Universal's 'Wicked' Films Achieve Record-Breaking Box Office Success
Universal Pictures' two-part adaptation of the Broadway musical 'Wicked' has achieved unprecedented box office success, with the first film surpassing $700 million globally and the sequel, 'Wicked: For Good,' opening to $150 million domestically.
Universal Pictures' ambitious decision to split the Broadway musical 'Wicked' into two films has resulted in remarkable box office achievements. The first installment, released in 2024, has grossed over $700 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation to date.
The sequel, 'Wicked: For Good,' debuted on November 21, 2025, with a domestic opening weekend of $150 million and a global total of $226 million. This performance marks the largest opening for a Broadway adaptation and the third-highest debut for a musical film.
Sean Gamble, CEO of Cinemark, noted the film's broad appeal: "The excitement and energy around this weekend’s opening was tremendous and cut across all categories of cinema-goers: young, old, women and men."
Director Jon M. Chu explained the rationale behind the two-part adaptation, stating that the expansive story of 'Wicked' necessitated a larger canvas to do justice to its narrative.
The success of the 'Wicked' films underscores Universal's effective strategy in adapting popular stage productions for the big screen, filling a portfolio gap and appealing to an underserved female audience.