The box office forecast for Wicked: For Good is already making noise — and the movie doesn’t land until November 21, 2025. Fans are treating this sequel like an early holiday gift, and the numbers back it up: opening-weekend projections are topping $150 million. That kind of estimate doesn’t come out of nowhere. It’s fueled by a full year of anticipation, packed presales, and the kind of online buzz that only a deeply loyal fanbase can generate.
Wicked isn’t a franchise people casually enjoy. You’re either all in or not in at all — and the people who love it love it fiercely. The first film caught a lot of viewers off guard with just how emotional and transportive it was. Not “cute night at the movies” good, but “crying in the theater and blasting the soundtrack on the drive home” good.
When a movie hits people at that level, the sequel shows up with momentum already built in.
Why Wicked: For Good Has Serious Sequel Momentum
The first Wicked film outranked the original book, becoming one of those movies people kept talking about long after the credits rolled. Word of mouth was strong, the soundtrack had a revival moment, and fans of the Broadway show genuinely adored the Hollywood adaptation. All of that creates a built-in surge for the sequel.
And then there’s the release date, which is almost one full year from the release date of the first Wicked film. Landing right before Thanksgiving is a strategic flex. That week is one of the few moments of the year when families, students, couples, and friend groups can show up at the theaters at the same time to share the experience of watching an anticipated movie together. Big musicals thrive during this window because they offer spectacle and emotion, playing on the spirit and closeness of the upcoming holidays.
Wicked: For Good Box Office Presales are Showing Signs of a Smash
Even weeks ahead of time, early ticket interest has been steady enough that theaters have started prepping for heavier traffic. Wicked fans are planners. They’re booking group outings, coordinating witchy outfits, and treating the Wicked: For Good box office debut like a celebration that they’ve had penciled on the calendar for months.
That early enthusiasm matters. When presales heat up, the opening weekend floor rises. Instead of starting from zero, a film walks in with momentum, curiosity, and a fanbase ready for round two. It’s the kind of pattern normally reserved for superhero movies, making it remarkable to see a musical tracking in the same lane.
Why This Musical Movie is Playing More Like a Blockbuster
Most musicals get treated like passion projects—warmly received but rarely expected to dominate the box office. Wicked has broken the mold before and is expected to do it again, especially because the book and Broadway shows have had a devoted following for years. The cinematic version brings the same emotional punch to a wider audience.
But the simpler reason? Wicked: For Good will be fun to watch on a big screen. The Wicked world, the costume, the dramatic tension between Glinda and Elphaba… it’s immersive. The sequel is set to dig deeper into the emotional fallout of the first film. And with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande returning, there’s a sense of continuity and anticipation that sequels need to be seen as continuations instead of add-ons.
The Factors Shaping Wicked: For Good Opening Weekend
Nothing in the Wicked: For Good box office debut is guaranteed, even with a strong early forecast. A few things could influence how big this upcoming November weekend will be.
- Competition: Holiday releases often crowd each other. A surprise contender could split the audience.
- Reviews: Strong early reactions could push the opening higher, while weak ones could keep it closer to the $150 million (or lower) floors.
- Audience mood: If people are craving something warm, emotional, and theatrical, Wicked: For Good could hit even harder.
Right now, the energy around Wicked: For Good feels steady, consistent, and organic. Fans are excited, theaters are preparing, and the conversation online is bright, hopeful, and inspired.