Universal’s cinematic adaptation of the beloved stage musical, Wicked, has undoubtedly made its mark in the global film industry, recently surpassing the legendary Mamma Mia! to become the highest-grossing stage musical adaptation of all time. With a staggering global revenue of approximately $634.4 million, comprising $424.2 million from domestic ticket sales and $210.2 million from international markets, Wicked has rewritten the record books in the genre. This achievement places Wicked at the forefront of stage adaptations and signifies the growing popularity of musical films.
This past weekend alone, Wicked generated an impressive $13.7 million across 81 international territories. Its remarkable performance not only sets it apart from other adaptations but also highlights its dominance in 46 key international markets. With the helming of director Jon M. Chu and the star power of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, Wicked has eclipsed notable competitors, including Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Disney’s Maleficent, demonstrating its broad appeal and robust international box office strategy.
The festive season undoubtedly influences cinema traffic, leading to varied holds in box office numbers as many regions restrict operations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Despite these fluctuations, Wicked’s international revenue showed resilience, with a modest 1% increase week-over-week. Notably, the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region showcased a 7% surge, suggesting a strong international appetite for this musical adaptation.
In particular, the UK and Ireland markets contributed significantly to the overall gross, with a cumulative total reaching $67 million. This figure puts Wicked in close competition with other successful films, such as Wonka, highlighting the film’s commercial viability in the region.
The film’s robust performance is also evident in Australia, where its sixth weekend saw a notable 29% increase in ticket sales, propelling it past the milestones set by Aladdin and the recent Jurassic World films. Continuing its upward trajectory, Wicked now ranks as the fifth highest-grossing movie of the year within the Australian market. The invigorating momentum reflects audience enthusiasm and suggests that the film could maintain its popularity as it enters future weeks.
The Netherlands, too, showcased a significant 32% increase during its fourth weekend, further solidifying Wicked’s present appeal in international markets. The film’s success is broadly reflective of the increasing trends in audiences gravitating towards musical adaptations, with strong narratives and captivating performances resonating with global viewers.
As Wicked prepares for its highly anticipated release in Japan on March 7, industry experts speculate that the film may continue to rake in impressive box office numbers, expanding its global footprint even further. Given its current trajectory and audience engagement, Wicked is poised to remain a defining entry in the world of cinematic musicals for years to come. With each passing week, it reinforces a transformative era in the adaptation of theater productions to mainstream cinema, ultimately signaling an exciting future for musicals on the big screen.