The cinematic magic of Oz is proving to be a powerful force at the worldwide box office. Universal Pictures' Wicked: For Good is dramatically outperforming pre-release expectations, positioning itself for a monumental opening weekend that will rewrite the record books.
A Spellbinding Global Debut
The film is now projected to conjure up an astonishing ₹18,900 crore (approximately $228 million) in its first weekend across the globe. This phenomenal start places it in an excellent position through Sunday and earns it several prestigious titles. Wicked: For Good is now set to become the biggest worldwide opener for a Broadway musical adaptation ever. It also claims the spot as the No. 4 Hollywood global opening of 2025 and the 5th biggest global opening for any musical in history.
The film's international appeal is also stronger than anticipated. Initial studio projections estimated over ₹5,810 crore (about $70 million) from 78 overseas markets, including previews. Those estimates have now been revised upwards to around ₹6,308 crore (about $76 million) by Sunday. This represents a significant 15% increase compared to the first film's overseas performance last year, a notable feat given the franchise's traditionally stronger popularity in the US.
Strong Early Momentum Overseas
The film has already begun its international conquest, earning an impressive ₹1,236 crore (about $14.9 million) across its first two days of release. The rollout started on Wednesday and Thursday in 59 markets, with 19 more territories, including major players like the UK and Spain, joining the fray on Friday. Releases in China and Japan are scheduled for later this year.
This success builds on the legacy of the first Wicked film, which became 2024's biggest non-sequel globally and the top-grossing stage musical adaptation ever, surpassing the iconic Mamma Mia!.
On its inaugural day overseas, Wicked: For Good earned ₹480 crore (about $5.8 million), with Australia, Korea, and Germany leading the charge. Thursday's numbers were even stronger, adding ₹664 crore (about $8 million) to the coffers, bringing the two-day total to ₹1,236 crore, as reported by Deadline.
Market-by-Market Breakdown
The film's charm is working across diverse cultures and box office landscapes. Here’s a look at its performance in key international markets:
UK & Ireland: Double-bill previews on Thursday brought in ₹116 crore (about $1.4 million), instantly claiming the No. 1 spot. Demand was immense, with Vue reporting presales more than double last year's film.
Australia: The film opened to ₹99 crore (about $1.2 million) on Thursday. Combined with Wednesday previews, the total soared to ₹191 crore (about $2.3 million), marking a 30% jump over the first film and securing the biggest opening day ever for a stage musical adaptation there.
Korea: It launched powerfully with ₹62 crore (about $750K) on Wednesday, capturing a dominant 54% market share. Through Friday, its earnings in Korea have reached ₹141 crore (about $1.7 million).
Brazil: A holiday Thursday resulted in a spectacular ₹58 crore (about $700K) haul—almost four times the opening of the first film—making it the biggest musical opening day in Brazilian history.
Philippines: The opening day was exceptionally strong at ₹41 crore (about $500K), earning it the title of the biggest ever opening day for a stage musical adaptation in the country and the best opening for Universal since 2018.
Other notable performances include Germany, where the opening was 79% above the first film, and Mexico, where it matched the first film's strong start. The film also opened at No. 1 in Italy, France, and New Zealand, demonstrating its universal appeal.
With such a powerful and widespread start, Wicked: For Good is not just meeting expectations but is well on its way to establishing a new golden standard for musical films at the global box office.
