Wicked’ Earns Record $70 Million in PVOD Sales In One Week
“Wicked,” the much-anticipated Broadway adaptation, made a spectacular debut in its digital release, raking in $70 million in its first week across the United States and Canada. The film, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Ariana Grande as Glinda, launched on December 31, offering viewers a choice of the original or sing-along version for $30 to buy or $20 to rent.
The musical’s $26 million haul on its first day set a record for Universal Pictures, becoming the studio’s most successful digital launch ever. For comparison, its closest competitor, “The Super Mario Bros. Movie,” earned $44 million during its first week of video-on-demand sales in 2023.
Released theatrically on November 22, “Wicked: Part One” has already grossed $682 million worldwide, solidifying its place as the sixth-highest-grossing movie of 2024. Despite being available on digital platforms, the film continued to perform in theaters, generating another $10 million domestically during its eighth weekend on the big screen.
Universal has taken an aggressive approach to balancing theatrical and digital releases, shortening the window between formats to maximize revenue. While traditional box office returns require a 50% revenue split with theaters, digital platforms allow the studio to retain up to 80% of profits.
The success of “Wicked” extends beyond its financial achievements. With its gripping origin story of Glinda and Elphaba—characters who predate Dorothy’s iconic journey to Oz—the film has captivated audiences worldwide. The star-studded cast also includes Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Jonathan Bailey.
Looking ahead, Universal has plans to build on this momentum. The sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” is set to hit theaters on November 21, 2025. Meanwhile, the original film will remain exclusive to home entertainment platforms for the next two months before transitioning to Peacock, NBCUniversal’s streaming service.
As the industry navigates the evolving landscape of theatrical and digital releases, “Wicked” serves as a prime example of how studios can leverage both formats to maximize success.
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