*The weekend box office saw a massive boost with “Wicked” and “Gladiator 2” raking in a combined $270.2 million globally, signaling strong momentum heading into the holiday season.
Universal’s “Wicked” achieved $114 million domestically, making it 2024’s third-largest domestic debut and the biggest for a non-sequel film this year. Globally it earned $164.2 million, breaking records as the best global opening for a Broadway musical adaptation and a career-best debut for stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The film also generated $19.2 million in domestic previews alone.
As we reported earlier, Grande portrays Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege and ambition who has yet to discover her true heart, while Erivo stars as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin who has yet to discover her true power.
Per the synopsis: The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu and based on Gregory Maguire’s bestselling novel, “Wicked” is the first chapter of a two-part immersive experience with “Wicked: Part Two” slated for a release theatrically on November 26, 2025.
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Paramount’s “Gladiator 2” dominated internationally, earning $165.5 million overseas and $55.5 million domestically for a $221 million global total. It set records as the best international opening for a Ridley Scott film in 2024, with strong performance in major markets like the UK and France, as well as $12 million from Imax screenings.
Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington, the film “continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people,” per the official synopsis.
The cast includes Paul Mescal, Joseph Quinn, Fred Hechinger, Lior Raz, Derek Jacobi, and Connie Nielson.
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: ‘Wicked’ Set for $150M Theatrical Debut, ‘Gladiator II’ Targets $60M+
