‘For Good’ Set to Shatter Thanksgiving Box Office Records
Universal’s upcoming film, Wicked: For Good, is poised to make waves at the Thanksgiving box office. It is projected to earn over $115 million during its opening weekend, which would establish a new benchmark for musical adaptations of Broadway shows. This highly anticipated sequel is set for release on November 21 in North America and will also premiere globally on the same day.
Record-Breaking Predictions
Leading market research firm NRG predicts that the film will debut at $115 million domestically. There are expectations from insiders that this figure could surpass $120 million, thanks to strong presales that significantly outpace those of the first installment. However, Universal is tempering predictions by focusing on the more conservative $115 million estimate.
Historic Context
Last year, the original Wicked achieved an impressive $112.5 million in its opening three days, marking the best debut for a musical adaptation. The film has since grossed nearly $750 million worldwide, making it a standout success in a genre that has historically struggled to capture audience interest.
Cast and Creative Team
Wicked: For Good reunites producer Marc Platt and director Jon M. Chu with lead stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Erivo reprises her role as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, while Grande returns as Glinda the Good Witch. Both are expected to be contenders in the Oscar race, further elevating the film’s profile.
Comparative Releases
- Original Wicked: $112.5 million debut
- Current Projections for Wicked: For Good: $115 million+ debut
- Previous Total Gross for Wicked: $750 million worldwide
- Other Films Opening on Same Weekend: Gladiator II, $55 million debut last year
- Upcoming Release: Zootopia 2 on the following Wednesday
As the only major studio release set for Thanksgiving weekend, Wicked: For Good stands to draw significant attention. The excitement surrounding its release indicates that it could very well shatter box office records, reinforcing the enduring appeal of Broadway adaptations in cinemas.
