In just a few days, Wicked will premiere in theaters worldwide this Friday. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film is expected to generate a significant box office revenue in its opening weekend.
The Broadway adaptation, starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, is expected to earn between $100 million and $110 million USD from 3,880 theaters in North America this weekend, according to a report from Variety.
Initially, analysts had projected that the film would earn $80 million to $85 million USD over the same period. However, projections were raised due to the widespread presence of the PG-rated film, its successful marketing campaign, and more than 400 brand partnerships. According to some independent tracking services, Wicked could even reach $130 million USD in earnings during its opening weekend.
Regardless of the exact earnings, the film is likely to record the best opening weekend for a Broadway-adapted movie. Currently, this record is held by Into the Woods, which earned $31 million USD during its opening weekend in 2014.
Meanwhile, Ridley Scott's Gladiator II, the sequel to the 2000 film Gladiator, will also be released this weekend. The R-rated movie is expected to earn around $65 million USD from 3,500 theaters in the US. Notably, it has already grossed $87 million USD from 63 international markets before its North American release.
