‘Wicked’ Has Become The Highest Grossing Broadway Adaption, Beating ‘Mamma Mia!’

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As a long-time fan of Broadway musicals, I have seen my fair share of adaptations that either fell flat or were simply forgettable. However, the recent release of “Wicked” has truly blown me away. Growing up, I remember reading Gregory Maguire’s novel and being captivated by the complex characters and enchanting world it presented. To see this beloved story brought to life on the big screen in such a magical way was nothing short of extraordinary.

The film’s success has rekindled my love for Broadway adaptations, which had waned over time due to lackluster efforts in recent years. I remember attending a screening of “Wicked” with my family and friends, all of us teary-eyed as we watched the powerful performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The chemistry between Glinda (Grande) and Elphaba (Erivo) was undeniable, and their journey to friendship left a lasting impression on me.

The anticipation for “Wicked: For Good” is palpable, as I eagerly await the release of the second installment in 2025. I have high hopes that it will continue to build upon the success of its predecessor and provide an even more intense and emotional experience. I am confident that director Jon M. Chu can create another masterpiece with his exceptional talent, as demonstrated in films like “Crazy Rich Asians” and “Now You See Me.”

One thing’s for sure: “Wicked: For Good” will be a must-watch for fans of the first film and musicals alike. I even dare say that it might just make me consider revisiting the theater more often, something I haven’t done in years! Who knows, maybe I’ll even start humming show tunes again. (But let’s not get carried away – I promise to keep it to a minimum!)

The enchanting musical film adaptation of “Wicked,” cherished by many, has astoundingly broken records by becoming the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation ever made. Previously, the record was held by “Mamma Mia!,” a 2008 heartwarming romantic comedy directed by Phyllida Lloyd, which grossed $610 million worldwide at the box office. However, “Wicked” has managed to surpass this milestone, amassing an incredible $634 million globally within just six weeks of its release.

Under the direction of Jon M. Chu (of “Crazy Rich Asians” fame), this movie initiates a two-part series, with roots in Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West”, L. Frank Baum’s “Oz” books, and the 1939 film classic “The Wizard of Oz”. The initial musical performance has left many fans, even those who usually avoid musicals, pleasantly surprised.

Approximately one month ago, “Wicked” shattered the all-time domestic box office record for Broadway musical adaptations by earning an impressive $214.3 million during its second weekend in theaters, surpassing the previous record holder, the 1978 film version of “Grease,” which had grossed $190 million. Four weeks later, “Wicked” more than doubled its domestic earnings and established a new benchmark for these musicals.

In reality, Broadway musicals have been underappreciated for their substantial and overlooked achievements, as adaptations from stage to screen have been dwindling both in quality and quantity lately. This has made it challenging for new adaptations to emerge. However, the exceptional success of “Wicked” gives Universal Studios the conviction to proceed with the sequel titled “Wicked: For Good,” which is set to be released next year.

As of now, Wicked is placed at the 6th position in the 2024 worldwide box office chart, with Dune: Part Two, which made $714 million globally, leading the pack. Within the U.S., however, the musical fantasy movie holds the third spot, just behind Inside Out 2 and Deadpool & Wolverine, both of which have earned over a billion dollars worldwide and $600 million domestically. Despite this, Wicked’s impressive domestic box office figures indicate that it didn’t perform as well in other countries outside the U.S. and Canada. Regardless, Wicked has set a significant benchmark for upcoming Broadway shows, including its sequel, Wicked: For Good.

‘Wicked: For Good’ Must be Better to Outshine its Predecessor

Without a doubt, the upcoming film “Wicked: For Good” is one of the most eagerly awaited movies of 2025. The high praise for its predecessor has set the bar high for the second musical act. While “Part I” follows Glinda (Ariana Grande) and Elphaba’s (Cynthia Erivo) friendship blossoming at Shiz University before Dorothy Gale comes from Kansas, “Part II” tests their bond as they assume their roles as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. This shows how their choices will shape the destiny of the Land of Oz.

In order to captivate its audience and match the first film’s achievement, the sequel should be even more impactful and emotional than before. It should also improve upon the musical elements. If Chu, who has demonstrated exceptional directing abilities in both the G. I. Joe and Now You See Me series, continues to enchant audiences with his work on Wicked: For Good, it would be a remarkable achievement.

Wicked: For Good is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025.

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2024-12-31 00:02