The Global Magic of Wicked: A Box Office Hit

Universal's "Wicked" is casting a spell worldwide, projected to rake in around $165 million in its opening weekend. The majority of this comes from North America, with an estimated $117 million, while the international box office contributes about $48 million. This debut makes "Wicked" the biggest opening weekend for a Broadway adaptation film globally, surpassing "Les Miserables" which made $103 million. It's also the 6th biggest opening weekend of 2024 and the 4th biggest worldwide for a musical, beating "The Little Mermaid" which made $163. 6 million. Internationally, "Wicked" is performing well, even though it's only released in 61 markets, which is 65% of its offshore footprint. Major markets like France, China, Germany, and Japan haven't released the film yet. Despite this, "Wicked" is set to be the top opening for a Broadway adaptation in similar launch markets, and the 6th biggest opening weekend ever for a musical internationally.

The UK is leading the international charge, with an expected $15 million+ through Sunday. The film had a massive opening day on Friday, making $4. 9 million across 2, 250 screens, capturing 63% of the total box office. This is the 2nd biggest opening Friday of the year and Universal's biggest opening day since "No Time to Die" in 2021. IMAX also had a record-breaking opening Friday for a PG film. In other countries, "Wicked" is also performing well. It's the No. 1 film in Australia and had the 3rd biggest opening day of 2024. In Korea, known for loving musicals, the film made $3. 3 million through Saturday with a strong 94% CGV Egg score. Mexico also had a big opening day, being the biggest ever for a stage musical adaptation. It's worth noting that "Gladiator II" is also doing well overseas, expected to be well above $200 million globally by Sunday.

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