“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.
