“Wicked: For Good Breaks Records with $226 Million Opening Weekend”

Wicked: For Good has made a remarkable entrance at the box office, achieving a record-breaking opening weekend with a global total of $226 million. The film, which debuted on November 23, 2025, garnered $150 million in North America alone, making it one of the biggest debuts of the year.

On its opening day, the highly anticipated sequel led the North American box office with $68.7 million from 4,115 theaters, including $30.8 million from preview screenings. This film is the second part of a large-scale adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical, exploring the untold origin story of the witches of Oz.

Record-Breaking Success and Critical Acclaim

Starring Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, Wicked: For Good shattered multiple records during its opening weekend. According to The Hollywood Reporter, it now holds the title for the largest opening ever for a Broadway musical adaptation, surpassing the previous record set by last year’s Wicked debut, which earned $112.5 million.

This film’s global opening also ranks as the fifth-largest for any musical, behind notable titles such as The Lion King (2019) and Beauty and the Beast (2017). The success has been attributed in part to the compelling performances of Grande and Erivo, particularly Grande’s portrayal of Glinda, which has garnered significant acclaim.

“From the moment tickets went on sale, it was clear that the audience for Wicked: For Good was beyond eager to come out and see what has truly become more than just a movie, rather a cultural event,” said Jim Orr, President of Universal Domestic Distribution.

Critics have praised the film, with David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter highlighting Grande’s ability to bring Glinda to “luminous life.” Rooney described her performance as a blend of emotional depth and vocal prowess, stating, “Erivo remains a powerhouse, with pipes that shake the heavens.”

Audience Reception and New Additions

The film also features a soundtrack that includes two new original songs, “No Place Like Home” and “The Girl In The Bubble,” both performed as solos by Grande and Erivo. While audience reactions to these additions have been mixed, critical response has largely been positive. Some viewers expressed disappointment regarding the pacing and the necessity of the new songs, while others appreciated the overall production quality.

Despite some critiques, many reviews have lauded the film’s visual splendor. Brian Viner, a film critic for The Mail, awarded the film five stars, stating, “The film is just as impressive as the first one, if not better.” He commended the sets and costumes, calling them “truly spectacular.”

Returning cast members include Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum, along with Emmy-winning actor Colman Domingo, who voices Brr the Cowardly Lion. The original stage musical was adapted from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, which reimagines the story of the Wicked Witch of the West, inspired by L. Frank Baum’s original tale.

As Wicked: For Good continues to dominate the box office, it solidifies its status not only as a financial success but also as a cultural phenomenon that resonates with audiences around the world.