- Wicked has been a box office smash – and has now been crowned the number one stage musical adaptation in history
- The milestone achievement knocked current reigning champ Mamma Mia! off the top spot
- The news divided fans online
Wicked has been wowing musical theater lovers since its release on November 22 – and now the movie has hit yet another major milestone.
The movie, which stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, has shot to success – and has become the number one stage musical adaptation ever.
In a coup that no-one thought was possible, the Jon M. Chu directed movie – based on the 2003 Broadway musical – has even surpassed fan favorite Mamma Mia! to reach that top spot.
The global figures as of December 29 are an estimated $634.4M – of which $424.2M is from the US alone, while another $210.2M comes from the international box office.
‘Rerelease Mamma Mia! immediately!’
However, the news divided fan opinions online.
“I actually love Mamma Mia!, but let’s be honest. Wicked is way better,” wrote one via Twitter/X. Another agreed, “Mamma Mia! is the most overrated musical probably ever.”
“Mamma Mia is amazing but it’s more of a party movie. Wicked carries an important message. But both movies are incredible,” mused a third.
Someone else added, “Wicked is a story. Mamma Mia! is an experience. I want to *watch* Wicked but I want to get wine drunk and sing along to Mamma Mia!, you feel me.”
On the other hand, some had a very different take on the matter.
“Rerelease Mamma Mia! in cinemas immediately,” demanded one. Another added, “This is mad because Mamma Mia! is actually the GOATTT.”
A final begged, “Can’t we just love both movies… not everything has to be a competition.”
Mamma Mia! 3 in the works
Those fans campaigning for justice for Mamma Mia! may just be in luck – as a third movie in the franchise is apparently in the works.
Back in August, cast member Christine Baranski – who played the glamorous Tanya, best friend to Meryl Streep’s character Donna, in the movie – all but confirmed the ‘will they, won’t they’ rumors that have plagued the movie since Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! was released in 2018.
In an interview, the Emmy nominated actor, 72, revealed she had recently spent time with Judy Craymer, who produced the films.
“I was in London with Judy at our favorite watering hole, she is planning Mamma Mia 3,” Baranski said. “She gave me the narrative plotline of how it’s going to happen. That’s all I can say!
“But, it’s not like, ‘Oh, I wish it could happen!’ Judy Craymer makes things happen. She made number two happen, and it was a phenomenal hit. I wouldn’t put it past Judy Craymer to get everybody back together.”
