Wicked Sets Box Office Records in Opening Weekend

Pun intended, Wicked’s off to a flying start.

The highly anticipated Wicked film adaptation has taken the box office by storm, delivering record-breaking numbers and leaving audiences on the edge of their seats with a cliffhanger ending. With its enchanting blend of soaring musical numbers and dazzling visuals, Wicked is redefining what it means to adapt a Broadway sensation for the big screen.

A Magical Box Office Performance

Wicked landed with a jaw-dropping $114 million in the US and Canada, claiming the title of the biggest opening weekend for a musical adaptation of a stage production. This marks a significant milestone, easily surpassing the previous record-holder Into the Woods. Globally, the film is expected to close its opening weekend with $165 million, outpacing Les Misérables’ $103 million debut and securing its spot as the highest-grossing opening weekend for any Broadway or West End adaptation.

In the UK, Wicked broke single-day box office records for 2024 with an estimated $4.9 million opening day tally, with some sources suggesting closer to £5 million. By the weekend’s end, the UK total is projected at $15 million. Notably, IMAX screenings played a pivotal role in the film’s success, delivering the highest-grossing opening Friday for a PG-rated movie in the format.

While Wicked doesn’t unseat Disney’s animated titans like Frozen II or The Lion King for the biggest opening weekend for any musical, it stands tall as the highest-grossing debut for a non-Disney musical.

The Story So Far: Wicked’s Cliffhanger Ending

Spoilers ahead for those unfamiliar with the stage musical or Gregory Maguire’s novel.

The first Wicked film adapts the first act of the Broadway show, ending on a dramatic cliffhanger that sets the stage for Wicked: Part Two, arriving in theaters on November 21, 2025. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film explores the evolving friendship between Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande), two university friends who ultimately take very different paths in the magical land of Oz.

The story crescendos with the iconic ‘Defying Gravity,’ as Elphaba refuses to align with the fraudulent Wizard (Jeff Goldblum) and his sinister ally Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh). Betrayed and branded as a ‘Wicked Witch,’ Elphaba enchants a broomstick to make her escape, flying into the night and solidifying her status as a misunderstood villain. The emotional ending leaves audiences yearning for the next chapter, with Glinda conflicted about her role in Elphaba’s fate and Elphaba soaring toward a new destiny.

What to Expect in Wicked: Part Two

The sequel promises to follow the second act of the Broadway musical while potentially incorporating new material and fresh perspectives. Composer Stephen Schwartz has confirmed at least two new songs for the second film, which will expand upon the original story.

Key plot points likely to appear in Part Two include:

• Glinda’s rebranding as ‘Glinda the Good’ and her public campaign to promote hope in Oz while grappling with her inner turmoil over betraying Elphaba.
• The deepening romance between Elphaba and Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), who must navigate his conflicted loyalties as captain of the Wizard’s guard.
• Nessarose’s tragic transformation into the Wicked Witch of the East and her connection to Boq’s (Ethan Slater) fate as the Tin Man.
• Dorothy’s arrival in Oz, setting off a chain of events that culminate in a heartbreaking and bittersweet resolution for Elphaba and Glinda.

As in the musical, Part Two will likely explore themes of perspective, morality, and the blurry line between good and evil. Expect standout musical numbers such as ‘No Good Deed,’ ‘For Good,’ and a climactic confrontation between Elphaba and Dorothy.

Expanding the Story: Drawing from Maguire’s Novel

While the first film remained faithful to the stage production, Wicked: Part Two could pull additional material from Gregory Maguire’s original novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. The novel’s darker, more complex themes—such as intricate politics, brutal power struggles, and deeper character relationships—could enrich the sequel’s narrative. Maguire’s portrayal of Dorothy, who seeks Elphaba’s forgiveness for her unintended role in Nessarose’s death, offers a compelling opportunity to expand on The Wizard of Oz’s iconic characters and themes.

The Future of Oz

With Wicked already a box office juggernaut, the sky’s the limit for this beloved tale of witches, wizards, and the power of friendship. As audiences eagerly await the continuation of Elphaba and Glinda’s journey, Wicked has not only reaffirmed the enduring appeal of its Broadway roots but also set a new standard for musical adaptations on the silver screen.

One thing is clear: no Wizard that there is or was is ever gonna bring Wicked down.