Wicked Soars to $114M Opening Weekend Record, Led by Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande's "Wicked" adaptation has achieved a historic $114 million opening weekend, setting a new record for Broadway film adaptations. The success comes during a strong pre-Thanksgiving weekend that matched 2019's pre-pandemic levels.
"Wicked" stars pose in character costumes
The film's success can be attributed largely to its star power, with PostTrack data revealing that 39% of viewers attended specifically to see Ariana Grande or Cynthia Erivo, while 29% were drawn by the musical's existing fanbase.
Notable achievements for "Wicked" include:
- Third biggest opening of the year
- 10th biggest November opening at domestic box office
- Potential record-breaker for Broadway musical adaptations
- Outperformed "Beetlejuice Beetlejuice" ($111 million)
The strong performance, combined with "Gladiator II's" $55.5 million opening, signals a robust recovery for theatrical releases. The timing is particularly strategic, as Thanksgiving releases historically perform well, with Disney's "Frozen" (2013) holding the record for the five-day holiday weekend at $93.5 million.
Michael O'Leary, National Association of Theatre Owners President & CEO, notes that this success demonstrates the enduring appeal of theatrical experiences and predicts strong box office performance through December and into the new year.
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