The box office magic continues as Wicked: For Good soars into theaters with a stunning $150 million domestic opening weekend and $226 million globally, securing its position as the fourth-highest debut of 2025. Director Jon M. Chu's emotionally charged conclusion to the two-part Broadway adaptation proves that audiences aren't just watching—they're sobbing, singing, and immediately planning return trips to Oz.
A Box Office Phenomenon
Released nationwide on November 21, Wicked: For Good has shattered records for Broadway adaptations, surpassing even its predecessor's impressive $164.2 million global opening. The film earned a commanding $68.6 million on opening day alone, with international markets contributing $76 million from 78 territories. The United Kingdom and Ireland led overseas earnings with $12.4 million, followed by Australia at $8.6 million and Germany with $4.1 million. Industry analyst David A. Gross of Franchise Entertainment Research called it "a phenomenal opening," noting that the film's predominantly American story naturally skews toward domestic audiences.
Critical Acclaim and Emotional Resonance
Critics have praised the sequel for its darker, more emotionally complex storytelling, with Rotten Tomatoes awarding it a 71% critics' score and an impressive 97% audience rating. Variety's Peter Debruge highlighted "the deeply felt performances from Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande." At the same time, The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney observed that "young women in the row behind me at a recent press screening started sniffling and sobbing" during the climactic title song. Christy Lemire from RogerEbert.com declared the finale "a legitimate tearjerker" and advised viewers to "bring tissues."
Grande and Erivo Deliver Career-Defining Performances
Ariana Grande receives particular praise for her evolution as Glinda, with critics noting her standout performance in the new Stephen Schwartz song "The Girl in the Bubble". BBC's Caryn James remarked that "Grande really gets her moments to shine in this installment," while Debruge praised her handling of Glinda's "complex evolution, showing fragility" and nuanced emotional depth. Cynthia Erivo continues her powerhouse portrayal of Elphaba with what Rooney calls "pipes that shake the heavens and a wellspring of unforced emotional intensity".
Wicked: For Good arrives at a crucial moment for Hollywood, offering hope for a struggling box office year and positioning itself as a Thanksgiving weekend champion. With overwhelmingly positive word of mouth and an audience that skews 69 percent female, this magical conclusion demonstrates that heartfelt storytelling still captivates American audiences.
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