Universal’s cinematic adaptation of *Wicked* has claimed a monumental milestone in the realm of stage musical adaptations, surpassing its predecessor, *Mamma Mia!*, with unprecedented global earnings. As of the latest reports, *Wicked* has accumulated an astonishing $634.4 million worldwide, including $424.2 million from the domestic box office and $210.2 million internationally. This groundbreaking success not only sets a new benchmark for adaptations of stage musicals, but it also resonates with audiences worldwide, changing the landscape of musical cinema dramatically.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, *Wicked* has emerged as the leading stage musical adaptation in 46 different international markets. The film’s latest weekend performance garnered another $13.7 million from 81 territories, further solidifying its global presence. Its reception overseas has been particularly noteworthy, outpacing significant titles such as *Mamma Mia 2* and *Maleficent*, illustrating its wide-ranging appeal. Notably, holiday cinema closures in certain regions during the Christmas period create a variable dynamic, yet *Wicked* has shown resilience with its international earnings up by 1%, particularly thriving with a 7% increase in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.
In the UK and Ireland, the film has witnessed a remarkable 2% uptick compared to the previous weekend, accruing $67 million and aligning closely with its competitor, *Wonka*. This reflection of consumer choice sheds light on the competitive landscape of musical films in the current market. Moreover, during this week alone, *Wicked* eclipsed the life earnings of *The Greatest Showman* and climbed higher than the animated blockbuster *Despicable Me 4*, officially becoming the third highest-grossing film of the year in the UK.
Australia is also experiencing *Wicked*’s surge, with a significant 29% increase during its sixth weekend. The film has now overtaken the box office achievements of *Aladdin* and the last two *Jurassic World* installments, landing itself as the fifth highest title of the year in the Australian market by surpassing *Dune: Part Two*. Furthermore, the Netherlands recorded a spectacular 32% jump in its fourth weekend, signifying a growing appreciation for the musical genre.
Looking forward, *Wicked* is set to make its debut in Japan on March 7, which could further amplify its international presence and box office figures. The film’s transition from stage to screen, coupled with its modern storytelling and star-studded cast, highlights a fundamental shift in how musical adaptations can resonate with a global audience. This monumental success hints at a promising future for other adaptations in the pipeline, as the template for profitable cinematic interpretations of stage works has been well and truly established.
As *Wicked* continues its reign, it not only highlights the potential for musical adaptations but also paves the way for new narratives in the cinematic world, ensuring that the magic of theater can thrive on the silver screen for years to come.