Universal Pictures

“Wicked” Continues to Captivate Audiences, Securing Top Spot at⁣ Box Office

The⁢ “Wicked”​ feature is projected to ‌maintain ‌strong performance through the Thanksgiving holiday and into December. The film garnered generally positive reviews, ⁤though reception for “For‍ Good” is ⁢slightly cooler ⁣than ‍the⁢ critical acclaim received by its 2024 predecessor. Early audience response mirrors that of last year’s release,‍ with CinemaScore awarding ‌an “A” grade. Universal invested $300 million in both “Wicked” films, excluding marketing costs, establishing them as major event releases.

“Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” is‍ anticipated⁤ to fall to‌ second ​place⁤ after​ debuting at number one last weekend. The film earned $2.6 million on Friday,with projections estimating a ⁤$9.4⁢ million sophomore weekend-a 55% drop from its ⁢opening. Its⁤ domestic total is expected to reach $37.1 million ​after⁤ ten⁢ days, with international sales contributing the majority of revenue.

“Predator: Badlands” is tracking for third, adding $1.7 million on Friday,a⁣ 51% decrease ​from the ​previous ‌week. The Disney ⁢sci-fi sequel is⁣ poised to ⁢exceed $76.5 million domestically by Sunday, nearing the franchise’s highest-grossing North American⁢ theatrical release, “Alien vs. Predator” ⁤($80 million).

“The Running Man” ‌is slipping to fourth, earning⁢ $1.66 million on Friday and projecting a $6 million⁤ weekend-a significant 63% drop.⁤ The $110 million production, starring Glen Powell and directed by Edgar Wright, is projected to ⁣reach ‍a $27.2​ million domestic cume through Sunday.

“Rental Family,” a Searchlight Pictures family drama starring ⁤Brendan Fraser, is expected to take fifth place, earning $1.2 million on Friday and in previews from ‌1,925 locations.‌ Positive reviews and audience reception are expected to sustain the film’s ​momentum,⁢ and it received ⁣an “A” grade from ​CinemaScore.

“Sisu: Road to Revenge” is debuting just outside the top five, opening in 2,222 venues. The film earned ‍approximately $1.2 million on ‍Friday and in previews,slightly ​behind ⁤the $1.3⁤ million opening day of the original “Sisu” in ⁤2023. While the first film​ finished with ‍$7.2 million domestically and $14.2 million worldwide, its cult following prompted‍ a sequel. “Road to Revenge” has ⁢received positive reviews and earned a “B” grade ‌from CinemaScore.