As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, this weekend’s box office brings a vibrantly colored array of cinematic offerings. Universal Pictures’ much-anticipated adaptation of the beloved musical “Wicked” and Paramount’s epic return to form with “Gladiator II” are set to command the silver screens, and industry analysts expect both films to collectively surpass the $200 million mark in ticket sales. The blend of fantasy and historical drama is a potent combination that is likely to captivate audiences, energizing an otherwise uneven fall movie season.
“Wicked,” which has already banked an impressive $19.2 million from advance screenings leading up to its wide release, showcases an appetite for musical adaptations that, despite past challenges, is evidently still alive and kicking within the theater community. The film accomplished significant ticket sales, including $2.5 million from early showings for Amazon Prime members, followed by an additional $5.7 million on Wednesday across 2,000 theaters in both the U.S. and Canada. With Thursday night previews contributing another $11 million from 3,300 venues, industry predictions for “Wicked” have skyrocketed from an initial projection of $80 million to a promising range of $120 million to $140 million for the opening weekend. If these estimates hold true, “Wicked” would secure the title of the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation ever, surpassing Disney’s “Into the Woods,” which previously set the bar with $31 million in 2014.
In stark contrast, “Gladiator II” emerges more than two decades after its predecessor, with expectations hovering between $60 million and $80 million for its debut. The film earned $6.5 million from Thursday previews, clearly demonstrating considerable interest from fans eager to revisit the ancient world of the titular hero. While its Rotten Tomatoes score of 73% reflects a more mixed reception compared to “Wicked,” the enduring appeal of the original film—which accumulated $34.8 million its opening weekend—provides a robust foundation upon which the sequel hopes to build. This long-awaited sequel faces its own challenges but nonetheless promises to entertain audiences with a blend of nostalgia tempered with fresh storytelling.
The intriguing juxtaposition of “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” has inspired comparisons to the recent cultural phenomenon dubbed “Barbenheimer,” a playful moniker referring to the simultaneous release of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer.” According to experts like Paul Dergarabedian from Comscore, the intersection of these two dramatically different films is generating significant buzz, elevating both titles’ profiles at a critical time. The different tones and subjects of these films create a broader market appeal, drawing varied demographics to theaters, from families to nostalgic adults.
Together, “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” are expected to contribute significantly to a weekend box office total estimated between $200 million and $250 million. While this figure is impressive, it still falls short of the top-grossing weekends ever recorded; for context, the record-setting “Barbenheimer” weekend achieved over $311 million. However, industry insiders stress that dollar amounts in the early days are not the only measure of success. Robust word-of-mouth recommendations and critical acclaim could keep both films thriving well beyond their opening weekends, allowing for extended playability throughout the holiday season and into the coming months.
As theaters across the nation prepare for the influx of moviegoers, the focus sharpens on offering a top-notch cinematic experience. Greg Marcus, CEO of Marcus Theatres, emphasized the importance of customer engagement, ensuring that patrons enjoy both the films and the surrounding experience. To this end, many theater chains are rolling out special promotions, themed merchandise, and seasonal eats, creating an atmosphere that enhances the movie-viewing adventure.
Cinemark, for example, has creatively designed a popcorn bucket reminiscent of the Colosseum to coincide with “Gladiator II,” while Regal has introduced witch hat-shaped cups to complement the magical elements of “Wicked.” AMC’s menu features festive touches with pink and green candy-coated popcorn alongside a selection of themed drinks, setting the stage for a memorable movie-going experience.
The theatrical lineup for the Thanksgiving weekend promises to captivate a diverse audience, as both “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” vie for attention at the box office. With colorful storytelling, musical numbers, and historical themes, these films offer something for everyone. As movie revenue remains at a polarizing crossroads, the anticipated surge in ticket sales presents a glimmer of hope for theaters battling an uphill climb toward profitability. With the festivities of the holiday season ahead, the screen is set for a vibrant cinematic celebration that underscores the enduring allure of film as a communal experience.