Universal’s Wicked is set to become the third-largest debut of the year, with a domestic opening weekend projected at $117 million.
This places it behind only Deadpool & Wolverine ($211 million) and Inside Out 2 ($151 million).
The last film to achieve a nine-digit opening was Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, nearly three months ago.
Wicked, the film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, earned $46.7 million from 3,888 locations on Friday and earlier preview screenings.
While this marks the third-highest opening day of the year, excluding the $7.9 million from Monday and Wednesday previews, its Friday figure falls slightly below the $41.5 million opening day of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.
With a production budget of $150 million, Wicked represents a major investment for Universal.
A strategic marketing campaign throughout the autumn has positioned the Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande-led musical as the season’s standout blockbuster.
It now looks poised to leave a significant impact on 2024’s box office.
Also read: Khalid Addresses Rumours About His Sexuality
