Two highly anticipated films, Gladiator II and Wicked, will compete for audience attention this fall, creating a buzz similar to last summer’s blockbuster sensation, though industry insiders believe the comparison has limitations.
The films will be released nearly simultaneously, with theaters expecting good individual performances. “Gladiator II,” directed by Ridley Scott and starring Paul Mescal, and “Wicked,” starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are attracting a large audience.
The early preview numbers are promising. “Wicked” has grossed $11 million domestically and is expected to gross between $100 and $110 million. “Gladiator II” grossed $6.5 million in previews, with an expected opening weekend of $65 million.
Scott’s sequel has already proved international appeal, grossing £9.1 million in its UK and Ireland premiere weekend—the director’s most regional debut. The picture also had Paramount Pictures’ highest-ever R-rated overseas debut, making $87 million.
“Wicked” shows equally high potential, with Vue cinemas reporting nearly 250,000 advance ticket purchases in the UK, outpacing even “Barbie’s” pre-sales records. According to industry forecasts, the opening weekend may generate between $160 and $200 million.
Movie stars have embraced the “Glicked” concept. In a recent interview, Mescal voiced optimism for a “Barbenheimer-like effect.” At the same time, Erivo merely commented, “Glicked is what it is, and that is what we should be doing.”
However, industry analysts are still apprehensive. “Though it’s not quite at the Barbenheimer level, it has certainly raised the profile of both films,” says Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore’s senior media analyst. Omdia’s David Hancock commented that the analogy feels “forced and derivative.”
Tim Richards, CEO of Vue Cinemas, stated that audiences are not booking double features as frequently as they were during Barbenheimer. Still, both films are receiving high individual interest. The UK Cinema Association’s CEO, Phil Clapp, described the releases as “a return to normal pattern” following the pandemic and Hollywood strike setbacks.
Industry leaders contend that these releases are more relevant to the cinema’s revival. “It reinforces the fact that audiences are there,” Richards said, adding, “We just need movies that bring them to theatres.”
