Wicked proves popular as opening set to be biggest for Broadway film

The film adaptation of Wicked, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, premiered this month and is projected to have record-breaking opening weekend earnings for a Broadway musical adaptation.

In North America, it is expected to gross $114 million, while in the UK and Ireland, it is forecast to earn $17.6 million.

Wicked had the third-largest US opening of 2024, trailing only Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2.

Its soundtrack, featuring hits like "Popular" and "Defying Gravity," has surged in popularity.

Meanwhile, Gladiator II opened with $55.5 million projected for its first weekend.

Together with upcoming releases like Moana 2, this marks one of the strongest Thanksgiving box office seasons since 2013, signaling a resurgence for cinemas post-pandemic.