The Witches of Oz Just Cast a $226 Million Spell on the World

If you walked past a movie theater this weekend and saw a sea of pink and green, you weren't hallucinating. The magic is officially back.

"Wicked: For Good," the highly anticipated second chapter of Jon M. Chu’s musical saga, didn't just open; it exploded. In a year where the box office has been a rollercoaster, Elphaba and Glinda just delivered the thrill ride theaters were desperate for.

The Record-Breaking Numbers

Let’s look at the scoreboard. In its opening weekend (Nov 21–23), the film raked in a massive $150 million domestically and $226 million globally.

To put that in perspective:

Biggest Musical Debut Ever: It officially holds the title for the biggest opening weekend for a Broadway musical adaptation in history.
Beating Its Predecessor: It significantly outperformed last year's Wicked: Part 1, which opened to $114 million.
The "Minecraft" Rivalry: It is now the second-highest opening of 2025, landing just behind the juggernaut that was A Minecraft Movie (released back in April).

Darker, Deeper, and "For Good"

Critics and fans are noting a distinct shift in tone this time around. While Part 1 was all about the sparkle of Shiz University and the "Popular" makeover, For Good takes us into the gritty reality of Oz.

Audiences are raving about the emotional depth brought by Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda). This isn't just a sing-along; it’s a tear-jerker. The stakes are higher, the lighting is moodier, and the finale—which brings the story full circle to the Wizard of Oz timeline we all know—is reportedly leaving audiences stunned.

Why It’s a Viral Moment

This success proves that the "two-part movie" gamble paid off. Skeptics worried that splitting the stage show into two films would dilute the hype. Instead, it seems to have doubled it. By giving the story room to breathe, the filmmakers have turned a beloved musical into a genuine cinematic universe.

So, if you haven't seen it yet, grab your tickets (and maybe some tissues). The rest of the world is already in Oz.