The cinematic spell cast by the witches of Oz has proven powerfully potent, as the highly anticipated sequel Wicked: For Good has delivered one of the most spectacular box office debuts of the year.
The film magicked up a staggering $150 million in North America and an astonishing $226 million worldwide during its first weekend in theatres, instantly securing its place in the record books.
A Record-Breaking Opening Weekend
The sequel's magical ascent began immediately, leading the North American box office on its opening Friday with a mighty $68.7 million haul from 4,115 theatres. This impressive figure included $30.8 million from preview screenings, showcasing immense audience anticipation.
This phenomenal performance has earned the film, directed by Jon M. Chu, multiple prestigious titles. According to industry authority The Hollywood Reporter, it now boasts the largest opening weekend ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, soaring past the $112.5 million debut of the first Wicked film last year.
Furthermore, it ranks as the third-largest opening of all time for a musical film, positioned behind only the live-action versions of The Lion King (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2017). For Universal Pictures, this marks the studio's second-biggest North American debut in its history, only behind Jurassic World.
Stellar Performances and Critical Acclaim
Much of the film's triumphant success is being credited to the 'powerhouse' performances of its two leading witches. Cynthia Erivo returns as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, while Ariana Grande reprises her role as Glinda the Good Witch.
Grande's portrayal, in particular, is generating significant Oscar buzz. The Hollywood Reporter's critic David Rooney stated that Grande 'owns' Part Two, effortlessly bringing Glinda to 'luminous life'. He praised her ability to convey tender depths in moments of introspection and her palpable loyalty to Elphaba.
Rooney also highlighted both actresses as 'stellar vocal talents', noting that Erivo 'remains a powerhouse, with pipes that shake the heavens'. The critical response has been largely positive, with The Mail's film critic Brian Viner awarding the film a five-star rating, calling it 'just as impressive as the first one, if not better'.
Global Impact and Audience Reaction
The film's success was not confined to North America. Internationally, it generated $76 million, securing the highest global opening ever for a Broadway adaptation. It also ranks as the fifth-largest worldwide debut for any musical film.
In a statement, Universal Domestic Distribution President Jim Orr said, “From the moment tickets went on sale it was very clear that the audience for Wicked: For Good was beyond eager to come out and see what has truly become more than just a movie, rather a cultural event.”
The release also posted the second-best opening weekend ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday and is currently the second-largest three-day launch of 2025.
While the film introduced two new original songs—'No Place Like Home' performed by Grande and 'The Girl In The Bubble' by Erivo—reception to these additions was mixed among some viewers on social media. Despite this, the overall consensus celebrates the film's extravagant sets, spectacular costumes, and the magnificent central performances that are defying gravity and expectations at the box office.
