According to industry estimates on Sunday, Universal’s musical sequel “Wicked: For Good” made a record-breaking $150 million at the box office during its North American premiere this weekend.
Analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research described the movie’s opening as a “sensational, record-breaking opening” for a fantasy adventure sequel, while Variety reported that it was the highest ever for a Broadway musical adaption.
o complete the plot began in last year’s blockbuster part one, Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo and pop sensation Ariana Grande return as the mythical realm of Oz’s most popular witches, the popular pink-wearing Glinda and the green-skinned, outcast Elphaba.
The popular Broadway musical, which was adapted from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, is the basis for the “Wizard of Oz” version.
‘Wicked’ Sequel Sees Green in Weekend-Winning North America Debut
The magic of Oz is far from fading. The highly anticipated sequel to “Wicked” soared to the top of the North American box office, delivering a spellbinding debut that reaffirmed the franchise’s growing power with audiences.
According to industry estimates, the film opened at No. 1 nationwide, outperforming projections and becoming one of the strongest late-year debuts for a big-budget musical fantasy. Analysts say the strong performance demonstrates that moviegoers are still eager for theatrical spectacles—especially those backed by recognizable franchises and loyal fanbases.
A Return to Oz with Fresh Momentum
The sequel continues the story of Elphaba and Glinda, deepening the political tensions, friendships, and destinies introduced in the first installment. Lead stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande reprise their roles, earning praise from both critics and fans for bringing emotional depth and renewed chemistry to their characters.
Early audience scores on major review platforms were overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the sequel’s darker tone, stronger character focus, and more ambitious set pieces.
Box Office Strength Shows Sequel Appeal
Studio executives celebrated the film’s performance, with insiders noting that the film drew a wide audience—ranging from teens and young adults to longtime fans of the Broadway musical.
Its success also comes at a time when the overall box office has struggled with inconsistent turnout. The strong opening offers encouragement to Hollywood studios planning large-scale theatrical releases in 2026 and beyond.
The film also benefited from strong premium format ticket sales, including IMAX and Dolby screenings, which boosted its opening-weekend numbers.
Musicals Still Have Major Box-Office Magic
The hit debut is being viewed as another sign that musicals remain commercially viable when supported by recognizable branding, strong songwriting, and cross-generational appeal. With “Wicked” already a worldwide theater classic and the first film a streaming success, the sequel arrived with built-in demand.
The new release is positioned to perform strongly throughout the holiday season, with analysts expecting it to remain a top draw as family audiences and musical fans return to theaters throughout December.
