Wicked: For Good just landed in theaters with a bang. The sequel earned $30.8 million in previews—the biggest pre-opening haul of 2025. Universal is projecting a massive $150 million opening weekend domestically. The film stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as the iconic witches.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- $30.8 million in preview screenings—best of 2025
- Projected $150+ million opening weekend domestically
- Opens in theaters everywhere on Nov. 21, 2025
- Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande lead the cast
- Directed by Jon M. Chu; rated PG
- Runtime: 2 hours 17 minutes
What Happened: Record-Breaking Preview Weekend
Wicked: For Good absolutely dominated the box office before it officially opened. The musical sequel earned $30.8 million in preview screenings. This beat every preview total across all of 2025 so far.
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The film collected $6.1 million on Monday, $6.5 million on Wednesday, and $18.2 million on Thursday. That Thursday number shows serious momentum heading into the weekend. Fans rushed theaters early, proving the Wicked franchise still has serious power.
According to multiple reports, Wicked: For Good is positioned for a historic opening. Box office analysts project $150 million to $180 million domestically. This would shatter the original film’s $112.5 million opening from last year. Plus, the international box office collected $14.9 million across the first two days.
Why This Matters: Box Office Muscle and Franchise Power
This preview success signals something major. Musicals don’t always draw crowds like action films. But Wicked has become unstoppable. The first film made $759 million worldwide and became the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation ever.
Here’s what gets interesting: fans are showing up bigger than before. The $30.8 million preview blows past the first film’s $19.2 million preview total. That’s a 60% jump. It proves the fanbase grew after last year’s success. Plus, theaters pushed early screenings hard, and audiences delivered.
For Universal, this means box office bragging rights. A $150 million-plus opening would cement Wicked as one of the biggest franchises in Hollywood. That matters when planning future projects and investments.
The Details: Cast, Runtime, and Theater Performance
Let’s break down what you need to know:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | Nov. 21, 2025 |
| Director | Jon M. Chu |
| Main Cast | Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh |
| Runtime | 2 hours 17 minutes |
| Rating | PG |
| Studio | Universal Pictures |
| Preview Box Office | $30.8 million |
| Opening Day Projection | $150+ million (domestic) |
The film’s Thursday preview number really stood out. Big opening-day numbers often signal strong weekend legs. And those $18.2 million Thursday previews suggest weekend momentum will be serious.
Ariana Grande returns as Glinda, while Cynthia Erivo plays Elphaba. The two leads have become synonymous with these roles. Plus, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, and Michelle Yeoh round out the cast. Early reviews praise the performances, even when critiquing other elements.
What To Watch For: Box Office Dominance Ahead
Several things suggest Wicked: For Good could have massive staying power:
- Strong preview-to-opening conversion rates for musicals historically track high
- The film’s 2hr 17min runtime is manageable for repeat viewings
- Thanksgiving holiday weekend extends exhibition window through Nov. 27
- IMAX and premium format screenings drive higher per-theater averages
- Double-feature packages (showing both films back-to-back) add ticket sales
One thing to monitor: Moana 2 arrives on Nov. 27 and could split family audiences. But both films target different demographics enough that coexistence is possible. Plus, Wicked has younger viewers, teens, and adults—a wide range.
Can This Sequel Top the Original on Broadway?
Wicked: For Good faces just one real challenge: expectations. The first film became a cultural phenomenon. It made $759 million globally and dominated the conversation for months. The sequel had to prove it deserved existence.
The preview numbers answer that. Fans want more of these witches’ story. Plus, Jon M. Chu included two new songs not in the original Broadway show. That gives audiences fresh material. And the film tackles the second act’s darker themes—consequences of the first film’s events.
Watch the film on the official Wicked site or at any major theater showing it on Nov. 21. IMAX screenings offer expanded visuals for the musical numbers.
Sources
- Deadline – Box office reporting and preview numbers
- Variety – Opening weekend projections and industry analysis
- Hollywood Reporter – Cast information and box office forecasts
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.