Box Office Surge: "Wicked: For Good" and "Zootopia 2" Dominate Thanksgiving Weekend

Universal's "Wicked: For Good" has achieved a remarkable opening weekend, grossing $147 million in North America and $226 million globally. This marks the highest debut for a film based on a Broadway musical, surpassing the $112.5 million opening of its predecessor, "Wicked," released in 2024. The film, directed by Jon M. Chu and featuring stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, has captivated audiences, particularly women, who made up approximately 71% of ticket buyers. The film's success is attributed to its strong performances, a beloved score by Stephen Schwartz, and its release during the lucrative pre-Thanksgiving period.

New Movies 2025: Wicked: For Good smashes records with $147M debut, but what critics just revealed about the ending‘Wicked: For Good’ Smashes Box Office With Historic Domestic DebutWICKED: FOR GOOD Scores Second-Best Monday in November at the Box OfficeDeadline HollywoodNewsweekCNBCDeadline HollywoodWicked: For Good North America Box Office Day 4: Scores 3rd Biggest Monday For A Live-Action Musical, But Can’t Beat Its PredecessorDeadline Hollywood

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, the box office is set for a significant boost. Analysts project that "Zootopia 2," which opened with $10.2 million in previews, will earn between $135 million and $150 million over the five-day holiday period. This anticipated performance, while lower than last year's "Moana 2," is expected to contribute to a robust overall box office, potentially reaching $300 million. The combination of "Wicked: For Good" and "Zootopia 2" is reminiscent of last year's record-breaking Thanksgiving weekend, which grossed $424.9 million, driven by "Moana 2" and "Wicked."

CNBCVariety MagazineDeadline HollywoodDeadline HollywoodDeadline HollywoodWicked: For Good North America Box Office Day 4: Scores 3rd Biggest Monday For A Live-Action Musical, But Can’t Beat Its PredecessorWICKED: FOR GOOD Scores Second-Best Monday in November at the Box OfficeNew Movies 2025: Wicked: For Good smashes records with $147M debut, but what critics just revealed about the ending

"Wicked: For Good" has garnered an "A" CinemaScore and a 95% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating strong viewer approval despite a mixed critical reception, with a current score of 70%. The film's narrative continues the story of Elphaba, the Wicked Witch, as she battles against oppressive forces in Oz. The darker tone of this sequel has resonated with audiences, contributing to its box office success.

WICKED: FOR GOOD Scores Second-Best Monday in November at the Box Office

The success of "Wicked: For Good" and the anticipated performance of "Zootopia 2" signal a potential recovery for the box office, which has struggled in recent months. The films are expected to generate significant revenue, with "Wicked: For Good" projected to surpass the $200 million mark in North America shortly. Industry experts suggest that this Thanksgiving could rank among the top five performing holiday weekends in history, despite the absence of a major male-skewing title like last year's "Gladiator II."

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While the box office performance is strong, some critics have noted the lack of diverse offerings this holiday season, particularly for male audiences. The absence of a blockbuster aimed at this demographic may impact overall ticket sales compared to previous years. However, the success of female-driven narratives in "Wicked: For Good" and "Zootopia 2" highlights a shifting trend in audience preferences.

Variety Magazine

• “Wicked: For Good has defied gravity at the box office with a record-breaking $147 million domestic debut.” — Deadline

New Movies 2025: Wicked: For Good smashes records with $147M debut, but what critics just revealed about the ending

• “The Thanksgiving holiday frame is one of the most important moviegoing periods of the year and is off to a running start with the overperforming 'Wicked: For Good' powering an impressive five days of box office revenue for movie theaters in the $300 million range,” — Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore

CNBC

While "Wicked: For Good" has been reported to have a running total of $177.5 million, some sources indicate it may soon surpass $200 million. Additionally, projections for "Zootopia 2" vary, with estimates ranging from $135 million to $150 million for the Thanksgiving period. The lack of a strong male-skewing title has also raised questions about the overall box office dynamics this year compared to previous years.

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In summary, the Thanksgiving box office is poised for a significant boost, driven by the strong performances of "Wicked: For Good" and "Zootopia 2," setting the stage for a potentially record-breaking holiday season.

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