As theaters brace for a significant weekend, the buzz around two major releases is palpable. Universal’s “Wicked” and Paramount’s “Gladiator II” are stepping into the spotlight just before the Thanksgiving holiday, and industry experts predict that these films together could rake in over $200 million in ticket sales. Moviegoers have eagerly awaited this counter-programming duo, which offers an intriguing contrast designed to appeal to a wide audience spectrum. As Shawn Robbins, director of analytics at Fandango, aptly puts it, these films are essential to revitalizing the box office during a traditionally pivotal time of year.
The current fall slate of films has seen its highs and lows, but there’s an optimistic air surrounding the release of “Wicked” and “Gladiator II.” The commercial performance of these films could signify a turning point in current box office trends. Both films stem from popular intellectual properties (IP), with “Wicked” being an adaptation of one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals. While Hollywood has struggled to profit from musicals, the enthusiasm for “Wicked” suggests a significant appetite among moviegoers for this genre—especially given its glitzy production and stellar cast.
Advance ticket sales for “Wicked” have already amassed $19.2 million prior to its official opening, with Amazon Prime members contributing $2.5 million during previews. As the film continues to garner attention, projections for its opening weekend have escalated from an initial estimate of $80 million to an impressive range between $120 million and $140 million. If these projections hold, “Wicked” will set a record for the highest opening weekend for a Broadway adaptation, overtaking Disney’s “Into the Woods,” which previously held the title with $31 million.
On the other hand, “Gladiator II” carries the weight of nostalgia as it arrives nearly a quarter-century after the original. The sequel has already reported a solid $6.5 million from Thursday night previews and is on track to accumulate anywhere between $60 million to $80 million during its opening weekend. This return to the epic storytelling established in the first “Gladiator” film, which debuted with $34.8 million back in 2000, is likely to appeal to fans eager to relive the gladiatorial saga.
Critics have not held back in sharing their opinions, resulting in “Gladiator II” earning a 73% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s strong reviews, combined with the excitement over its legendary predecessor, have generated buzz that echoes the recent “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, proving that audiences are interested in diverse cinematic experiences concurrently.
Box office forecasts suggest that the combined earnings from “Wicked,” “Gladiator II,” and other films still showing could reach between $200 million and $250 million. While this would not place it among the top-grossing weekends in box office history—especially when compared to the staggering $311 million from the “Barbenheimer” weekend—it would still present a robust improvement to the year’s financial landscape.
Importantly, Shawn Robbins reminds us that the success of these films shouldn’t just be measured in immediate ticket sales. Both “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” are expected to have longevity in theaters, particularly if audience reception aligns with critics’ positive assessments. The anticipation shows promise for a holiday corridor filled with additional strong performances, especially as “Moana 2” prepares for its own release next week.
Enhancing the Moviegoing Experience
As movie theaters gear up for the influx of audiences, companies are implementing various strategies to enhance the overall viewing experience. Greg Marcus, CEO of Marcus Corporation, encapsulates this initiative by emphasizing the importance of customer service during this busy season. From themed concessions to special promotions, cinema chains are striving to create a memorable outing for filmgoers.
Offering unique refreshments like “Gladiator II” popcorn buckets shaped like the Colosseum and themed drinks such as “Emerald Elixir” and “Ozdust Punch,” theaters are not just showing films—they are crafting a cultural experience. This focus on the in-theater experience is crucial in a time when many entertainment options are vying for the public’s attention.
As the weekend unfolds, audiences can expect an immersive cinematic experience, underscored by the excitement of new releases and the thrill of engaging with fellow movie enthusiasts. The results will likely set the tone for the box office in the crucial weeks ahead.