Wicked smashes Gladiator II and Paddington to become biggest film of 2024 at Vue

Wicked has conjured up the biggest opening weekend of 2024 at Vue International, eclipsing the hits Gladiator II and Paddington In Peru. Cynthia Erivo, an Oscar-nominated sensation, and Grammy winner Ariana Grande worked their magic as Elphaba and Glinda, propelling the musical favourite to new heights with the most successful film debut for a stage adaptation in Vue's storied history.

With a dramatic 60 per cent increase over Les Miserables' opening weekend back in 2012 and tripling Matilda’s launch last year, the two-part spectacle dazzled audiences upon its Friday UK premiere. Chief executive Tim Richards expressed his enthusiasm to the PA news agency, remarking: "Vue has seen a sea of pink and green over the opening weekend of Wicked, which has shown continued high demand for the big screen experience."

He also revealed: "We saw record-breaking pre-sales for Wicked, followed by a chart-topping opening weekend – the biggest for 2024." The film peeks behind the curtain at the complex friendship between Elphaba and Glinda from their early days before becoming archenemies in L Frank Baum's much-loved tales, where they are famously known as the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the South.

READ MORE: London teen facing 20 years in Dubai jail for holiday romance is calling on MP David Lammy for help

READ MORE: Man, 23, who robbed Slough van driver and took cash jailed after attempt to take him to cashpoint

Helmed by Jon M Chu of Crazy Rich Asians fame, the star-studded cast includes Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Bridgerton's Jonathan Bailey flirting with danger as Fiyero Tigelaar, and Jeff Goldblum pulling the strings as the Wizard of Oz. Fans can anticipate the enchanting finale set for release in November 2025.

Following Sir Ridley Scott's Gladiator II starring Irish actor Paul Mescal, which released on November 15 and Paddington In Peru out on November 3, UK cinemas are buzzed for a packed schedule. The upcoming release of Disney’s eagerly awaited Moana sequel, featuring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Auliʻi Cravalho, is slated for November 29, closely followed by Mufasa: The Lion King landing on screens December 20.

As reported by the Associated Press (AP), Wicked and Gladiator II have collectively raked in an impressive 270 million dollars (£215 million) globally since their US box office debuts last Friday. Wicked opened to a spectacular 114 million dollars (£91 million) in North America alone, amassing 164 million dollars (£131 million) internationally; meanwhile, Gladiator II has garnered approximately 55.5 million dollars (£44 million) in North American sales and 50.5 million dollars (£40 million) from international markets, according to studio estimates on Sunday.

Stay up to date about London's hottest events, latest restaurant openings, and best deals with our Going Out Out newsletter. Sign up HERE!