‘For Good’ Targets $115 Million Box Office Debut
Universal Pictures is poised for a successful box office debut with “Wicked: For Good,” anticipated to generate between $112 million and $115 million upon its release. The highly-anticipated sequel to the Oscar-winning “Wicked” is set to premiere on November 21.
Anticipated Box Office Performance
The opening weekend for “Wicked: For Good” is expected to mirror last year’s performance of its predecessor, which debuted with $112.5 million. Together with major competitors, “Wicked: For Good” could contribute to a remarkable overall Thanksgiving holiday revenue.
- Last year’s Thanksgiving weekend generated $420 million.
- Competitors include Paramount’s “Gladiator 2” and Disney’s “Moana 2.”
Audience Interest and Reception
According to early tracking data, “Wicked: For Good” displays a strong connection with female audiences. The original film attracted 72% female viewers, with an impressive 80% of them recommending it. Early polls indicate that this sequel is particularly appealing to women aged 25 and under.
This sequel’s unaided awareness matches that of the original film, suggesting that many viewers are already eager to see it. Additionally, “Wicked” earned an A CinemaScore from audiences, which reflects its positive reception. The running time for “For Good” is notably shorter than its predecessor, clocking in at 2 hours and 18 minutes.
Box Office Records and Competition
The original “Wicked” currently holds the record for the highest box office take for a feature adaptation of a Broadway musical, totaling $473.2 million domestically and $756.4 million globally. The sequel aims to build on this success.
This year, the pre-Thanksgiving weekend is devoid of major R-rated offerings like last year’s “Gladiator 2.” Instead, films such as Paramount’s “Running Man” and Lionsgate’s “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” will be featured the preceding weekend.
Competing Releases
- “Running Man,” previously set for November 21, was rescheduled for November 14 to accommodate IMAX screenings.
- “Now You See Me 3” will have access to premium large formats including Dolby and 4DX.
Upcoming Sequels and New Releases
Going up against “Wicked: For Good” is Sony’s “Sisu: Road to Revenge.” The first “Sisu” film performed modestly with a $3.3 million opening. However, the sequel is projected to double that performance based on audience interest.
“Sisu: Road to Revenge,” directed by Jalmari Helander, follows a man seeking vengeance against a Red Army commander. This film promises to deliver intense action for genre fans amidst the competitive holiday season.
