Wicked: For Good Aims for Blockbuster $120M Thanksgiving Debut

According to the latest pre-release tracking, Universal's Wicked: For Good is on course to open with a blockbuster $115 million-plus at the North American box office over the Thanksgiving weekend. This would set a new record for a musical adaptation, surpassing the $112.5 million debut of the first Wicked film just last year.

The sequel, which reunites director Jon M. Chu with stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, is also opening day-and-date around the world on November 21st. Leading market research firm NRG has the film debuting even higher, potentially reaching $120 million domestically, based on the strong level of interest and awareness.

While Universal and the filmmakers are trying to manage expectations, the presales for Wicked: For Good are pacing well ahead of the first installment. The original Wicked film went on to gross nearly $750 million globally, making it the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation ever. With the return of the beloved characters and the star power of Grande and Erivo, the sequel is poised to continue that success.