“Wicked” Spells Box Office Magic: Musical Phenomenon Conjures $70M in PVOD Debut

Wicked: The beloved Broadway musical turned blockbuster film didn’t just make waves on the stage or the big screen it Is now setting records on the small screen too, In its first week on Premium Video on Demand (PVOD), Wicked raked in a jaw-dropping $70 million, proving that fans are still lining up for this magical tale.

Biggest Day 1 and First Week Ever for Universal on PVOD

When Universal dropped this show on PVOD on December 31, it was like dropping a house on the competition. The $70 million it earned in the first seven days made it the biggest PVOD debut in Universal history.

To put this into perspective, that double the Day 1 earnings of Universal previous champion, The Super Mario Bros. Movie. Yes, the plumber brothers got stomped on by a flying witch!

Universal prior record-holder for a full first week on PVOD earned $44 million, which means this show smashed past that milestone faster than you can say, “Defying Gravity.”

A Wicked Strategy: New Year Eve Magic

Timing is everything, right? Instead of releasing Wicked for PVOD on December 24, Universal held it back for one more week. The result? A New Year Eve extravaganza, Families gathered around their TV to bid farewell to 2024 with a dose of musical magic.

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The studio also used clever marketing tactics like a Wicked-themed Rose Parade float and a robust social media push to build hype. And let be honest, who doesn’t want to spend their New Year watching Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande light up the screen? It was the perfect mix of star power and strategic timing.

From Stage to Screen: Wicked’s Blockbuster Journey

Before its PVOD success, Wicked had already conquered the global box office, grossing $686 million worldwide. That $453 million from domestic theaters alone. No wonder Universal gave it a 40-day theatrical run before bringing it to homes.

The decision to extend the theatrical window beyond their usual five weeks also paid off big time, generating anticipation and creating a full-blown event out of the PVOD release. If there a lesson here, it is patience is not just a virtue profitable.

Why PVOD Matters for Universal

Since 2020, Universal has leaned heavily into PVOD as a core part of its release strategy. And is not just an experiment anymore it is a certified cash cow. Universal PVOD films, including hits from Focus Features and DreamWorks Animation, have collectively earned over $1.5 billion from consumers.

Wicked is the latest jewel in their crown, and it is not done yet. With 2.5 months left in its exclusive PVOD window, the studio expects plenty more sales before the film heads to NBCUniversal Peacock streaming service.

What Makes Wicked So Irresistible?

So why is everyone and their flying monkey watching Wicked?

1. Star-Studded Cast: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are absolute showstoppers. Their performances add fresh life to the beloved characters of Elphaba and Glinda.
2. Broadway Legacy: Fans of the original musical were eager to see how director Jon M. Chu would translate the story to film. Spoiler, He nailed it.
3. Musical Magic: The songs are as catchy as ever. Good luck getting “Popular” or “Defying Gravity” out of your head.
4. Family Appeal: Whether you are a Broadway buff or a first-time viewer, Wicked offers something for everyone. Plus, it is perfect for family movie night.

The Weekend After PVOD Release

Even as Wicked soared on PVOD, it continued to perform well at the box office. In the weekend following its digital debut, it pulled in another $9.98 million domestically. That a modest 50% drop, showing that audiences are still heading to theaters, even with the option to watch at home.

Universal Recipe for Success

Universal approach to big releases is worth noting. By giving its tentpole films a proper theatrical run before dropping them on PVOD, the studio maximizes revenue across both platforms. It is a strategy that worked wonders for titles like The Super Mario Bros. Movie and now Wicked.

By the time Wicked reaches Peacock, it will have already squeezed out every possible dollar from theaters and PVOD. Talk about savvy business moves.

What Next for Wicked?

With its PVOD debut already setting records, Wicked is poised to keep soaring. The movie’s Golden Globe win has only added to its buzz, and its streaming debut on Peacock will undoubtedly attract another wave of viewers.

Wicked is more than just a movie it is a cultural phenomenon. From its Broadway roots to its record-breaking PVOD debut, it has proven that a great story, combined with stellar performances and smart marketing, can captivate audiences across every platform.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a curious newcomer, Wicked offers a magical escape that hard to resist. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and let yourself be swept away because this show is far from over.