"Wicked" has officially taken the crown as the highest-grossing film based on a Broadway musical, surpassing the previous record held by "Mamma Mia!" With a staggering worldwide gross of $635 million, it has rewritten the box office history for stage adaptations, marking a significant milestone for the genre. This success comes after a lackluster period for many musical films. The showbiz giant was originally released on USA Today.

Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the film transitioned from stage to screen with remarkable success. It opened at an impressive $112.5 million in its domestic debut and has maintained strong box office performance for over six weeks. Comparatively, "Mamma Mia!" reached a total of $611 million at the end of its box office run, a record previously held for over a decade.

The film's triumph is particularly noteworthy given the challenging landscape for musical films in recent years. Past adaptations such as "In the Heights," "Cats," and Steven Spielberg’s "West Side Story" struggled to capture audiences. Jon M. Chu, the director, previously felt the weight of the industry’s skepticism but has subsequently turned the tide with "Wicked."

In addition to its box office success, the film has garnered significant acclaim in the awards circuit, with four Golden Globe nominations lined up for the upcoming awards. These include categories for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy and various acting categories, suggesting further recognition could be on the horizon during the Oscar nominations.

As the year unfolds, "Wicked" is poised to continue its success both at the box office and in awards discussions. The film is also paving the way for its sequel, "Wicked: For Good," set to premiere in theaters on November 21, 2025, a decision made to honor the original musical's intricate narrative and character depth.

The remarkable achievements of "Wicked" reflect its strong fan base and the film's ability to resonate with audiences worldwide. As it prepares to hit streaming platforms, anticipation stirs for what lies ahead in the franchise. The film's outstanding performance makes a firm case for the revival of musical adaptations in mainstream cinema, demonstrating that when done right, they can captivate theaters and audiences alike.

As we await further updates on award nominations and the sequel's production, USA Today will keep fans informed on the film's journey.