‘Wicked: For Good’ Shatters Notable 2025 Box Office Record, Overtakes James Gunn’s Superman

Universal’s “Wicked: For Good” is enchanting audiences and breaking records at the box office. The highly anticipated musical sequel raked in $30.8 million in preview screenings, setting the biggest pre-opening total of 2025.

The figure includes a mix of early fan screenings and traditional Thursday previews. Monday fan screenings sponsored by Amazon Prime brought in $6.1 million, while Wednesday showings added $6.5 million.

Thursday previews, including double features of “Wicked” and “For Good,” contributed $18.2 million. Previously, Warner Bros.’ “Superman” held the year’s preview record with $22.5 million.

The sequel, which continues the story of the Wizard of Oz prequel, is expected to have a strong opening weekend. Estimates suggest it could earn between $150 million and $180 million, potentially claiming the biggest debut of the year.

Universal is playing it cautiously, projecting a $125 million launch, but fan excitement remains high. Ariana Grande’s Glinda and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba, who became cultural icons in the first “Wicked,” have helped fuel anticipation.

The final #WickedForGood trailer is here ✨ Watch now. pic.twitter.com/P9UPa4B1Rx

— Wicked: For Good (@wickedmovie) September 24, 2025

Last year’s original “Wicked,” directed by Jon M. Chu, earned $19.2 million in previews and went on to a $112.5 million opening weekend during the pre-Thanksgiving period. The new film features Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Bowen Yang, and others as they conclude the story started in the first installment. The first “Wicked” played a major role in powering last year’s Thanksgiving box office to a record $420 million alongside other hits.

Next week, Disney’s “Zootopia 2” is set to open, and both films will compete to draw families to theaters over the holiday. With “Wicked: For Good” already casting its spell on audiences, the musical could continue to dominate the box office throughout the season.

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