Wicked: Part 1 One of the biggest films of the year. Starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the film is based on the beloved Broadway musical and showed the world that audiences are still interested in such stories if they are well packaged and feature the right talent.
© Gilbert FloresThe film, which debuted last Friday, broke all box office records, including the biggest opening for a film based on a Broadway musical and the biggest opening for a film starring a pop star. The latter feat puts Grande above other pop stars, having appeared in films with Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Britney Spears, Madonna and Michael Jackson.
As of this writing, “Wicked: Part 1” has the third-biggest opening weekend of 2024, behind “Deadpool and Wolverine” and “Inside Out 2.”
© Universal / YouTubeWill ‘Glicked’ get the same acclaim as ‘Barbenheimer’?
According to The New York TimesA large percentage of women attended the “Wicked” premiere. The publication reports that 72 percent of theatergoers are women.
“Wicked” debuted alongside “Gladiator 2,” the best box office performance of the films this year. The moment is reminiscent of “Barbenheimer,” the pop culture event that took place last year on the opening weekend of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.”
“Two strong openers this weekend are bolstering a box office that has fallen apart after a good summer,” said film consultant David A. Gross.
© Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures“Barbenheimer” plays an important role in the upcoming awards season. The film duo ended up with 21 Academy Award nominations and eight wins, including one for Best Picture for “Oppenheimer.”
Although we’re still months away from the Oscars, “Wicked” may get some recognition from the Academy, with many predicting that Ariana Grande could be nominated for Best Supporting Actress, especially this year when the category seems undecided. Other nominations expected include Costume Design and Production Design.
© Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures