‘Wicked: For Good’ Sets New Broadway Adaptation Record, Lands as 2025’s Second-Biggest Debut

Universal’s Wicked: For Good launched in theaters with an even stronger start than the first film, according to the studio.

The sequel opened with $150 million in the United States and reached $226 million worldwide during its first weekend. Those numbers put it ahead of last year’s Wicked, which had a lower domestic and global debut.

The strong opening allowed the new film to set several records. Reports state that it is now the biggest debut ever for a movie based on a Broadway show.

It also became the second-largest opening of 2025 so far, placing it behind A Minecraft Movie and ahead of Lilo & Stitch. Within Universal’s history, it now ranks as Universal’s second-biggest domestic opening, just below Jurassic World.

The film continues the story from the 2024 movie and covers the second part of the stage musical. Jon M. Chu returned as director, and the script was written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox.

The cast includes Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum, who all appeared in the first film. The story follows Elphaba and Glinda as their paths lead them toward becoming the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

Universal said the film earned $68.6 million on its first full day. This total included money from early screenings in the days before release. Those previews were the highest of the year and passed the preview earnings of The Fantastic Four: First Steps and Superman.

The final #WickedForGood trailer is here ✨ Watch now. pic.twitter.com/P9UPa4B1Rx

— Wicked: For Good (@wickedmovie) September 24, 2025

Reactions from critics were more mixed than the response to the first movie. Rotten Tomatoes lists 71 percent positive reviews.

The site’s summary says, “Taking one last lap down the yellow brick road, Wicked: For Good’s darker tone and unhurried pacing sometimes get in the way, but this epic conclusion ultimately brings Elphaba and Glinda’s story home in rousing fashion.” Metacritic shows a score of 58, reflecting divided opinions from reviewers. Moviegoers, however, were much more positive. CinemaScore gave the film an A grade, and PostTrak reported that most viewers enjoyed it, with many saying they would recommend it to others.

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