Grab your wands and swords, movie fans as theaters are set for a major box office clash on November 22 as two highly anticipated films, “Wicked” and “Gladiator II,” hit the big screen. Universal Pictures has announced a strategic shift, moving the release of the star-studded “Wicked” to this date, pitting it directly against Paramount’s historical sequel.
Originally slated for a November 27 release, “Wicked” has been moved up to November 22. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. The shift aims to give “Wicked” a strong start before the Thanksgiving holiday, avoiding a clash with Disney’s “Moana 2.”
On the same day, Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” hits theaters, starring Paul Mescal as Lucius, the grandson of the former Roman emperor. This sequel to the Oscar-winning 2000 epic “Gladiator” also features Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal, and Connie Nielsen. With a mix of intense action and historical drama, “Gladiator II” aims to draw in audiences craving a return to the brutal and captivating world of ancient Rome.
READ: Get a First Look at ‘Gladiator II’ Starring Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal and More
The simultaneous release of “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” is reminiscent of last year’s “Barbenheimer” phenomenon, where the contrasting releases of “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer” led to a massive box office weekend. “Wicked,” with its vibrant musical numbers and enchanting storyline, targets a primarily female demographic. In contrast, “Gladiator II,” with its gritty action and historical intrigue, appeals more to male audiences. However, just as “Barbenheimer” showed, audiences are likely to embrace both films, creating a box office bonanza.
“Wicked” is not just a one-off film; it is the first in a two-part saga, with “Wicked: Part Two” scheduled for release on November 26, 2025. The film adapts the Tony-winning Broadway musical, itself based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, and brings to life characters from L. Frank Baum’s classic “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The film’s cast is rounded out by Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, and Bowen Yang, with producers Marc Platt and David Stone at the helm.
“Wicked” has already generated substantial buzz with its Super Bowl teaser trailer and presentations at industry events like CinemaCon. The anticipation for “Gladiator II” is equally high, with Ridley Scott’s return to the world of Roman gladiators creating significant interest.
The clash between “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” has already sparked a flurry of memes and social media buzz, reminiscent of the “Barbenheimer” craze. Fans and commentators are trying to come up with a catchy portmanteau to describe the event, with suggestions like “Wickediator” and “Gladicked” floating around. Director Jon M. Chu has shown his support for “Wickediator,” adding to the playful rivalry.
As November 22 approaches, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an interesting and monumental day at the movies. Whether you’re waving a wand or swinging a sword, there’s no denying that the battle between “Wicked” and “Gladiator II” will make for an unforgettable cinematic experience. So mark your calendars and prepare for a double feature that will have you both “Defying Gravity” and shouting “Are you not entertained?”