Universal’s “Wicked: For Good” conjured a record-breaking box office opening with $147 million in North America and $223 million globally. This musical fantasy starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo has set new benchmarks for Broadway adaptations and secured a top spot among 2025’s highest earners.
Record-Breaking Opening Weekend
It achieved the largest opening in history for a Broadway musical adaptation, surpassing the previous “Wicked” record and topping all major 2025 releases. Domestically, it ranks as the second-largest Universal debut after “Jurassic World” and holds the third-biggest musical opening ever, following “The Lion King” (2019) and “Beauty and the Beast” (2017) unadjusted for inflation. Furthermore, it is the second-best three-day North American launch of 2025, trailing only “A Minecraft Movie,” and is on track to surpass $200 million soon.
Global and Critical Acclaim
Internationally, “Wicked: For Good” grossed an additional $76 million, including a record-breaking $24.4 million in the U.K., marking that country’s best November opening and highest for any Broadway adaptation. Audiences gave it an A Cinemascore and 95% approval rating on exit polls, especially winning over families and younger viewers.
Commercial Impact and Strategic Success
The film outperformed recent blockbusters like “Snow White” and “Joker: Folie à Deux” in just three days. Universal’s strategy to split “Wicked” into two films, combined with the star power of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo and a $330 million promotional campaign, generated over 15 billion media impressions worldwide. Consequently, “Wicked: For Good” has secured its cultural and commercial dominance in 2025’s cinematic landscape.
This success highlights a strong resurgence in family and musical films during the holiday season, underpinned by significant audience enthusiasm and strategic marketing execution.
