Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Box Office: “Wicked,” “Gladiator II” Draw Big Numbers for Previews and Opening Nights

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Last night the two big releases of the moment did booming box office business.

“Wicked” pulled off a total Thursday-Friday opening of $46 million Add another $52 million or more and the $100 million weekend is a sure thing.

“Gladiator II” came in with $22 mil for Thursday-Friday. Another $30 million for Saturday and Sunday gives the Paramount hit a Colosseum sized success.

“Gladiator II” has nothing to worry about. Internationally it’s added $87 million in foreign territories. “Wicked’ doesn’t roll out around the world fast, and numbers aren’t in yet for the few places it opened last night.

Two big studios– Universal and Paramount — battling it out is so nice, just like the old days! Those two, plus “Dune Part Two,” should be guaranteed for Best Picture nominations. All the best for the Oscars broadcast on March 2nd

Roger Friedman
Roger Friedmanhttps://www.showbiz411.com
Roger Friedman began his Showbiz411 column in April 2009 after 10 years with Fox News, where he created the Fox411 column. His movie reviews are carried by Rotten Tomatoes, and he is a member of both the movie and TV branches of the Critics Choice Awards. His articles have appeared in dozens of publications over the years including New York Magazine, where he wrote the Intelligencer column in the mid 90s and covered the OJ Simpson trial, and Fox News (when it wasn't so crazy) where he covered Michael Jackson. He is also the writer and co-producer of "Only the Strong Survive," a selection of the Cannes, Sundance, and Telluride Film festivals, directed by DA Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.

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