Box Office Buzz: “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” Set to Cast a Spell on Audiences
This weekend, movie theaters are bracing for a whirlwind of excitement as two highly anticipated films, “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” hit the big screen. Industry experts predict a combined ticket sales haul of over $200 million, signaling a potentially historic holiday season for the box office.
A Musical Marvel
“Wicked,” based on the beloved Broadway musical, has already generated significant buzz with its advance screenings. The film has raked in $19.2 million domestically, with Amazon Prime members contributing $2.5 million from 750 theaters on Monday. Wednesday’s preview screenings added another $5.7 million from around 2,000 theaters in the U.S. and Canada. With a staggering 92% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 99% popcornmeter score, “Wicked” is poised to break records as the highest-opening Broadway adaptation in cinematic history.
Gladiator’s Triumphant Return
Meanwhile, “Gladiator II” has taken in $6.5 million from Thursday previews and is expected to add between $60 million and $80 million to the domestic weekend tally. The film’s 73% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes and its cultural buzz have positioned it for a successful opening weekend.
A Weekend to Remember
Box-office analysts forecast a weekend of ticket sales between $200 million and $250 million, driven by the combined strength of “Wicked,” “Gladiator II,” and previously released films still in theaters. While this tally may not crack the top 20 highest-grossing weekends of all time, it will undoubtedly provide a much-needed boost to the overall annual box office, which currently lags 11% behind 2023 levels.
The Road Ahead
As the holiday season approaches, moviegoers can expect a flurry of advertisements for upcoming films, ensuring a steady stream of excitement and anticipation. Cinema chains are going all out to create an immersive experience, offering themed food and drink specials, merchandise, and more.
A Great Time to Go to the Movies
In the words of Greg Marcus, CEO of Marcus Corp., “Our job is to maximize what’s coming in that door… Take care of our customers. Give them a great experience.” With “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” leading the charge, this weekend promises to be an unforgettable one for movie lovers everywhere.
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