In a move that’s drawing comparisons to last year’s “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, Universal’s film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, Wicked, has shifted its release date to November 22, 2024. This puts it in direct competition with Ridley Scott’s epic Gladiator II, starring Paul Mescal.
Initially set to debut on November 27, the day before Thanksgiving, Wicked—starring Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch—was poised to clash with Disney’s Moana 2. By moving up its release by five days, Wicked now finds itself facing off against Gladiator II.
A Clash of Genres
The unexpected scheduling shift is reminiscent of the “Barbenheimer” event, where Barbie and Oppenheimer were released on the same day. Despite targeting different demographics, many moviegoers embraced the opportunity to experience both films in a self-curated double bill. The result was a box office bonanza that revitalized theaters worldwide. Barbie grossed $1.45 billion, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year, while Oppenheimer earned $953.7 million, making it the highest-grossing biopic of all time. Oppenheimer also triumphed during awards season, winning seven Oscars.
The Star-Studded “Wicked”
The on-screen adaptation of Wicked will be released in two parts, with the second installment set for November 2025. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film boasts a stellar cast. Cynthia Erivo stars as the green-skinned anti-hero Elphaba, while British actor Jonathan Bailey plays Fiyero, the love interest of the witches. The film also features Michelle Yeoh as Madam Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, and Bowen Yang as Pfannee, a student at Glinda and Elphaba’s school. Ethan Slater, who portrays the lovelorn student Boq, met Ariana Grande on set, and the two have been in a relationship since last summer, following the end of both their marriages.
The teaser trailer for Wicked dropped during the Super Bowl last year and quickly amassed over 230 million views online, signaling high anticipation for the film.
“Gladiator II”: A Return to Epic Storytelling
Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II follows the story of Lucius, the son of Lucilla (played by Connie Nielsen), who was the lover of Russell Crowe’s Maximus in the original film. Paul Mescal takes on the role of Lucius. The cast includes Fred Hechinger and Joseph Quinn as co-emperors Geta and Caracalla, respectively, and Denzel Washington as a former slave seeking revenge.
The original Gladiator (2000) was a monumental success, earning over $460 million worldwide and winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Crowe. The sequel aims to build on this legacy, promising another epic tale of revenge and redemption.
A Box Office Showdown
With both Wicked and Gladiator II set for release on November 22, 2024, audiences are gearing up for a cinematic showdown. While Wicked is likely to draw fans of the beloved Broadway musical and those intrigued by its star-studded cast, Gladiator II will attract fans of historical epics and Ridley Scott’s legendary filmmaking.
The dual release promises to create another “Barbenheimer”-like phenomenon, encouraging moviegoers to flock to theaters for a double feature that combines the magic of musical fantasy with the grit of historical drama. This strategic move by Universal and Paramount not only boosts anticipation but also highlights the continued importance of theatrical releases in the film industry.
