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Wicked: For Good is proving to be an unstoppable force at the North American box office, with the highly anticipated sequel starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo continuing its remarkable theatrical run. The musical phenomenon is now tantalizingly close to joining the exclusive $300 million domestic club, a milestone that seems increasingly within reach as audiences continue flocking to theaters nationwide.
The film’s impressive momentum shows no signs of slowing down, maintaining its stronghold as the second-highest grossing film on daily US charts. This sustained performance has industry experts taking notice, as Wicked: For Good demonstrates the kind of consistent audience appeal that studios dream of replicating.
On its second discount Tuesday, Wicked: For Good pulled in an impressive $3.6 million from 4,115 theaters nationwide. While this represented a 76.6% drop from its first Tuesday, the numbers tell a story of remarkable staying power in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
What makes this performance even more noteworthy is how it stacks up against some of cinema’s most beloved franchises. The film’s second Tuesday gross of $3.6 million secured the third-highest second Tuesday performance ever recorded for a post-Thanksgiving release, surpassing even some Harry Potter titles that have long held these records.
Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire managed approximately $2.1 million on its second Tuesday with a 76.2% drop, while Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets earned around $2.4 million with a smaller 68.9% decline. For Wicked: For Good to surpass both these established benchmarks speaks volumes about its broad audience appeal and strong word-of-mouth momentum.
However, the original Wicked film still maintains family bragging rights with its second Tuesday performance of $6.9 million and a gentler 58.2% drop. While the sequel couldn’t match these numbers, industry analysts aren’t concerned, noting that Wicked: For Good is carving out its own successful narrative in today’s changed theatrical landscape.
The film’s domestic total now stands at an impressive $275.5 million, and current trajectory suggests the musical could conclude its domestic run somewhere between $380 million and $410 million. This projection places it among the year’s most significant theatrical successes.
In a particularly satisfying development for the film’s backers, Wicked: For Good has officially overtaken the domestic earnings of this year’s highest-grossing Marvel release. Fantastic Four: First Steps earned approximately $274.8 million domestically, but despite its stronger international performance, it no longer holds the domestic crown.
This achievement propels Wicked: For Good to the number 6 position among this year’s top domestic earners. The film is now within striking distance of Sinners, currently the highest-grossing domestic horror release of 2024, setting up what could be another significant milestone in the coming weeks.
The film’s international performance adds another layer to its success story, with $121.8 million earned from overseas markets. Combined with its domestic performance, Wicked: For Good has accumulated $397.4 million worldwide, cementing its status as a global entertainment phenomenon.
What’s particularly impressive about these numbers is how they reflect the film’s ability to connect with diverse audiences across different markets. The musical’s themes and spectacular production values appear to translate effectively across cultural boundaries, contributing to its international appeal.
Industry observers note that Wicked: For Good’s success comes at a time when theatrical releases face numerous challenges, from streaming competition to changing audience habits. The film’s ability to maintain strong weekday numbers while competing against other major releases demonstrates the power of well-executed franchise filmmaking.
The performances of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have received particular praise from both critics and audiences, with many noting how their chemistry and vocal performances elevate the already strong source material. This critical acclaim has undoubtedly contributed to the film’s sustained box office performance.
As Wicked: For Good continues its theatrical run, all eyes will be on whether it can maintain this momentum through the crucial holiday season. With strong word-of-mouth and repeat viewings driving consistent attendance, the film appears well-positioned to achieve even greater milestones in the weeks ahead.
The success of Wicked: For Good also represents a significant win for musical adaptations, demonstrating that audiences remain hungry for high-quality theatrical experiences that combine spectacular visuals with memorable music and compelling storytelling.