Wicked Expected to Dominate Box Office Debut

The box office weekend of November 19, 2024, will see a significant showdown between 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II,' with 'Wicked' projected to lead with an impressive opening of $125 million to $150 million domestically. Universal's adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, directed by Jon M. Chu, is backed by a massive marketing campaign and pre-sales that have exceeded expectations. Meanwhile, 'Gladiator II,' directed by Ridley Scott, is anticipated to follow with around $60 million, marking the largest opening for an R-rated film in November. Both films target different demographics, with 'Wicked' appealing to musical fans and 'Gladiator II' to action enthusiasts. The phenomenon of 'Glicked' is being compared to last summer's 'Barbenheimer,' as both films are set to open simultaneously, creating buzz around potential double features. As the weekend approaches, early screenings of 'Wicked' have already begun, adding to the excitement for its release.