The 2024 film Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu and based on the Broadway musical, has shattered a significant box office milestone. It debuted with an impressive $112.5 million before Thanksgiving, and by Saturday morning of the Thanksgiving weekend, it was on track to earn $80.6 million over three days, with a five-day projection of $118 million domestically. This brings its cumulative total to approximately $263 million, surpassing Grease (1978) and becoming the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation in domestic box office history.
What’s Next for Wicked?
While Wicked has set an unadjusted record, it would need to earn nearly $1 billion to surpass Grease’s inflation-adjusted record of $919.9 million (adjusted for 2024). With its strong debut, however, it has the potential to reach that milestone, surpassing billion-dollar musicals like Aladdin (2019) and Frozen (2013). With a reported budget of $150 million, the film is expected to break even around $375 million globally, making significant profit as its international earnings continue to climb.
Record May Be Short-Lived
Despite Wicked’s groundbreaking achievement, its box office reign might be brief. The film adapts only the first act of the musical, with Wicked Part Two set for release in November 2025. The sequel could outshine its predecessor and set an even higher benchmark.
Related content:
-
DANIEL CRAIG IN TALKS TO STAR AS SGT. ROCK IN UPCOMING DC ADAPTATION
-
WILLIAM SHATNER’S CAPTAIN KIRK RESURRECTED IN NEW ‘STAR TREK’ SHORT