Universal’s Wicked soared to the top of the box office this weekend, debuting at $114 million domestically across 3,888 theaters. This marks the third-largest opening of 2024, trailing only Deadpool & Wolverine ($211M) and Inside Out 2 ($154M). Internationally, the Broadway adaptation added $50.2 million, bringing its global tally to an impressive $164.2 million.
Key achievements for Wicked:
- Fourth-largest musical opening ever, surpassing The Little Mermaid ($95.5M) but behind Frozen II ($130M).
- Biggest debut for a Broadway-to-film adaptation, overtaking Les Misérables‘s $103M global opening in 2012.
- Stellar audience reception: “A” CinemaScore and a 90% Rotten Tomatoes average.
Counterprogramming Success: ‘Gladiator II’
Paramount’s Gladiator II debuted solidly at $55.5 million from 3,573 theaters. While below projections, it brought the weekend’s total box office revenue to an estimated $210 million, one of the year’s biggest. International audiences boosted its total to $221 million worldwide.
Notable for its R-rated epic storytelling, Gladiator II features Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington in a sequel set two decades after the Oscar-winning original. Despite mixed reviews (71% Rotten Tomatoes, “B” CinemaScore), its international earnings signal strong global appeal.
Box Office Highlights:
| Rank | Film | Domestic Weekend | Total Gross |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wicked | $114M | $164.2M (Worldwide) |
| 2 | Gladiator II | $55.5M | $221M (Worldwide) |
| 3 | Red One | $13.3M | $117.1M (Worldwide) |
| 4 | Bonhoeffer | $5.1M | $5.1M |
| 5 | Venom: The Last Dance | $4M | $456M (Worldwide) |
Industry Takeaways:
Wicked’s Triumph
Universal’s ambitious two-part adaptation of Wicked has resonated with audiences across demographics, particularly women (75% of ticket buyers) and families. The film’s marketing juggernaut, featuring 400 brand partnerships, ensured widespread anticipation. With the second installment set for 2025, the success of Act One is a promising start for the franchise.
Gladiator II’s Challenge
Despite solid numbers, Gladiator II faces comparisons to its 2000 predecessor and high financial stakes with a $350M combined budget and promotion costs. While reviews are lukewarm compared to the original, its strong international performance could sustain momentum.
Thanksgiving Outlook
The holiday season promises further box office growth, led by Moana 2‘s release on November 27. The industry remains 10.5% behind 2023’s year-to-date figures but is regaining momentum thanks to big-ticket films and strategic counterprogramming.
As Michael O’Leary of the National Association of Theatre Owners noted:
“Healthy competition and premium experiences drive the marketplace, creating a win for audiences and theaters alike.”
Theaters now look to December and the new year with optimism, buoyed by this weekend’s record-setting numbers.
