North America, November 22, 2025 – Universal’s Wicked For Good box office performance is breaking records, debuting to over $151 million domestically and $228 million worldwide. Friday alone earned $68.7 million, including $30.8 million from previews, making it the biggest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation in North America.
About Wicked For Good: Musical Adaptation
Directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked For Good is the second big-screen adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical chronicling the untold story of the witches of Oz. The film stars Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, earning rave reviews with A Cinemascore and 96% on Rotten Tomatoes. This strong reception contributes to the Wicked For Good box office success and highlights the continued appeal of Broadway musicals on the big screen.
Box Office Records Achieved by Wicked For Good
If projections hold, Wicked For Good box office earnings would:
- Become the third-biggest opening for any musical, behind 2019’s The Lion King and 2017’s Beauty and the Beast.
- Rank as the second-largest North American opening for a Universal film, trailing only Jurassic World ($208.8 million).
- Mark the second-best pre-Thanksgiving weekend debut, after The Hunger Games: Catching Fire ($158.1 million).
Globally, the film is on track to surpass the original Wicked, which earned nearly $750 million worldwide, setting a new benchmark for Broadway adaptations.
Audience Demographics and Market Impact
The Wicked For Good box office surge is also revitalizing the North American film market, which has struggled with a lack of female- and family-focused content. About 70% of Friday’s audience were women, highlighting strong demand for female-driven films. Experts note that this success signals Hollywood’s opportunity to prioritize content appealing to female and family audiences.
Cultural Significance of Wicked For Good
The popularity of Wicked For Good underscores that Broadway musicals remain a cultural phenomenon. Fans are drawn to the performances of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, elaborate visuals, and the timeless story of friendship and rivalry in Oz. The film is boosting Universal’s box office revenue while reaffirming the viability of female-led, family-friendly blockbuster films.
For more details on the Wicked For Good box office performance, see Hollywood Reporter.