Universal’s musical “Wicked” and Paramount’s epic “Gladiator II” are poised to create box office magic this weekend, drawing comparisons to last year’s “Barbenheimer” phenomenon.
‘Wicked’ Shows Powerful Preview Performance
“Wicked” has already generated impressive preview numbers, collecting $19.2 million across advance screenings. The breakdown includes $2.5 million from Monday shows, $5.7 million from Wednesday, and $11 million on Thursday. For context, this follows the pattern of last summer’s blockbuster “Barbenheimer,” where “Barbie” earned $22.3 million and “Oppenheimer” brought in $10.5 million in Thursday previews.
The film adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, is projected to have a massive opening weekend. Current estimates range from $100 million to $130 million, significantly higher than initial projections of $80 million. The movie is expected to easily surpass the current record for Broadway adaptations — “Into the Woods” with $31 million in 2014.
‘Gladiator II’ Aims for Epic Return
Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” is projected to open around $65 million. The sequel boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, and Connie Nielsen. However, with a substantial budget of $250 million and approximately $100 million in promotional costs, the film will need strong global box office performance to be considered a financial success.
Both “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” have invested $150 million in production, setting high stakes for their theatrical releases. Fans can look forward to “Wicked Part 2” arriving in theaters next year, promising a complete musical experience.
