‘Wicked’: How Universal’s Risky Gamble to Split the Musical Into Two Movies Paid Off at the Box Office

VarietyMonday, November 24, 2025 at 3:30:00 PM
‘Wicked’: How Universal’s Risky Gamble to Split the Musical Into Two Movies Paid Off at the Box Office
  • Universal's decision to split the popular Broadway musical 'Wicked' into two films has proven successful, with the sequel 'Wicked: For Good' earning $150 million in its opening weekend, marking the largest debut for a Broadway adaptation. This follows a strong pre-opening gross of $30.8 million, the highest of the year, indicating a robust audience interest.
  • This financial success underscores Universal's strategic gamble in expanding the 'Wicked' franchise, demonstrating the studio's confidence in the material and its ability to attract audiences back to theaters for a sequel, which is often a risky endeavor in the film industry.
  • The impressive box office performance of 'Wicked: For Good' reflects a broader trend in Hollywood where adaptations of beloved stage productions are increasingly becoming major cinematic events, highlighting the enduring appeal of musical storytelling and the potential for cross-promotional opportunities, as seen with recent integrations into popular television formats.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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