Mon Nov 25 15:40:00 UTC 2024: ## “Wicked” Soars to Record-Breaking Box Office Success
**London** – The highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway musical *Wicked* has shattered box office records, achieving the highest-grossing opening weekend for a Broadway adaptation. The first of two parts, released November 22nd, raked in an estimated $114 million domestically, placing it in the top 100 all-time openings and surpassing the opening weekend performances of films like *Toy Story 3* and *Shrek 2*.
Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the film also boasts a star-studded cast including Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. The film’s global opening weekend total reached $164 million, making it the third-highest-grossing opening of 2024 domestically, trailing only *Deadpool & Wolverine* and *Inside Out 2*.
The film’s success follows a substantial marketing campaign, including tie-ins with Starbucks and appearances by the lead actors. Furthermore, eagle-eyed viewers will have noticed several surprise cameos, including Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who originated the roles on Broadway, performing “One Short Day” alongside other surprise appearances by the original book writer and composer.
The two-and-a-half-hour film, directed by Jon M. Chu and distributed by Universal Pictures, sets the stage for the second installment, scheduled for release on November 21, 2025.
First Piper 