‘Wicked’ debuts with N17.1M at Nigerian field workplace
The extremely anticipated musical fantasy movie ‘Wicked’ has made its debut in Nigerian cinemas, incomes a formidable N17.1 million in its opening weekend.
This marks a robust begin for the variation of the enduring Broadway musical, which has already captivated international audiences.
On the worldwide stage, Wicked has grossed $178.7 million worldwide, a promising efficiency towards its $150 million manufacturing funds.
Directed by Jon M. Chu and produced by Universal Pictures alongside Marc Platt Productions, the movie is the primary installment of a two-part adaptation of the beloved stage musical. Its sequel, Wicked: Part Two, is scheduled for launch on November 21, 2025.
Titled onscreen as Wicked: Part I, the 2024 movie is predicated on the Tony Award-winning musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman. The story attracts inspiration from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel and L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Set within the magical Land of Oz earlier than Dorothy’s arrival, the movie follows Elphaba Thropp, performed by Cynthia Erivo(Cynthia Onyedinmanasu Chinasaokwu Erivo), as she embarks on a journey that transforms her into the Wicked Witch of the West. It additionally chronicles her unlikely friendship with Galinda Upland, portrayed by Ariana Grande, who later turns into Glinda the Good.
The solid boasts an array of expertise, together with Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, and Peter Dinklage in supporting roles. Erivo and Grande, each celebrated performers in their very own proper, have been extensively praised for his or her portrayals of the enduring characters, with their on-screen chemistry drawing vital acclaim.
Speculations on solid pay grade
However, discussions surrounding the movie’s success have been partially overshadowed by rumors of pay disparity between its lead actresses, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
- Universal Pictures, the studio behind Wicked, swiftly addressed these allegations, firmly denying the claims. Reports circulating on-line prompt that Grande, who portrays Glinda, was paid $15 million for her function, whereas Erivo, enjoying Elphaba, earned solely $1 million.
- A spokesperson for Universal dismissed these rumors as “completely false and based on internet speculation,” confirming that each actresses obtained equal pay for his or her contributions to the movie.
- The rumors initially gained traction attributable to Grande’s high-profile standing as a worldwide pop famous person with 376 million Instagram followers and Erivo’s fame as a critically acclaimed actress with two Oscar nominations and a Tony Award.
Observers speculated that Grande’s pop icon standing might need led to a considerably larger paycheck. However, Universal’s response has quelled a lot of the hypothesis, although the studio didn’t disclose the precise quantities paid to the solid.
What to know
Behind the scenes, the manufacturing confronted delays as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, however the casting of Grande and Erivo in 2021 introduced renewed vitality to the undertaking. Despite preliminary rumors of pay disparity between the 2 leads, Universal Pictures has formally debunked the claims, stating that each stars had been compensated equally.
- Beyond the display screen, Grande and Erivo developed a detailed bond throughout manufacturing, which they commemorated with matching tattoos. “This experience has been transformative,” Grande shared in a latest interview. Erivo added, “Having Ariana by my side made it all the more special.”
- Touted as the most important opening weekend for a Broadway-to-film adaptation, Wicked has resonated with audiences worldwide, additional fueling pleasure for its sequel.
With its debut in Nigerian cinemas, Wicked reinforces the nation’s enthusiasm for international blockbusters, including to the rising attraction of musical fantasy movies within the native market.
