Wicked’ Sends Box Office Soaring With $117 Million Opening – IMDb
A Blockbuster Weekend for Theaters
The weekend of November 24, 2024, lit up the box office as “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” smashed expectations with their record-breaking debuts. “Wicked,” Universal’s film adaptation of the Broadway sensation, soared to the third-largest domestic opening of 2024 with an impressive $117 million, following “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Inside Out 2.” Meanwhile, Paramount’s epic sequel “Gladiator II” held its own with a strong $60 million debut, marking the best opening ever for acclaimed director Ridley Scott.
Wicked: Casting a Spell on Audiences
“Wicked” has enchanted fans, turning its massive $150 million production budget into a season-defining success. Premiering in 3,888 theaters, the movie earned $46.7 million on Friday alone, with early preview screenings adding to its head start. It’s not just a financial success—critics and audiences are thrilled. CinemaScore reported an “A” rating, solidifying its appeal to musical lovers and families alike.
The film, directed by Jon M. Chu, stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, bringing the magical world of Oz to life. The dazzling cinematography, combined with its emotional storytelling, has positioned “Wicked” as a strong contender for awards season. The excitement doesn’t end here: a sequel is already set for release next Thanksgiving, ensuring that fans will remain under its spell.
Gladiator II: A Mighty Return to the Colosseum
While “Wicked” captured hearts, “Gladiator II” brought grit and glory to theaters. This epic sequel, starring Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington, continues the legacy of the 2000 classic. With an opening day haul of $22 million, the film is projected to finish its first weekend with $60 million, breaking records for an R-rated November release.
The film follows Mescal’s character as he seeks revenge in a crumbling Roman empire, delivering intense action and compelling drama. Internationally, the film has already grossed over $131 million, proving its global appeal. Despite a slightly lukewarm CinemaScore of “B”, its strong start hints at staying power through the holiday season.
A Boost for Theaters
After months of lackluster releases, theaters are finally seeing a revival. The last nine-digit opening was “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” in August, leaving a gap in high-profile releases. The simultaneous success of “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” mirrors the buzz of the “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” phenomenon earlier this year. With premium formats like IMAX contributing to ticket sales, both films are expected to sustain momentum in the coming weeks.
Other Contenders: What’s Playing
While “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” dominated, other films tried to carve out their space:
“Red One”: Starring Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans, this holiday-action flick added $13 million in its second weekend but struggled with a sharp 58% drop.
“Bonhoeffer. Pastor. Spy. Assassin.”: Angel Studios’ historical drama earned $4.4 million, resonating with its core audience despite mixed reviews.
“Venom: The Last Dance”: This Marvel spinoff remains a steady performer, crossing $130 million domestically after five weeks.
What’s Next?
The holiday season is heating up with upcoming releases like Disney’s “Moana 2” and a slate of Oscar hopefuls. But for now, “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” are giving audiences plenty to celebrate, proving that theaters can still deliver blockbuster magic.
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