Universal earned considerable flack last year after seemingly jumping the gun and releasingThe Fall Guyon PVOD platforms mere days after its theatrical debut. A similar debate unfolded recently, when the studio chose to release the musical blockbusterWickedon digital streaming platforms while it was still raking in millions at the box office. The studio appeared to justify its move by reporting thatWickedhadgenerated around $70 million from online saleswithin a week. But despite PVOD eating into its theatrical revenue, the movie isset to pass a major global box office milestonein a few days.
This weekend, its eighth,Wickedgenerated an estimated $5 million domestically and another $5 million from overseas markets. The film’s stateside haul now stands at $458 million, while its international total is hovering around the $240 million mark.Wicked’scumulative global haul now stands at $697 million, which means that it should be able to pass the $700 million milestone before next weekend. Only four other 2024 films have been able to pass the $700 million mark worldwide; the list includesDune: Part 2($714 million),Despicable Me 4($969 million),Moana 2($989 million),Deadpool & Wolverine($1.3 billion) andInside Out 2($1.6 billion).
Directed byJon M. Chu,Wickedis based on the hit Broadway musical of the same name, which was inspired byGregory Maguire’s novel, which, in turn, was based onFrank L. Baum’s “Wizard of Oz” books. The brand remains popular across the world, althoughthe movie hasn’t worked quite as well as Universal would’ve liked in overseas markets. This could be attributed to the play’s limited penetration internationally, or the lack of major movie stars in the cast.Wickedis led byCynthia ErivoandAriana Grande, and was produced ona reported budget of $150 million.
‘Wicked’ Is Among the Highest-Grossing Musicals of All Time
The movieopened topositive reviews, and appears to have settled at a “fresh” 88% approval rating on the aggregator websiteRotten Tomatoes.Wicked’s audience score on RT stands at an even better 95%. The movie earned four nominations at the recently held Golden Globes, and is a favorite across several categories at the upcoming Oscars. A sequel, titledWicked: For Good,will be released in November.
Wickedis available to watch in theaters and at home. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
The story of how a green-skinned woman framed by the Wizard of Oz becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. The first of a two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical.
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