrative, earning widespread acclaim for her vocal performances and magnetic screen presence. Together, they bring a dynamic energy that elevates the sequel beyond expectations.
With its record-breaking start and glowing audience reactions, Wicked: For Good is set to be one of the biggest box office triumphs of the year. As fans flock to cinemas around the world to witness the next chapter of this enchanting saga, one thing is clear: the magic of Wicked is far from fading, it’s stronger than ever.
