Global Musical Hit Faces Indian Market Challenge
Universal Pictures' highly anticipated musical sequel Wicked: For Good has demonstrated impressive international performance during its initial rollout, though the film's reception in India has been noticeably more subdued during the same period.
According to early box office estimates, the cinematic musical spectacle has grossed an impressive US$ 14.9 million across its first two days of release in 59 international markets. This strong overseas showing presents a stark contrast to its Indian performance, where the film managed to collect only ₹0.43 crore on its second day, bringing the two-day domestic total to ₹0.68 crore.
International Markets Embrace the Magic
The international release strategy for Wicked: For Good commenced on Wednesday and Thursday across 59 global territories. The film immediately demonstrated its worldwide appeal with a first-day international collection of US$ 5.8 million, driven primarily by robust ticket sales in Australia, South Korea, and Germany.
Thursday saw the momentum accelerate significantly as the film earned approximately US$ 8 million on its second day, pushing the two-day international total to the impressive US$ 14.9 million mark. Among the standout performing regions were the United Kingdom and Ireland, where special double-bill screenings combining the new sequel with the original Wicked film attracted substantial audience numbers.
Other international markets showing strong early returns included Brazil, Mexico, Germany, Korea, and the Philippines, indicating the film's broad global appeal across diverse cultural landscapes.
Indian Audience Response Remains Cautious
Meanwhile, in India, Wicked: For Good has struggled to replicate the international enthusiasm. The film's second-day collection of ₹0.43 crore follows a similarly modest opening day performance, resulting in a combined two-day total that significantly trails its global counterparts.
This performance pattern suggests that while the Wicked franchise maintains substantial brand recognition and popularity in Western markets, its appeal to Indian audiences may be more limited, at least during the initial release phase. The numbers indicate that the musical genre, despite its global resurgence, continues to face challenges in penetrating the mainstream Indian cinema market.
Behind the Scenes of the Magical Production
Directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, Wicked: For Good adapts the second act of the beloved 2003 stage musical created by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman. The narrative offers a fresh perspective on L. Frank Baum's classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, focusing on the complex relationship between Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda as they navigate evolving identities and impending conflict.
The film features returning stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, supported by an ensemble cast including Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.
The journey to bring Wicked: For Good to the big screen spanned over a decade. Universal and producer Marc Platt initially announced the adaptation in 2012, but the project encountered numerous delays, including significant interruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Chu officially joined as director in 2021, with filming eventually taking place in England. Production experienced a brief pause due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike before wrapping in early 2024.
Mixed Box Office Picture Emerges
The contrasting box office performance highlights both the strengths and vulnerabilities of Wicked: For Good as a global cinematic product. The film's successful US preview grosses of US$ 30.8 million combined with the strong international opening suggest sustained worldwide demand for this magical universe.
However, the sluggish start in India, a market with substantial box office potential, could impact the film's near-term earnings in the region unless positive word-of-mouth generates increased audience interest in the coming days.
The upcoming weeks will prove critical for Wicked: For Good's global performance trajectory. As additional Asian markets open their doors to the film, the production must leverage its early international success to build a robust worldwide total. In India specifically, the musical may require stronger weekday attendance or strategic promotional initiatives to overcome its underwhelming initial reception.
