Wicked's opening weekend grosses $114 million amid Glicked phenomenon

In North America, the opening weekend of both 'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' saw significant theater attendance, as millions flocked to theaters to witness the two films, which were dubbed 'Glicked' by fans. This double feature was seen as a counterprogramming event following the phenomenon of 'Barbenheimer'. 'Wicked', which features leading performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, had a strong opening, grossing around $114 million from over 3,800 locations. Meanwhile, 'Gladiator II', directed by Ridley Scott, while not topping the box office like its counterpart, still brought considerable interest with its action-packed themes. The buzz surrounding these films has been credited to effective marketing strategies and a strong online presence, including a plethora of memes. Analysts have pointed out that the contrast between the lively musical 'Wicked' and the violent action of 'Gladiator II' provided a unique viewing experience, allowing audiences to engage in two different cinematic realms in one outing. Paul Dergarabedian from Comscore remarked on the broader trend, indicating that while 'Glicked' did not quite mimic the success levels of 'Barbenheimer', it demonstrates the potential for studios to release competitive films at the same time, fostering a social buzz that can't be ignored. The presence of theater-goers participating in the experience by changing outfits between films underscores the enthusiastic reception of this dual showtime approach. Stars from both films that endorse this counterprogramming phenomenon further highlight the consumer choice to engage with both genres at once, suggesting a new pathway for cinematic releases that attract audiences seeking diverse entertainment options in one trip to the theater.