Wicked Sequel's Magical Debut Leaves Disney's Big Flop Far Behind
The new Wicked movie is already a box office sensation, breaking records left and right. Its opening weekend performance is not just impressive on its own—it completely overshadows a major 2025 release from Disney, highlighting a massive shift in audience interest.
Hitting theaters on November 21, Wicked: For Good has launched with a spectacular, record-breaking performance that casts a long shadow over its competitors. The musical sequel, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, debuted at the top spot globally, pulling in an astounding $223 million during its opening frame. This figure establishes a new benchmark, making it the largest worldwide premiere for any film adapted from a Broadway musical.
A Tale of Two Blockbusters
The film's powerful start is even more striking when placed side-by-side with Disney's Tron: Ares, a major 2025 release that has faltered at the box office. Since its premiere on October 10, the Jared Leto vehicle has earned a modest $73 million in the U.S. and a total of $142 million across the globe. In a stunning display of audience enthusiasm, Wicked: For Good generated $147 million from domestic theaters in its first three days alone.
Remarkably, the sequel's North American earnings surpassed the entire global gross of Tron: Ares by $5 million. While the Disney film labored to find an audience worldwide, the new musical captivated American moviegoers, demonstrating its immense drawing power right out of the gate.
Climbing the 2025 Box Office Charts
This incredible performance solidifies Wicked: For Good as one of the year's most significant cinematic successes. Its domestic opening weekend haul of $150 million is the second-largest of 2025, trailing only A Minecraft Movie's $162.8 million debut. On the global stage, the film secured the fourth-highest opening of the year, behind Jurassic World: Rebirth, Minecraft, and Lilo & Stitch. It also narrowly outperformed Superman's $220 million opening, confirming the enduring international appeal of the Wicked name.
Despite its commercial triumph, the sequel has faced a cooler reception from critics. The first installment was widely praised, earning an 88% "Certified Fresh" rating. In contrast, Wicked: For Good holds a more divisive 69% score, suggesting that reviewers were not as universally charmed by the second chapter.
The Road to a Billion Dollars
With the addition of its new installment, the Wicked series is on the verge of reaching the coveted $1 billion global milestone. The combined gross for both movies currently sits at $979.5 million, a figure that is climbing daily as the sequel continues its successful run in theaters. Given its current momentum, the franchise is expected to soar past the billion-dollar threshold in the coming weeks.
This accomplishment is particularly noteworthy for the speed at which it was achieved. Iconic series such as Harry Potter, The Avengers, and The Lord of the Rings required multiple entries over several years to reach similar financial heights. The Wicked saga, however, has neared this landmark with just two films a testament to the brand's strength and the deep connection audiences have with its narrative and songs. The star power of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo has undeniably been a major factor, drawing audiences back for another dose of musical magic.