Key Highlights
- $228M Global Opening: Universal’s “Wicked: For Good” is projected to open at $228 million worldwide.
- Broadway Musical Adaptation Record: It becomes the biggest start ever for a Broadway musical adaptation.
- Exceeding Expectations: The film surpassed initial projections, opening with $14.9 million in its first two days of play internationally.
- Solid Domestic Performance: In Australia, it grossed an estimated $2.3 million on its first day, outperforming the 2022 “Wicked” by 30%.
The Global Opening of “Wicked: For Good”
Universal’s “Wicked: For Good,” the follow-up to last year’s blockbuster, has already cast a spell at international box offices with impressive opening figures. The Jon M. Chu sequel is projected to open at an astounding $228 million worldwide, making it the biggest start ever for a Broadway musical adaptation.
The film, set in motion on Wednesday and Thursday in 59 markets, has already seen significant success.
It began its rollout with a strong opening of $14.9 million across just two days, well above initial projections. This early momentum suggests that the movie is off to a fantastic start internationally.
Breaking Down the International Success
The Australian market saw a particularly impressive performance on Thursday, grossing an estimated $1.2 million in its first day, bringing the total to $2.3 million including Wednesday sneak previews. This opening is 30% above what was seen for the original “Wicked” at this point, making it not just a strong start but also one that outperforms expectations.
In Korea, where the first film had already set high standards, “Wicked: For Good” achieved an even higher $750,000 on its opening day. This performance puts Universal’s latest release in third place among their best November starts ever and cements its position as the top stage musical adaptation of all time.
Domestic Market Success
The domestic market has also seen a positive response to “Wicked: For Good.” In Australia, it dominated the box office with an 81% share of the Top 10. This is the second-biggest opening day of the year behind only Superman and the biggest non-holiday opening day in 2025 so far.
In Mexico, despite being on a holiday Thursday, “Wicked: For Good” opened to $600,000, matching the first film’s performance. This is particularly impressive given the additional boost from the holiday.
Future Prospects and Industry Implications
The strong opening of “Wicked: For Good” not only cements its status as a box office sensation but also highlights the enduring appeal of Broadway adaptations in film form. The success of this sequel could lead to increased interest in future stage-to-screen productions, potentially paving the way for a third installment.
As the film continues to roll out across more markets, including China and Japan, its potential global impact remains significant. With such a strong start, “Wicked: For Good” is well-positioned to make history as one of the biggest musical adaptations ever released in the international market.
The rapid success of “Wicked: For Good” underscores the power of storytelling that resonates across diverse cultures and markets. As Universal Studios continues to explore more stage-to-screen transformations, this film serves as a testament to the enduring popularity of Broadway classics in the modern entertainment landscape.
