The excitement surrounding Universal’s upcoming film adaptation of the stage musical “Wicked” has reached a fever pitch as advance ticket sales soar ahead of its November 22 release. In only its first day of ticket pre-sales through Fandango, “Wicked” has achieved remarkable success, ranking as the platform’s second-best year-to-date sales following Marvel’s “Deadpool” and its sequel “Wolverine.” This impressive beginning sets the stage for what could be a highly lucrative opening weekend, with industry analysts eagerly speculating on the film’s performance.
For context, Disney’s “Moana 2” is poised to open on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, which initially posed a potential challenge for “Wicked.” However, Universal made a strategic decision to shift the release date of “Wicked” to coincide with the opening of Paramount’s “Gladiator II.” This move has sparked discussions among industry insiders regarding a possible box office phenomenon reminiscent of the dual-release success seen during the “Barbenheimer” event last year. Such comparisons, while somewhat speculative, could influence audience turnout and overall earnings.
The effectiveness of “Wicked” as a pre-seller is also notable, with it now being recognized as the top PG-rated film for first-day ticket sales in 2024 on Fandango. It’s placed third in the all-time rankings for PG-rated films, trailing only behind blockbuster hits like “Frozen II” and 2019’s “The Lion King.” Both of those films enjoyed substantial box office openings, having amassed figures of $130.2 million and $191.8 million, respectively, during their initial three-day weekends. This historical context adds weight to the optimistic expectations surrounding “Wicked.”
While advance ticket sales often serve as an indicator of potential box office success, industry veterans typically urge caution against relying solely on these numbers for predictions. This sentiment is particularly relevant in the current environment following recent industry strikes, which have significantly impacted film promotion and audience engagement. For instance, recent advance sales data for other films, such as “Joker: Folie a Deux” and “Terrifier 3,” showcase varied performances, underscoring the unpredictability of the market.
Despite the inherent uncertainties, Jerramy Hainline, EVP of Fandango Ticketing, emphasizes the remarkable anticipation for “Wicked.” He asserts that the film is shaping up to be a must-see event, highlighting the unique cultural footprint that the original stage performance left on audiences. This cult following could translate into robust attendance figures, especially given that fans are keen to experience a beloved story in a new cinematic format.
“Wicked” is on a promising trajectory ahead of its upcoming release, with strong initial ticket sales and strategic timing that may enhance its position at the box office. As the industry continues to navigate a fluctuating landscape, all eyes will be on this theatrical adaptation to see if it can fulfill the high expectations set by its predecessors. In a world where consumer interest can shift rapidly, the unfolding story of “Wicked” offers a compelling case study in contemporary film marketing and audience engagement.