“Wicked: For Good” Soars to $150 Million Opening, But Falls Short of “Minecraft Movie”’s Record
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A highly anticipated sequel, “Wicked: For Good” captivated audiences this weekend, grossing an estimated $150 million at the domestic box office, according to early reports from Hollywood trade publications. While a resounding success, the film landed as the second-biggest premiere of 2025, trailing behind the blockbuster adaptation of “A Minecraft Movie.”
A Magical Return to Oz
The sequel, directed by John Cho, marks a return for stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, reprising their roles as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, in a cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. “Wicked: For Good” significantly outperformed its predecessor, which opened to approximately $112.5 million domestically. The film’s global appeal was also evident, adding another $76 million internationally for a combined total of $226 million.
“Minecraft Movie” Remains King of the Box Office
Despite its impressive debut, “Wicked: For Good” couldn’t dethrone “A Minecraft Movie” as the year’s top opening weekend performer. The video game adaptation, released in April, amassed over $162 million domestically during its opening and has since generated more than $950 million worldwide. This demonstrates the continued power of established intellectual property at the box office.
Critical Reception vs. Audience Enthusiasm
The film has received a more mixed critical response this time around, earning a critic score of 58 on Metacritic, a decline from the first installment’s 73. However, audience reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. “Wicked: For Good” received an “A” CinemaScore, based on polls conducted after screenings, and boasts a 95% approval rating from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes. This divergence between critical and audience scores suggests the film’s appeal lies in its emotional resonance and spectacle rather than nuanced storytelling.
A Lifeline for a Struggling Box Office?
“Wicked: For Good” is positioned as the first of several highly anticipated year-end blockbusters expected to revitalize what has been a disappointing year for cinema. Box office analysts are optimistic that upcoming releases, including James Cameron’s “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” will drive sales in November and December, following a historically weak October. Early projections, including those reported by Variety, anticipated an opening weekend gross between $150 million and $180 million for “Wicked: For Good,” a prediction that proved largely accurate. The film opened in 4,115 theaters across the country on Friday, earning $68.6 million on its opening night alone.
One analyst noted that the strong Thursday pre-release gross of nearly $31 million signaled the film’s potential for success. The film’s performance offers a glimmer of hope for the industry, suggesting that audiences are still eager for large-scale cinematic experiences when the content resonates with them.
