A new film sets box office records, defying expectations and highlighting a shift in entertainment dynamics.
Story Highlights
- ‘Wicked: For Good’ achieves a $150 million domestic opening.
- The film marks the second-highest opening weekend of 2025.
- It sets a record for the biggest opening of a Broadway adaptation.
- Premium large-format theaters contributed significantly to sales.
Record-Breaking Opening Weekend
“Wicked: For Good” has taken the box office by storm with a staggering $150 million domestic opening. This remarkable feat marks it as the second-highest opening weekend for any film in 2025, only trailing behind Warner Bros.
“A Minecraft Movie,” which garnered $163 million in April. This sequel has outpaced its predecessor, which earned $112.5 million during its opening weekend last year in the U.S. and Canada.
The film’s success is not just a domestic phenomenon. With international markets contributing additional ticket sales, “Wicked: For Good” is set to achieve a global haul of $226 million in its first three days.
This positions it as the biggest opening weekend for a Broadway adaptation, reflecting the film’s broad appeal and the effectiveness of Universal’s strategy.
“Wicked: For Good” was No. 1 with $150 million in its opening weekend. These ticket sales rank as the year’s second-biggest opening behind April’s “A Minecraft Movie” ($162 million) but above May’s “Lilo & Stitch” remake ($146 million). https://t.co/RdU9s6DE16 pic.twitter.com/AOSrKqb1D2
— Variety (@Variety) November 23, 2025
Impact of Premium Screenings
EntTelligence reports that 30% of domestic screenings for “Wicked: For Good” were in premium large-format theaters, a significant increase from 18% for the previous film. These screenings, priced higher than general admission, have contributed significantly to the film’s financial success.
Ticket prices for these premium experiences averaged $18.75, compared to $15.25 for standard tickets, illustrating the audience’s willingness to pay for an enhanced viewing experience.
The strategic use of premium format theaters has not only bolstered initial earnings but also set a precedent for future releases. As more films opt for this lucrative model, the landscape of movie-going continues to evolve, reflecting changing consumer preferences and the industry’s adaptation to meet those demands.
Thanksgiving Box Office Prospects
Looking ahead, “Wicked: For Good” is expected to continue its strong performance throughout the Thanksgiving holiday season. It joins Disney’s “Zootopia 2” in a lineup anticipated to boost the box office to new heights.
The original “Zootopia” opened to $75 million domestically in 2016 and went on to gross over $1 billion worldwide. With pent-up demand for high-quality family entertainment, projections suggest a potential $100 million three-day opening for “Zootopia 2,” with the Thanksgiving period possibly exceeding $125 million.
This promising outlook is a welcome change following October’s challenging box-office results. The synergy of successful releases like “Wicked: For Good” and “Zootopia 2” could set new records this holiday season, reaffirming the entertainment industry’s resilience and adaptability.
