Wicked Nears $6M From Frozen II, Enters Top 25!

The film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, Wicked, has made waves at the North American box office since its release on November 22, 2024.

Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the musical fantasy quickly became a favorite among moviegoers. Its dazzling visuals, powerful performances, and timeless story captured the hearts of fans nationwide, turning it into a box-office sensation.

As the weeks went by, Wicked continued to dominate theaters, holding its ground against major competitors like Gladiator II and Moana 2. However, with its online release and a rapid decrease in theater availability, the movie is now in the final stretch of its theatrical run.

Despite this, it is on the verge of surpassing the domestic box office collection of Disney’s Frozen II, which would solidify its place among the top 25 highest-grossing films of all time in the U.S.

Wicked’s Journey to Success

Right from its opening weekend, Wicked proved to be a force to be reckoned with. The movie set a new record for a Broadway musical adaptation, pulling in an impressive $114 million domestically and $164.2 million globally in its first few days.

The excitement surrounding the film was driven by the popularity of the original stage musical, the star power of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, and the captivating reimagining of the classic Wizard of Oz tale.

Positive word-of-mouth and glowing reviews helped Wicked maintain a steady stream of moviegoers. Families, musical enthusiasts, and fans of the lead actresses flocked to theaters, making it one of the most talked-about films of the holiday season and beyond.

Holding Its Own Against Blockbusters

Despite facing stiff competition from Gladiator II and Moana 2, Wicked managed to hold its own at the box office.

Gladiator II, a long-awaited sequel to the 2000 epic, and Moana 2, the follow-up to Disney’s hit animated film, were expected to dominate the box office.

However, Wicked continued to attract a loyal audience, proving that musicals still have a special place in the hearts of viewers.

Even as newer releases hit the screens, Wicked maintained strong legs, staying relevant and raking in impressive earnings week after week.

Its box office performance demonstrated the enduring appeal of musical adaptations and the power of nostalgia combined with fresh storytelling.

The Race Against Frozen II

Frozen II, released in 2019, is a monumental film in the world of animation. Featuring the voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Jonathan Groff, Ciarán Hinds, Alan Tudyk, and Paul Briggs, the movie was the highly anticipated sequel to Disney’s 2013 blockbuster Frozen.

Frozen II became the second highest-grossing animated movie of all time, earning $477.37 million in the U.S. and a staggering $976.3 million internationally.

This brought its global box office total to $1.45 billion. Although it held the title of the highest-grossing animated film for a while, it was eventually overtaken by Inside Out 2 in 2024.

Wicked is now within striking distance of surpassing Frozen II’s domestic haul of $477.37 million. As of its 12th Friday, Wicked’s U.S. earnings stood at $471.4 million, just $6 million shy of Frozen II.

This puts Wicked in a prime position to secure the 25th spot on the all-time domestic box office chart.

Declining Theater Count and Harsh Drops

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While Wicked has enjoyed an impressive run, it is now entering the final phase of its theatrical journey. The movie is gradually losing its grip on theaters, as it has become available online, with its presence shrinking significantly.

Recently, Wicked lost 438 theaters, reducing its count to just 835 screens across the U.S. This marks the first time the film has been shown in fewer than 1,000 theaters.

The impact of the reduced theater count is evident in the film’s daily earnings. On its 12th Friday, Wicked collected only $160,000, representing a 41.4% drop from the previous Friday.

While this decline is expected for a film nearing the end of its run, it raises questions about whether Wicked can muster the additional $6 million needed to overtake Frozen II.

Upcoming Competition: Captain America: Brave New World

Adding to Wicked’s challenges, a major blockbuster is set to hit theaters soon. Captain America: Brave New World is scheduled for release on Friday, 14th February 2025, which is expected to further reduce Wicked’s screen presence.

Marvel films typically command significant attention and dominate the box office, making it even harder for older releases like Wicked to maintain a foothold.

Despite these hurdles, industry experts believe that Wicked still has a chance to surpass Frozen II’s domestic total.

The movie is expected to earn between $450,000 and $550,000 during its 12th weekend, which would bring it closer to the milestone.

Global Success

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While the focus has largely been on Wicked’s domestic performance, its global success should not be overlooked.

The film has grossed an impressive $722.74 million worldwide, surpassing Dune 2’s $714.64 million. Wicked is currently ranked as the fifth highest-grossing film globally in 2024.

Furthermore, its international earnings are expected to receive a boost when the movie releases in Japan in March.

Japan has historically been a strong market for musical films, and fans of both Ariana Grande and the original Wicked musical are eagerly awaiting the film’s debut.

Critical Acclaim and Awards

Beyond the box office numbers, Wicked has also been recognized for its artistic achievements. At the 30th Annual Critics Choice Awards, the film won three major awards, including Best Director for Jon M. Chu.

This recognition came as a pleasant surprise, especially considering that Chu was notably snubbed by the Oscars.

The film’s success on both the commercial and critical fronts highlights its widespread appeal and the skillful direction that brought the beloved stage production to life on the big screen.

As Wicked nears the end of its theatrical run, it stands as one of the most successful musical adaptations in recent years.

Its journey has been marked by impressive milestones, critical acclaim, and a dedicated fanbase. Whether it ultimately surpasses Frozen II or not, Wicked’s impact on the box office and the film industry is undeniable.

Wicked Box Office Metrics

Conclusion

• Wicked has grossed $471.4 million domestically, putting it just $6 million away from surpassing Frozen II’s $477.37 million U.S. haul.
• The movie faced stiff competition from Gladiator II and Moana 2 but managed to hold its ground.
• Wicked’s theater count has significantly declined, dropping to 835 screens, impacting its daily earnings.
• The film has earned $722.74 million globally and is expected to perform well in Japan upon its March release.
• Wicked received critical acclaim, winning three Critics Choice Awards, including Best Director for Jon M. Chu.

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