Celebrity Fan Web – Universal has revealed impressive figures for Jon M. Chu’s Wicked, marking a major success both in theaters and at home. The musical blockbuster, a strong contender for the Oscars. Wicked has amassed $686 million globally at the box office as of Wednesday. Additionally, it earned over $70 million in premium video-on-demand (VOD) sales across the U.S. and Canada during its first week of home release.
This dual-platform achievement demonstrates how early home availability—just 30 to 40 days after a theatrical debut—does not necessarily undermine box office performance. Instead, it highlights how strategic release models can expand a film’s reach and profitability.
Universal’s PVOD Strategy Generates $1.5 Billion
In 2020, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group pioneered a game-changing agreement with leading exhibitors. Introducing a premium video-on-demand (PVOD) window that allowed audiences to access first-run movies at home much sooner than traditional timelines. The move shortened the standard theatrical exclusivity from 75–90 days to just 30–40 days. Setting a new industry standard that other studios quickly adopted.
Since its inception, PVOD has proven to be a lucrative avenue for Universal. Accounting for over $1.5 billion in consumer spending on films from Universal Pictures, Focus Features, and DreamWorks Animation. This model has been instrumental in expanding the reach of blockbuster titles. Offering audiences greater flexibility while driving additional revenue streams.
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‘Wicked’ Breaks Records with $70M in First Week of PVOD Sales, Doubling Super Mario Bros. Performance
The cinematic adaptation of Broadway’s highest-grossing musical, Wicked, launched on Premium Video on Demand (PVOD) on December 31. Alongside special sing-along screenings in theaters. The film, meanwhile, continues to shine on the big screen in both standard and sing-along formats. Providing a multi-platform experience for fans.
Consumers, furthermore, can access Wicked at home through Premium EST (digital ownership) for $30 or PVOD (digital rental) for $20, with both options including the original film and sing-along versions. The home release strategy proved immensely successful, earning over $26 million in Premium EST and PVOD sales on its first day. By the end of its first week, sales had reached a staggering $70 million, setting records for Universal.
This performance marked Wicked as Universal’s best-performing PVOD title, surpassing The Super Mario Bros. Movie, with first-day sales doubling those of the animated blockbuster. Universal’s dual-release approach, combining home accessibility with enhanced theater experiences, highlights the evolving success of its PVOD model.
‘Wicked’ Shines with Record PVOD Launch After $453M Box Office Success
Universal strategically delayed the PVOD release of Wicked to capitalize on its appeal as a New Year’s Eve family event. After an exclusive 39-day theatrical run, the film debuted on PVOD on December 31, marking a significant milestone for the studio’s distribution strategy. This timing decision followed its November 22 theatrical release, where the adaptation of Broadway’s most successful musical generated over $453 million domestically, making it a standout performer in cinemas.
The PVOD release shattered records, earning $70 million in its first week, surpassing Universal’s previous best of $44 million for The Super Mario Bros. Movie. This achievement highlights the growing success of Universal’s hybrid release model, which combines extended theatrical runs with premium home entertainment offerings.
Moreover, Wicked will enjoy a two-and-a-half-month exclusive window on PVOD before transitioning to NBCUniversal’s streaming platform, Peacock. As it heads into its eighth weekend in theaters, the film remains a top box office draw, demonstrating its enduring popularity across multiple viewing platforms.