“‘For Good’ to Captivate Audiences with $200M+ Global Debut”
The film industry is witnessing a significant surge as Universal’s “Wicked: For Good” gears up for a remarkable global debut of over $200 million. This film is the highly anticipated sequel to the original adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, which was a commercial success. Set to break several records, “Wicked: For Good” is capturing audiences’ attention with its stellar cast and robust ticket sales.
Record-Breaking Potential for ‘Wicked: For Good’
This film is already showing promising signs at the box office. According to reports, “Wicked: For Good” is expected to generate around $70 million from 78 international markets. In North America, forecasts suggest a domestic earnings range of $125 million to $150 million across approximately 4,000 theaters.
- Global weekend forecast: Over $200 million
- International earnings: $70 million from 78 markets
- Domestic earnings: $125 million to $150 million
Historic Comparisons
The opening weekend of the original “Wicked” film last year reached $112.5 million domestically, with a global total of approximately $164 million. “Wicked: For Good” is poised to surpass these numbers, with industry analysts predicting figures exceeding $175 million based on early ticket sales.
Last year’s success was highlighted by a Thanksgiving box office week that reached $420 million, driven in part by the original “Wicked” and “Moana 2.” The sequel’s early reception includes a CinemaScore rating of “A,” indicating strong word-of-mouth potential.
Critics and Audience Reception
“Wicked: For Good” currently holds a 74% positive rating from critics, coupled with an impressive audience score of 97%. This is a notable improvement compared to the first film’s 88% critic score and 95% audience score. The film is anticipated to attract a diverse audience, particularly given its strong female appeal and engaging marketing.
Preview Screenings and Expansion
The movie will kick off with large-format previews, starting with special fan showings at 6 p.m. Wednesday and continuing with traditional previews at 2 p.m. on Thursday in the United States. It will also feature IMAX and premium large-format screenings, optimizing its reach during the busy Thanksgiving timeframe.
Global Marketing Tour
The promotions for “Wicked: For Good” include an extensive global tour featuring key cast members like Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, and Michelle Yeoh. The tour commenced on November 4 in Sao Paolo, Brazil, followed by major cities such as Paris, London, Singapore, and New York City.
International Market Insights
The film is set to open in more territories than its predecessor, excluding Japan and China. Japan will see its release on March 6, while China’s start date is still pending. Past records indicate strong performances in territories such as the UK, Australia, Germany, and South Korea.
Future Film Releases
In addition to “Wicked: For Good,” other releases are also positioning themselves for the holiday box office. Searchlight’s “Rental Family,” featuring Brendan Fraser, is set to debut in 1,925 theaters, while the World War II action film, “Sisu: Road to Revenge,” will open in 2,100 locations.
- Rental Family: 1,925 theaters
- Sisu: Road to Revenge: 2,100 theaters
As “Wicked: For Good” approaches its opening weekend, excitement continues to build around this cinematic event. With its record-breaking potential and strong audience engagement, the film is positioned to make a significant impact at the box office this Thanksgiving.
