"Wicked" and "Gladiator II" dominate the box office

November 25, 2024

Courtesy: Universal Pictures

It was a great weekend for both films. Wicked and Gladiator II dominated the box office and shattered expectations, led by the cultural phenomenon of the cinematic adaptation of the Musical Broadway, delighting fans worldwide with 221m and 164.2m respectively, in its opening debut.

Paramount's Gladiator II, the 2000 sequel directed by Ridley Scott, saw Denzel Washington (Training Day, The Equalizer), Paul Mescal (Aftersun, Normal People), and Pedro Pascal (The Mandalorian, The Last of Us) duking it out in the period film.

Universal's Wicked led the charge, based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire. The cinematic adaptation of the popular Broadway musical with Act One premiered over the weekend, with Act 2 set to debut in November 2025. The film received its biggest debut for any musical due to the strong marketing push and social media buzz, marking the third-highest opening weekend this year (behind Deadpool & Wolverine and Inside Out 2). Wicked follows Elphaba in The Land of Oz, played by the fantastic Cynthia Erivo (The Color Purple, Harriet), in a role she was meant to play. Erivo is joined by Ariana Grande (Hairspray Live!, Don't Look Up), who plays Glinda. Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum round out the supporting cast.

Courtesy: Universal Pictures

Moviegoers were split down the middle as critics predicted that both films released simultaneously would have the same juggernaut impact as Barbie and Oppenheimer last year. Even though they fell short of those expectations, both films rejuvenated the box office ahead of Thanksgiving weekend. If you haven't seen Wicked, run to the nearest theater. The movie wonderfully captures the magic and adventure of the Land of Oz with stunning visuals, extravagant musical numbers, and breathtaking performances led by Erivo and Grande that elevate one of the longest Broadway shows to an enjoyable cinematic experience filled with wonder, charm, and genuine heart.

The chemistry between both women is palpable as they embody the roles of their respective characters with emotional heart, grace, and compassion, shaping the narrative of their complex friendship. There are also a few Easter eggs that fans of the musical will notice. Wicked is a cinematic masterpiece and instantly a modern-day classic that not only thrills and excites but captivates with flawless direction by Jon M. Chu with superb performances, artistic detail, and breathtaking cinematography that transports you into a fantastical realm where fantasy and emotion intertwine seamlessly through empowerment, upliftment and defiance. Ending on a cliffhanger, the film eagerly leaves fans waiting for Act 2.

Courtesy: Paramount

Gladiator II also lives up to the hype. Twenty-four years after the Academy award-winning original, the film is a worthy successor with captivating performances by Mescal, Pascal, and Washington. The film captures the essence of the first film with heart and legendary action sequences as Lucius (Mescal) seeks revenge against Acacius (Pascal) after his home was invaded by the Romans. Seeking to return the glory of Rome to its people, Washington is a scene stealer and absolute delight as the villainous former slave mentoring Lucius.

Both films, with different narratives, offer a tantalizing cinematic experience, making it a great time to head to the movies.