Wicked Crushes Gladiator II in Epic Box Office Showdown

The box office just got a whole lot more magical! Wicked is off to a sensational start, crushing Gladiator II in its opening weekend.

According to Deadline, the family-friendly musical adaptation raked in a staggering $46.7 million on its first day alone, setting it up for an estimated $117 million weekend. Meanwhile, Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated Gladiator II opened with $22 million, with projections pointing to a $60 million debut—an impressive start, but no match for Wicked’s towering success.

The numbers are clear: Wicked is the clear winner this weekend. Boasting an 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes, the vibrant musical has proven to be the perfect holiday treat for families. Meanwhile, Gladiator II, with its gritty, R-rated action and a respectable 72% Rotten Tomatoes score, is drawing a narrower audience. Still, theaters are celebrating this double feature of high-profile blockbusters, a welcome change after a sluggish fall season dominated by underperformers like Joker: Folie à Deux and the floundering Venom: The Last Dance.

Rounding out the top five this weekend are Dwayne Johnson’s Red One ($13 million), the faith-based drama Bonhoeffer: Pastor. Spy. Assassin. ($4.6 million), and Venom: The Last Dance ($4 million). While Red One exceeded modest expectations, the rest of the pack can’t compete with the star power and fan bases of Wicked and Gladiator II.

What’s driving Wicked’s dominance? Timing and appeal. The beloved musical turned blockbuster is a hit with audiences of all ages, especially families looking for something festive this season. Its enchanting story, stunning visuals, and all-star cast have made it a must-see. In contrast, Gladiator II faces a steeper climb. While it offers action-packed thrills, the heavy violence and darker themes cater to a more niche audience, limiting its box office potential.

But the battle isn’t over yet. The competition heats up next week with the release of Moana 2, the sequel to Disney’s animated classic. The original Moana was a global phenomenon, grossing $643.3 million worldwide, and its follow-up is poised to make waves. With families flocking to theaters, Moana 2 could chip away at Wicked’s momentum, while Gladiator II will hope strong international numbers keep it in the race.

Will Wicked sustain its magical run, or will Moana 2 cast a new spell over audiences? And can Gladiator II prove it has the staying power to go the distance? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we want to hear your take on the box office showdown!