Universal’s much-anticipated film adaptation of the acclaimed musical ‘Wicked’ is generating significant buzz leading up to its release on November 22. With its first-day advance ticket sales through Fandango marking a prominent milestone—ranking as the second highest for the year behind the blockbusters of Marvel—it’s evident that the audience’s anticipation is palpable. This advance measure positions ‘Wicked’ as a major contender in the holiday box office race, especially given that it could capture viewers’ attention away from competing releases like Disney’s ‘Moana 2’.
To frame this excitement within a larger context, it’s important to discuss the historical performance of similar films. For instance, Disney’s theatrical release saw impressive box office success, posting a staggering $96.1 million on its first day and accumulating $211.4 million over its opening weekend. As ‘Wicked’ prepares for its theatrical debut on the Friday before Thanksgiving, expectations are high for a strong showing that could rival those impressive figures. Universal’s strategic decision to reposition ‘Wicked’ away from ‘Moana 2’ and onto the same day as Paramount’s ‘Gladiator II’ adds an interesting layer to the competition. Could viewers be inclined towards a dual viewing experience reminiscent of the ‘Barbenheimer’ phenomenon? The idea tantalizes both cinema operators and industry analysts alike.
On a noteworthy note, ‘Wicked’ has set records for advance sales in its category. Not only is it the highest pre-seller for PG-rated films this year, it ranks third all-time, just behind titans like ‘Frozen II’ and the 2019 remake of ‘The Lion King’. These rankings suggest that family-friendly films with strong narratives and beloved music attract substantial advance interest. With the thrill of its impending release, ‘Wicked’ could potentially mirror ‘Frozen II’ and ‘The Lion King’s’ substantial box office successes, each of which exceeded $130 million and $191 million in their respective opening weekends.
While distributors often caution that advance ticket sales don’t always translate to box office triumphs, the current post-strike environment introduces a unique variable. Past trends have indicated that presales can indeed foreshadow performance, especially in a revitalized market eager for entertainment. In stark contrast, recent reports hint at slower presales for ‘Joker: Folie à Deux’, which can affect audience expectations and marketing strategies. However, the early indications for ‘Wicked’ paint a much rosier picture, igniting hopes of a memorable opening.
As excitement continues to build, industry professionals are optimistic about ‘Wicked’s’ prospects. “Fan anticipation for the cinematic masterpiece Wicked is incredibly high for what is set to be a one-of-a-kind must-see theatrical event,” expressed Jerramy Hainline, EVP of Fandango Ticketing. With its compounding ticket sales and fervent audience engagement, ‘Wicked’ stands on the precipice of a potentially groundbreaking box office performance, setting the stage for a dynamic cinematic experience just in time for the festive season.