Even though only the first half is currently being shown in theaters, “Wicked” is already setting records. As of this past Sunday, the film had generated $634 million worldwide after six weeks of release. That makes it officially the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation in global box office history.
The previous record holder was “Mamma Mia,” which was released in 2008. It amassed $611 million, but that was by the end of its run. “Wicked,” co-starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, has also earned $424 million at the domestic box office, surpassing “Grease” as the top domestic Broadway adaptation. This success makes projections for “Wicked: For Good” next year even greater.
On the film front otherwise, “Sonic the Hedgehog 3” cemented a franchise record by opening with $74 million in its global debut. The second film in the series launched with $33 million from foreign markets. However, the number one, “Sonic the Hedgehog,” was slightly ahead of “Mufasa: The Lion King,” both films bringing in approximately $60 million in theaters.
The major talk in film circles, however, is the excellent critical and commercial clout these films are showing, especially “Nosferatu,” which was predicted to open at $25 million but has earned over $40.3 million. The duo of Erivo and Blake Lively have been busy in the weeks prior to its release, and both have been asked if they were surprised by the film’s success.
“Wicked” is still showing in several Nashville theaters.
