The cinematic event of the year is upon us as Wicked: For Good prepares to cast its spell on Australian audiences this week, with industry experts predicting it will surpass the phenomenal success of its predecessor.
Following last year's record-breaking first instalment that grossed over $1.16 billion worldwide, the conclusion to this two-part musical adaptation appears destined for even greater heights at the box office.
Viral Moments Fuel Anticipation
Much like the first film, Wicked: For Good has benefited from a viral press tour that has captured global attention. While the original campaign featured the now-famous "holding space" meme and intimate interviews between co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the sequel's promotional circuit took a more dramatic turn.
The defining moment came during the Singapore premiere when Australian serial pest Johnson Wen breached security and rushed toward Ariana Grande on the red carpet. The incident quickly transformed into priceless publicity as fans worldwide praised Cynthia Erivo's immediate protective response toward her co-star.
Adding to the promotional momentum, People magazine recently named the film's male lead, Jonathan Bailey, the "sexiest man alive," further fueling public interest in the production.
Proven Track Record and Fan Devotion
The success of the first Wicked film was no surprise to industry insiders, given the massive built-in audience from the original Broadway production. The stage musical, which debuted in 2003, stands as the second highest-grossing Broadway musical of all time, trailing only The Lion King.
Australian fans have demonstrated their devotion through sold-out performances in Perth and multiple viewings of the first film during its theatrical run. This loyalty appears to be carrying forward to the sequel, with American ticketing company Fandango reporting that Wicked: For Good has the most advance ticket sales of any film this year.
Box office tracking currently estimates an opening weekend in the United States of up to $176 million, potentially exceeding the first film's $172 million debut. Industry sources suggest the final figure could climb even higher, as audiences now have complete confidence in director Jon M. Chu's treatment of the beloved material.
Darkening Narrative and Star Power
The sequel continues directly from where last year's film concluded, with Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) in exile after confronting Jeff Goldblum's Wizard. The narrative takes a darker turn as Elphaba becomes the target of a smear campaign labelling her as the Wicked Witch of the West.
Meanwhile, her friendship with Glinda (Ariana Grande) faces increasing strain as the latter's fame as the "good" witch grows exponentially. Complicating matters further are Glinda's impending marriage to Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey), who secretly harbours feelings for Elphaba.
Director Jon M. Chu explained the tonal shift to Entertainment Weekly, stating: "If Part 1 is about choices, Part 2 is about consequences."
Fans can anticipate all the beloved songs from the Broadway production's second act, plus two original compositions. The cast expands to include Colman Domingo as the cowardly lion, adding another layer of star power to the already impressive ensemble.
The film benefits from minimal competition as the only major studio release next week, positioning it for maximum box office dominance. Wicked: For Good arrives in Australian cinemas on Thursday, ready to continue the magical success story that began over twenty years ago on Broadway.
