This weekend, the cinematic landscape is set to be dramatically transformed with the release of two major films: Universal’s adaptation of “Wicked” and Paramount’s much-anticipated sequel, “Gladiator II.” With the Thanksgiving holiday approaching, industry analysts project that these films could collectively rake in over $200 million, reshaping expectations and excitement for the box office during this festive period. Fandango’s Shawn Robbins captures the sentiment aptly, stating that audiences are keenly awaiting this dynamic pairing of titles that cater to diverse tastes.
“Wicked,” a film adaptation of the groundbreaking Broadway musical, has already made a mark even before its official release. Early screenings have generated impressive numbers, accumulating $19.2 million domestically. With reserved showings for Amazon Prime members alone grossing $2.5 million on a Monday, the success has continued to snowball. Subsequent screenings drew in $5.7 million from theaters across North America, with standard preview nights pushing the figure to an impressive $11 million from over 3,300 locations.
Originally forecasted to earn around $80 million based on trends observed in late October, recent data suggests that projections have risen dramatically, with estimations now hovering between $120 million and $140 million. Critics have responded favorably, granting “Wicked” a staggering 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and audience enthusiasm is palpable, reflected in the cinema-goers’ ratings measured at a remarkable 99%. Regardless of how the final weekend tally unfolds, “Wicked” is poised to become the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation ever, surpassing Disney’s “Into the Woods,” which previously held the title.
In the opposite corner is “Gladiator II,” a film returning audiences to the realms of ancient Rome, 24 years after its esteemed predecessor redefined epic storytelling. The sequel made a splash with $6.5 million from Thursday previews, with estimates of its weekend performance potentially ranging from $60 million to $80 million. Critics have given it a respectable 73% fresh rating, which, while not overwhelming, suggests a level of satisfaction among viewers.
For perspective, the original “Gladiator” debuted with a commendable $34.8 million, a feat that set a high bar for its follow-up. The cultural resonance of both films, combined with their differing narratives, positions them at the forefront of holiday cinematic offerings, akin to the widely-discussed “Barbenheimer” phenomenon. Comscore’s Paul Dergarabedian notes this unique duo is generating a buzz that could lead to significant box office victories and sustained audience interest.
Analysts anticipate a competitive weekend with total box office sales potentially hitting between $200 million and $250 million. While such figures are impressive, they would still not breach the ranks of the 20 highest-grossing weekends historically. This year’s “Barbenheimer” weekend is a pinnacle example, crossing an extraordinary $311 million. However, it is essential to highlight that the longevity of “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” in theaters could overturn initial sales figures due to positive word-of-mouth and ongoing viewer engagement.
This upcoming weekend’s results are pivotal for the overall performance of the yearly box office, which lags approximately 11% behind last year’s performance. Industry stakeholders like Greg Marcus, CEO of Marcus Corporation, emphasize the importance of enhancing the customer experience in theaters. They are honing in on making the cinema-goers’ experience delightful, ensuring swift service, and enticing audiences with themed events surrounding these releases.
Cinema chains across the board are indulging patrons with engaging experiences that heighten the excitement of film-watching. From creatively designed popcorn buckets, such as the “Gladiator II” Colosseum edition at Cinemark, to themed drinks and treats, exhibitors are fostering an environment that enhances the allure of going to the movies. The advent of creative menus featuring pink and green candy-coated popcorn alongside various drink offerings builds on the thematic nature of both films, making the theater visit an event in itself.
As the weekend unfolds, both “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” have set the stage for what could be a transformative moment in the box office narrative. Their unique storytelling paired with immersive audience experiences indicates a promising future for cinematic outings. Whether audiences flock to the ethereal world of “Wicked” or the grand theaters of “Gladiator II,” one thing is certain: this weekend represents a significant chapter in the ongoing evolution of the film industry.