Gladiator 2 cost over $350 million to make and Wicked around $150 million|@GladiatorMovie; @wickedmovie|X
Hollywood is trying to capture the box office success mantra of the 2023 “Barbenheimer” phenomenon with the Friday dual release of Gladiator II and Wicked movies, dubbed “Glicked” by fans.
But early numbers suggest the pairing may fall short.
- The Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo musical, which cost around $150 million to make, is projected to rake in $120–$140 million this weekend.
- Director Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel, costing over $350 million in production and marketing, hopes to earn $65–$75 million at the weekend box office.
By comparison, Barbie opened with $162 million, and Oppenheimer earned $82 million last summer.
Hollywood desperately needs a win after a string of high-profile flops like Joker: Folie a Deux, Fall Guy and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Other films like Argylle and Fly Me to the Moon lost almost $100 million for Apple, grossing only $10 million in their opening weekend.
The release timing may affect Glicked. Thanksgiving week is packed, unlike summer’s leisurely schedules.
Nevertheless, theaters are leaning into the hype with novelty merchandise, themed food, and even gladiator- and witch-costumed staff.