Universal Pictures’ adaptation of the beloved stage musical Wicked has recently made history by surpassing Mamma Mia! to become the highest-grossing stage musical adaptation globally, with an astonishing estimated total of $634.4 million. This figure breaks down into approximately $424.2 million from domestic audiences and an impressive $210.2 million from international markets. Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked has not only redefined the standards for musical adaptations but has achieved top status in 46 different markets. Such significant figures underscore the universal appeal of earlier stage productions transitioning into cinematic experiences.
For its most recent weekend run, Wicked garnered an additional $13.7 million from 81 international markets. The film’s performance has, at various points, outpaced notable competitors such as Mamma Mia 2, Maleficent, The Little Mermaid, and The Greatest Showman, affirming its strong foothold in the market. The festive period has led to nuanced performance variances due to cinema closures on Christmas Eve and Day; however, Wicked still managed to see a 1% increase in global gross. This uptick is particularly noteworthy in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions, which saw a 7% rise in audience turnout.
Breaking down the international performance reveals robust numbers from the UK and Ireland, where the film increased its earnings by 2% compared to the previous weekend, totaling $67 million. This places it on par with other high-profile titles like Wonka during the same release phase. Australia is experiencing a remarkable surge as well, with box office figures rising by 29% during its sixth weekend. Not only has Wicked overtaken classics such as Aladdin and the Jurassic World series, but it has also cemented its position as the fifth highest-grossing film in the Australian market this year, surpassing contenders like Dune: Part Two.
Comparative Success with Historical Titles
In addition to its impressive box office figures, Wicked continues to elevate its performance metrics by eclipsing the lifetime gross of The Greatest Showman, thus attaining the third highest-grossing title of the year within the Australian market. Meanwhile, the Netherlands experienced a notable 32% growth in weekend performance, showcasing the film’s ability to attract viewers despite holiday market fluctuations. These numbers are indicative of Wicked’s powerful influence and popularity, reflecting a blend of nostalgia and contemporary cinematic prowess.
The Future Ahead
As anticipation builds, Wicked is set to make its debut in Japan on March 7, promising further opportunities for box office expansion. With continued interest in musical adaptations and a solidly established fanbase, Universal’s Wicked stands at the precipice of redefining not only the genre of film adaptations but also setting a benchmark for future productions. The film’s exceptional performance may inspire new investments in similar adaptations, potentially reshaping the cinematic landscape moving forward. In a time when traditional entertainment faces fierce competition, Wicked’s triumphant box office journey is a testament to the enduring allure of musical storytelling on the big screen.