Wicked: For Good – How Much the Film Has Made and What the Cast Was Paid
A Record-Breaking Box Office Debut
Wicked: For Good has wasted no time making history at the box office. The musical sequel opened to an outstanding $150 million in North America, instantly becoming the biggest debut ever for a film based on a Broadway musical. With an additional $76 million earned overseas across 78 international markets, the movie delivered a remarkable $226 million global opening weekend. Fan reactions are playing a major role in its momentum, with the film earning a solid “A” CinemaScore from audiences, signaling strong word-of-mouth and long box office legs ahead. With this performance so early in its release, industry analysts are already projecting final worldwide earnings in the $675–$800 million range, and possibly higher if it mirrors the staying power of the first film.
The Investment Behind the Magic
Producing the Wicked film adaptation has been a major financial undertaking for Universal, and the numbers reflect that. The first film, Wicked (Part I), was publicized initially with a production budget in the $145–150 million range, but internal filings later revealed that real costs soared to approximately $455.8 million. After accounting for significant tax credits, most of them earned in the United Kingdom where much of the filming took place, the net spend landed near $370 million. Because both films were shot back-to-back, reports suggest the combined production budgets sit around $300–320 million per film, representing one of Universal’s largest franchise investments to date. With such high financial stakes, a strong global box office was not just welcome it was essential. Fortunately, the early performance of Wicked: For Good indicates the studio may be well on its way to seeing that return.
What the Stars Were Paid
The massive production budget wasn’t just visible onscreen it also extended to the talent bringing Oz to life. In the months leading up to release, reports circulated online alleging significant salary disparities within the cast, particularly between the two lead stars. Early rumors claimed that Ariana Grande was paid around $15 million for her role as Glinda, while Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elphaba, was allegedly earning just $1 million. Universal later pushed back on these numbers, stating that both actresses were paid on equal terms and rejecting claims of a disparity.
Other major cast members’ reported earnings were more straightforward. Jeff Goldblum, who plays the Wizard, is believed to have earned approximately $2 million for his role. Jonathan Bailey, starring as Fiyero, reportedly earned around $450,000, in line with industry averages for a rising star stepping into a major studio musical. While not all salaries have been officially confirmed, the conversation surrounding actor compensation has added another layer of public interest to the franchise and reflects ongoing discussions about pay transparency and equity in Hollywood.
The Future Looks Bright for Wicked
With huge box office results, an enthusiastic audience response, and major financial investment from Universal, Wicked: For Good is positioned to become one of the year’s defining cinematic successes. The film has the benefit of a massive built-in fan base, strong brand recognition, and a cast of high-profile stars that continue to draw global attention. If current trends hold, the sequel is likely to follow—and possibly surpass—the first film’s impressive box office run.
