The musical adaptation "Wicked" and the action epic "Gladiator II" generated a total of $25.7 million from early showings in the US and Canada, setting up the biggest battle since "Barbenheimer."
The first of Universal Pictures' two films based on the beloved Broadway musical "Wicked" grossed $19.2 million from showings on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, according to studio data released Friday.
"Gladiator II," Paramount Pictures' follow-up to the Best Picture winner two decades ago, brought in $6.5 million in its opening day Thursday.
Sales for what some have called 'Glicked' made the films on pace to drop shortly after the July 2023 showdown between 'Barbie' and 'Oppenheimer'.
Sales for "Wicked" and "Gladiator II" are projected to climb to $215 million through Sunday. "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer" pulled in nearly $245 million combined at domestic theaters during their opening weekend.
'Wicked' is based on the long-running Broadway musical that tells the story of a green-skinned magic student who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the film is projected to top domestic grosses for the weekend with sales of $120 million to $140 million.
Given the popularity of the 'Wicked' stage show and the top-tier stars in the film, "it's no wonder it's becoming such a big phenomenon off-screen," said Maura Regan, president of industry group Licensing International.
The second 'Wicked' film is scheduled for release in November 2025.
Gladiator II stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal and Denzel Washington as warriors in ancient Rome in a story set 16 years after the original film.
