Overview
- The sequel opened to $226 million worldwide, including $150 million in the U.S. and $76 million internationally, setting a new record for a stage-to-screen musical debut.
- It ranks as the year’s No. 2 opening behind Minecraft and ahead of the live‑action Lilo & Stitch, despite less favorable reviews than the 2024 first film.
- Critics note an explicit immigration theme, including scenes in which animals and Munchkins face new travel permit restrictions and propaganda campaigns against Elphaba.
- CNN links the film’s themes to current enforcement actions, citing raids in cities such as Charlotte and Chicago, with more than 200 arrests reported in “Operation Charlotte’s Web.”
- A DHS official told CNN ICE targets “the worst of the worst,” while internal documents obtained by CNN indicate about 10% of migrants taken into ICE custody since October 2024 had convictions for violent or serious sexual crimes.