The recent cinema landscape has seen a dynamic shift with the much-anticipated launches of major films that sought to replicate the commercial success of last year's cinematic phenomenon. Notably, two films debuted with substantial box office results, while another struggled to find its footing amid fierce competition.
Wicked and Gladiator 2, the latter being aptly coined as Glicked by eager industry observers hoping for another blockbuster like Barbenheimer, both celebrated remarkable launches at the box office. Based on reports, Wicked amassed a staggering $164.2 million globally, with $114 million originating from the North American market alone. This figure marks the third-largest domestic box office opening of 2024, only surpassed by Pixar’s Inside Out 2 and the Marvel duo of Deadpool and Wolverine.
The film Wicked features performances from notable stars Ariana Grande portraying Glinda and Cynthia Erivo in the role of Elphaba, shattering several box office records. It achieved the highest launch for a Broadway adaptation, surpassing the previous record held by Les Miserables, which earned $103 million in 2012. Universal Pictures invested $150 million in producing Wicked, and while marketing expenses added pressure on the film's performance, its successful start suggests it will likely turn a profit with key holiday periods approaching. Production costs for Wicked: Part Two, also set at $150 million, are preparing for a November 2025 release, as this installment adapts only the first act of the Broadway musical.
In another corner, Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2 opened with $55.5 million in the domestic market, following an international release the weekend prior. Its total global revenue reached $221 million. However, given its hefty production budget of $250 million accompanied by an estimated $100 million for marketing, the film still has significant ground to cover for Paramount to feel satisfied with its financial outcome.
Regarding critical reception, IGN rated Wicked a 9/10, praising its vibrant adaptation of a beloved Broadway classic while staying true to its source material. In the case of Gladiator 2, it received an 8/10 rating with commendation for its engaging narrative and the impactful performance of Denzel Washington.
When juxtaposing Glicked with last year’s Barbie and Oppenheimer double feature, the former struggled to achieve the box office success exhibited by the latter pairing. Despite a memorable cinematic experience that mirrored the duality in tone, Glicked managed $169.5 million in its opening weekend, significantly less than the staggering $311 million brought in by Barbie and Oppenheimer. Overall, the combined box office result for Wicked and Gladiator 2 reached $270.2 million globally, contrasted with the astounding $536.8 million amassed by the earlier films.