"Gladiator" earns $55.5 million while "Wicked" takes in $114 million in its domestic opening.

• According to Sunday estimates, "Wicked" is predicted to earn $114 million during its domestic opening, surpassing the record for the highest debut of a Broadway adaptation in film history, which is held by Universal.
• According to Sunday estimates, it is predicted that Paramount's "Gladiator II" will generate $55.5 million in domestic ticket sales upon its release.
• Despite not meeting the same success as the previous year's "Barbenheimer," this weekend's earnings will contribute to the overall annual box office, which is currently 11% below 2023 levels during the same period.

This weekend, cinemas saw a surge in popularity as "Wicked" and "Gladiator II" premiered at the box office.

The highest debut of a Broadway adaptation in cinematic history is predicted for "Wicked," which is expected to earn $114 million domestically during its opening, according to Sunday estimates. Additionally, the film is projected to make $164.2 million worldwide.

Box-office analysts found it challenging to predict the success of "Wicked," which is based on a popular Broadway musical, despite Hollywood's struggles in marketing and profiting from movie musicals in recent years.

In 2024, the film will earn the third-highest domestic opening behind Marvel's "Deadpool & Wolverine" and Disney and Pixar's "Inside Out 2," which took in $211 million and $151 million, respectively.

"Gladiator II" is expected to open with $55.5 million in ticket sales domestically, which is lower than the box office expectations of between $60 million and $80 million. However, the film is set to reach $221 million globally after opening in international locations earlier this month.

According to Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore, the $200 million plus pre-Thanksgiving frame has been the most talked about weekend of 2024, with the one-two punch of 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' delivering a perfectly orchestrated, irresistible moviegoing combination that appeals to every demographic on the planet.

Despite not meeting the same level as last year's "Barbenheimer," the combined performance of Universal's "Oppenheimer" and "Barbie" this weekend will help boost the overall annual box office, which is currently lagging around 11% behind 2023 levels during the same period. Both films are expected to continue driving ticket sales at theaters through Thanksgiving and Christmas.

"Michael O'Leary, president and CEO of the National Association of Theatre Owners, stated that when healthy competition and premium experiences coexist, the marketplace flourishes, and consumers benefit. The success of movies such as 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II,' as well as strong presales for 'Moana 2,' illustrate how moviegoers of all ages appreciate attending the cinema."

According to analysts, it is predicted that Disney's "Moana 2" will generate $100 million during the Thanksgiving holiday over a five-day period.

NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast, is the distributor of "Wicked" and "Oppenheimer."