Broadway's Wicked Breaks Records, Sets Sights on Sequel

Universal Pictures' adaptation of the popular Broadway musical, Wicked, has become the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation in global box office history, surpassing 2008's Mamma Mia! with a total haul of $634 million in just six weeks. The film, led by a star-studded cast including Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, has also broken domestic box office records, earning $424 million in the US alone.

Wicked's unprecedented success has been touted by its director, John M. Chu, as an opportunity to promote diversity in Hollywood. Chu sees the film as a chance to bring more diverse talent to the forefront, pointing to the film's ability to perform well across international markets and capitalize on its established fan base. With a strong opening weekend, including $19.45 million in domestic earnings, Wicked: Part One has already begun to follow in the footsteps of its predecessor, and fans are eagerly anticipating the second installment, Wicked: For Good, set for release in 2025. The sequel is expected to deliver an even more exciting performance from the cast, with Chu promising that the second part will satisfy audiences' appetites.

The film's success is a testament to the enduring power of the musical, which tells the story of a green-skinned student of magic who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. With its catchy score and memorable characters, Wicked has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, making it no surprise that its adaptation has broken numerous box office records. Chu is optimistic about the film's future, stating that he expects Wicked: For Good to meet, if not exceed, the high standards set by its predecessor.

As the cinematic world awaits the next installment of the Wicked franchise, fans can look forward to a thrilling second part that promises to deliver even more excitement and entertainment. With Arian Grande and Cynthia Erivo set to reprise their roles, the stage is set for another musical masterpiece. With a total gross of $114 million in US and Canadian theatres and $50.2 million in international markets, the Wicked franchise continues to prove its worth, solidifying its place in the hearts of audiences worldwide.