Prepare for an unforgettable movie season as “Wicked”, “Gladiator Ⅱ”, and “Moana 2” amaze audiences with their enchanting stories and thrilling action.
“Gladiator Ⅱ” and “Wicked” are labeled the new Barbenhiemer, adopting the nickname “Glicked.” Both movies were released on Nov. 22, 2024, and are predicted to be the two biggest blockbusters of the year.
The “Wicked” film was originally set to open on Nov. 27, 2024, but it was pushed forward five days giving some breathing room for Disney’s “Moana 2,” sailing into theaters on Nov. 27, 2024. All three movies were projected to debut with strong numbers at the box office, and none were disappointed.
Lily Gonzales, QUEST junior, says, “I don’t really care to see “Gladiator Ⅱ,” maybe “Moana,” but “Wicked” was definitely at the top of my watch list.”
Universal’s “Wicked” is an adaptation of the wildly popular Broadway musical aiming for $80 to $85 million over the weekend. According to QUEST English teacher, Mr. Wilson, “I know it’s an incredibly successful Broadway show, but that doesn’t mean the movie will be good.”
The movie opened to $162.5M worldwide and broke many records, including the highest-grossing film based on a Broadway Musical and the biggest global and domestic opening for a pop star.
The story follows the same plot as the play, introducing us to Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman, and Ariana Grande’s Glinda, a popular girl. The two become unlikely friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. The film guaranteed the world of Oz would come to life through the magical visuals and memorable songs.
Layla Hernandez, a PEACE junior says, “I think the majority of people liked “Wicked” the most because it was engaging and the most significant in pop culture at this time.”
Paramount’s “Gladiator Ⅱ” is tracking to bring in $55 million to $65 million over the first weekend. Directed by Ridley Scott, the “Gladiator” sequel opens 24 years after the first film. “Gladiator Ⅱ” hauled in about $106 million globally on the first weekend. Director Ridley Scott has broken the record for the best director at the international box office, referring to the total revenue generated by films outside the United States.
The original movie follows the journey of Maximus, a Roman general who becomes a gladiator to avenge his family’s murder and the betrayal by Emperor Commodus. The sequel followed the ideas of revenge and power by Paul Mescal, playing grown-up Lucius Verus ll, the nephew of Emperor Commodus played by Joaquin Phoenix from the original film. “I’m most excited to see “Gladiator Ⅱ” but only slightly more than the “Wicked” film,” says Wilson.
Adding to the excitement, Disney’s “Moana 2”, the sequel to Disney’s 2016 animated original, is targeted to bring in above $100 million in the five days to follow. The pre-sale record has shown the wake of projections as the highest number of first-day advance sale tickets of any 2024 animated movie.
“Moana” introduced us to the first-ever Polynesian princess, who set out on an adventurous journey to save her people and island. The sequel continues with voice actors Auli’i Cravalho alongside Dwayne Johnson, whose characters meet new villages and challenges to help their island. “Moana 2” successfully dominated ticket sales with $221 million during Thanksgiving weekend. “I would watch “Moana 2” again because it’s an easy watch,” says Hernandez.
The five-day Thanksgiving movie marathon produced a staggering $422 million in domestic box office revenue, establishing the highest-grossing Thanksgiving weekend in cinematic history.
With a wide range of movies, whether historical action, musical fantasy, or family adventure, this Thanksgiving lineup provided something for everyone of all ages.
