The Box Office Triumph of Wicked May Have Saved the Future of Movie Musicals

by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

The dazzling box office debut of Wicked, which raked in over $350 million globally in just 10 days, has reignited Hollywood’s interest in the movie musical genre. Once considered a risky bet after a string of high-profile missteps, musicals are now poised for a renaissance, thanks to Wicked's unprecedented success. This achievement not only underscores the genre’s enduring appeal but also provides a roadmap for studios to turn these productions into profitable ventures.

Universal Pictures’ adaptation of the Broadway megahit Wicked was always expected to perform well, given the stage show’s extraordinary legacy. Since its 2003 debut, Wicked has grossed over $5 billion worldwide, making it one of the most successful musicals of all time. The film's ability to convert this theatrical success into cinematic triumph is a testament to the power of built-in fanbases.

The movie’s strategic execution played a significant role in its record-breaking debut. Directed by Jon M. Chu, known for Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, Wicked elevated its storytelling through cinematic spectacle, innovative visuals, and a star-studded cast featuring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. These elements, combined with a globally recognized score, created a must-see event that drew audiences to theaters in droves.

While Wicked has charted a new course, its success also highlights the pitfalls studios must avoid. High-profile flops like Cats and Dear Evan Hansen failed to connect with audiences due to poor execution and misguided marketing. These films lacked the emotional depth, tonal consistency, and production quality needed to make their stories compelling on screen.

Hopefully with Wicked studios can learn from these failures by prioritizing quality over quantity. Investing in experienced directors, strong casting, and high production values ensures that audiences see musicals as serious cinematic contenders, not novelties.

Wicked's success is likely to trigger a domino effect in the entertainment industry. Studios may dust off long-delayed projects like Sunset Boulevard or Miss Saigon, recognizing the financial potential of musicals. Streaming platforms could also follow suit, banking on the genre’s appeal to bolster subscriber engagement.

As Wicked continues its meteoric rise, it offers a simple but powerful message to Hollywood: audiences are ready to embrace movie musicals. And if studios are willing to invest in them, these productions could defy gravity at the box office for years to come.