Having the best pre-sales launch of the year behind only Marvel’s “Deadpool & Wolverine,” the “Wicked” film adaptation is widely expected to beat the $100 million mark when it opens next month.
That’s now been backed up by data with the film appearing on early long-range tracking sites with Box-Office Pro estimating a $100-125 million domestic debut.
NBC is getting behind the film’s promotion too and will reportdly air a behind-the-scenes special about it on November 19th – three days ahead of its release on November 22nd.
The film will be going head to head with Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” though that film isn’t expected to fare as well even as it’ll earn a still very strong estimate of $60-80 million in its opening weekend.
One film that won’t fare so well is the $253 million-budgeted, Dwayne Johnson and Chris Evans-led Christmas family action film “Red One” which has made headlines for its cost over runs and delays.
Opening a week earlier on November 15th, the Amazon MGM title is heading for a $20-36 million start according to early tracking (via Puck News).
The figures come as “Venom: The Last Dance” pulled in $22 million on its opening day and is headed for a domestic weekend debut of $52 million – coming in under expectations.
