Hide your surprise, Wicked: For Good took the top box-office spot this weekend as audiences flew to see it.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the movie musical made $226 million worldwide, with $150 million of that coming from North America. That domestic start is the biggest ever for a Broadway musical adaptation and the third-biggest musical ever behind Disney’s Lion King and Beauty & the Beast remakes. Its $76 million international take similarly broke records for a Broadway adaptation, and it’s globally the fourth-biggest opening weekend of 2025 behind Jurassic World Rebirth, Minecraft, and Lilo & Stitch.
Marketing for Wicked: For Good has been a bit different from its predecessor last year, but Universal’s made sure everyone knew the second half of the Wizard of Oz prequel was coming out. (The first Wicked premiered on NBC days before For Good hit theaters, and the two were put together in one-day double feature screenings.) Despite more mixed reviews, audiences seem to really like it. The studio may be open to doing more in this world, but Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are treating the film like it’s their last time in these roles, which has probably helped get butts in seats as they and the rest of the cast belt out songs from the musical.
The first Wicked had a good theatrical life thanks to a sing-along version released over the holidays. For Good’s probably getting the same treatment, but even if it doesn’t, it’s definitely going to dominate the rest of the year.
Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.
