What's happened
Jon M. Chu's 'Wicked' opened with $114 million domestically, marking a record for Broadway adaptations. Meanwhile, 'Gladiator II' debuted with $55.5 million. Both films are revitalizing a struggling box office ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to AP News, 'Wicked' not only broke records for Broadway adaptations but also revitalized the box office, which had been struggling. The article notes that 'Gladiator II', while not meeting initial domestic projections, performed well overseas, indicating a strong international interest. The Independent highlights the promotional efforts of stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, showcasing their appearances at major events to boost the film's visibility. This contrasts with the more traditional marketing strategies employed by 'Gladiator II', which included a massive simultaneous trailer release across various platforms.
How we got here
The release of 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' comes after a challenging year for theaters, with box office revenues down significantly compared to pre-pandemic levels. The films are part of a broader trend of high-budget adaptations drawing audiences back to cinemas.
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