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國際時事跟讀VIP Ep. L108: Wicked Sequel Dominates Global Box Office
Highlights 主題摘要
- Wicked: For Good earned $226 million globally, breaking Broadway adaptation records.
- The sequel drew 2 million more viewers than Part 1, with 83% recommending it.
- The darker film explores consequences and features two brand-new emotional songs.
Universal Pictures' gamble on splitting the beloved Broadway musical Wicked into two films has paid off spectacularly. Wicked: For Good soared to an impressive $226 million global debut, with $150 million coming from North American theaters during opening weekend. The release attracted approximately 2 million more viewers than the first film, demonstrating growing enthusiasm. Women comprised 71% of ticket buyers, and exit polls revealed that 83% would recommend the film to friends, indicating powerful word-of-mouth momentum through the holiday season.
環球影業將百老匯經典音樂劇《魔法壞女巫》分拆成兩部電影的冒險一搏獲得豐碩回報。《魔法壞女巫：第二部》全球首週票房飆升至2.26億美元，其中北美地區就貢獻1.5億美元。這次發行吸引的觀影人數比首集多出約200萬人，顯示熱情持續增長。女性觀眾佔71%，離場訪問顯示83%的人肯定會推薦親友觀看，預示強勁的口碑氣勢將在假期季持續發酵。
The sequel's triumph builds on Part 1's extraordinary foundation. Released exactly one year after the first film, which earned $758.7 million worldwide and received 10 Oscar nominations, For Good represents 2025's second biggest debut. Director Jon M. Chu's adaptation starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with IMAX screenings contributing $15.5 million domestically. The combined production cost reached approximately $300 million, making the sequel's performance essential for franchise viability and studio returns.
續集的勝利建立在首集的非凡基礎上。首集全球票房達7.587億美元並獲得10項奧斯卡提名，《第二部》在首集上映整整一年後推出，成為2025年第二大開幕票房。導演朱浩偉執導、辛西婭·艾利沃與亞莉安娜·格蘭德主演的改編作品已演變為文化現象，光是IMAX場次就為國內票房貢獻1550萬美元。總製作成本約3億美元，使續集的表現對系列電影存續與片商回收至關重要。
Unlike the upbeat first installment, Part 2 delves into significantly darker territory. Chu describes the sequel as exploring consequences rather than decisions, with Elphaba undergoing complete transformation as she accesses her rage more fully. Erivo revealed her character's scent, makeup, and presence shifted to reflect this evolution into a more formidable witch. The film features two brand-new songs, including an emotional number that Erivo teases will deeply move audiences. The climactic "For Good" sequence reportedly left both actresses emotionally drained during filming, with Grande describing the shoot as overwhelming.
不同於首集的輕快氛圍，第二部深入明顯更黑暗的領域。朱浩偉形容續集探討後果而非決定，艾法芭經歷完全轉變，更充分展現她的憤怒。艾利沃透露她角色的香氛、妝容與存在感都改變了，反映這個演化成更強大女巫的過程。電影加入兩首全新歌曲，包括一首艾利沃預告將深深打動觀眾的情感曲目。高潮段落《美好》據報導讓兩位女主角在拍攝期間情感耗竭，格蘭德形容這次拍攝令人難以承受。
The film's success arrives at a pivotal moment for theaters recovering from pandemic impacts. With domestic box office hovering around $7.5 billion, far below pre-pandemic levels exceeding $11 billion, Wicked: For Good joins upcoming releases attempting to push past the $9 billion threshold. Last year's Thanksgiving powered by Wicked, Moana 2, and Gladiator II set five-day records. Industry analysts believe the sequel establishes new benchmarks for musical adaptations while restoring confidence in theatrical releases.
這部電影的成功在戲院從疫情衝擊中復原的關鍵時刻到來。國內票房徘徊在75億美元左右，遠低於疫情前超越110億美元的水準，《第二部》與即將上映的作品試圖推動產業跨越90億美元門檻。去年感恩節檔期由《魔法壞女巫》、《海洋奇緣2》和《神鬼戰士2》帶動，創下五天紀錄。產業分析師相信續集為音樂劇改編電影樹立新標竿，同時恢復對院線發行的信心。
Keyword Drills 關鍵字
- Viability [noun, ability to succeed or be sustained]: The combined production cost reached approximately $300 million, making the sequel's performance essential for franchise viability and studio returns.
- Delve [verb, to explore or examine deeply]: Unlike the upbeat first installment, Part 2 delves into significantly darker territory.
- Formidable [adjective, inspiring respect through power or strength]: Erivo revealed her character's presence shifted to reflect this evolution into a more formidable witch.
- Climactic [adjective, forming an exciting or important conclusion]: The climactic "For Good" sequence reportedly left both actresses emotionally drained during filming.
- Threshold [noun, a level at which something begins or changes]: Wicked: For Good joins upcoming releases attempting to push past the $9 billion threshold.
Reference articles:
1. https://apnews.com/article/box-office-4531362f0723978de9b1d67faba41806
2. https://www.billboard.com/lists/wicked-for-good-part-2-details/the-release-date-2/