‘Wicked’ and ‘Gladiator II’ Make For A Potential ‘Barbenheimer’ Repeat
Universal’s “Wicked” will now be released in theaters on November 22, five days earlier than the original release date of November 27.
The recent shift puts the Broadway musical film adaptation in competition with Paramount’s “Gladiator II,” starring Paul Mescal. This prompted a callback among moviegoers to last summer’s “Barbenheimer” phenomenon because of the films’ contrasting target audiences, with “Gladiator II” aimed towards men and “Wicked” towards women.
Audiences enthusiastically embraced both “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” breaking box office records. It would be unsurprising (but exciting) to see a repeat phenomenon, with many having committed themselves to seeing both movies on the same day.
Some fans have even given the two highly-anticipated releases a moniker, with some saying “Glicked” and others saying “Wickediator.”
The shift also ensures “Wicked” will not clash with another tentpole release, Disney’s “Moana 2,” which remains slated for November 27.
The film stars Ariana Grande as Glinda the Good Witch and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. It is the first of a two-part adaptation directed by Jon M. Chu. The second half of the film is set to be released November 26, 2025, a year after the first.
The Broadway show captured the hearts of millions around the world with a compelling story of an anti-hero and hit songs such as “ Defying Gravity” and “Popular.”
Also starring in the film are Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Ethan Slater as Boq.
On the other hand, Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” will follow Paul Mescal as Lucius, the son of Lucilla (Connie Nielsen), several years after the events of the first movie.
Fred Hechinger will star as Emperor Geta and Joseph Quinn as Emperor Caracalla, two brothers ruling over the Roman Empire. Also part of the cast are Pedro Pascal as Marcus Acacius and Denzel Washington as Macrinus.
Both “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” will be released in theaters on November 22.
Photo by Sofia Holmberg on Unsplash