Universal's Bold Move with Wicked Films Pays Off

Universal took a big risk by splitting "Wicked" into two movies. This was a bold move, especially since musicals can be hit or miss with audiences. The studio spent a lot of money on making and promoting these films. But it seems the gamble paid off.

First Movie: A Huge Success

The first "Wicked" movie did really well. It made over $758 million worldwide. That's a lot of money! Plus, it got 10 Oscar nominations. People loved it so much that they couldn't wait for the second part.

Second Movie: Even Better

When "Wicked: For Good" came out, it did even better than the first one. It made $150 million in the U.S. alone in its first weekend. Fans were excited to see the story continue.

Mixed Reviews

But not everyone was a fan. Critics liked the first movie more than the second one. The second film had a lower score on Rotten Tomatoes. However, audiences still loved it. They gave it an "A" grade, just like the first movie.

Keeping the Hype Alive

Universal did a lot to keep people interested in "Wicked" for two years. They had a special TV event and partnered with big brands. This helped keep the hype going.

A Big Deal for Hollywood

This success is a big deal because Hollywood hasn't had a hit musical in a long time. Other recent musical movies didn't do so well. But "Wicked" proved that people still love a good musical.

Splitting a Movie: Risky but Rewarding

Splitting a movie into two parts can be risky. Sometimes it works, like with "Dune." But other times, it doesn't. Universal's strategy with "Wicked" shows that it can pay off if done right.