The expected film adaptation of Wicked, Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, has arrived in theaters sweeping the box office and marking a before and after in the productions based on musicals from Broadway. With a premiere that has broken all expectations, this film has won over both the public and the specialized critics.
It was only released three days ago and we can already say that Wicked it has become the best debut for a stage-to-film adaptation in the history of American cinema. Its first day in theaters in the United States recorded an impressive gross of 49,5 million dollars, surpassing Gladiator II, which reached 23,5 million in the same period.
An unprecedented phenomenon in numbers
The opening figures of Wicked are overwhelming. During its opening weekend, the film earned between $130 and $150 million in the United States, positioning it as One of the strongest releases of the year. Globally, the film grossed an estimated $165 million, marking the best opening for a musical production outside of Disney. This puts it above iconic titles such as Los Miserables y Into the Woods.
There is no doubt that a large part of Wicked's success lies in its leading actresses. Cynthia Erivo, as the emotional Elphaba, and Ariana Grande, as the charismatic Glinda, have been praised for their on-screen chemistry and dazzling vocal performances. Together, they have brought the musical's iconic characters to life, thrilling audiences and creating a fan phenomenon that seems to have only just begun.
The script, for its part, has reinforced the emotional connection that fans of the original musical hope to see on the big screen, with iconic moments like the performance of “Defying Gravity”, highlighting Jon M. Chu's direction's ability to transfer the magic of theater to film.
Praise from critics too
The remarkable debut of Wicked It is not only reflected in the box office, but also in its critical reception. The film boasts high ratings on well-known platforms such as Rotten Tomatoes (90%) and CinemaScore, where it was given an "A" rating. Critics thus highlight the film's faithfulness to the original musical and the impressive visual design that characterizes the universe of Oz.
Without a doubt, the success of the film gives a new boost to the musical genre in cinema and sets a precedent for future Broadway adaptations. And with a $ 150 billion budget (before marketing), the film is already on track to become one of the most profitable productions of the year.
And speaking of marketing strategy, this one has not been left behind. Those responsible for it have been able to capture (and squeeze) precisely the enthusiasm of the fandom: From carefully crafted video trailers to collaborations with renowned brands, fans have not only packed theaters, but have also engaged with a whole web of content and experiences that have contributed to the phenomenon.
Wicked It is not only standing out as a success within the segment of musical adaptations: it is also being pointed out as a whole cultural phenomenon which promises to leave an indelible mark on the history of cinema.