Overview
- The sequel debuted with $150 million in the U.S. and $76 million internationally for a $226 million global weekend, surpassing the first film’s launch.
- Trade tallies cite it as the best opening ever for a Broadway stage-to-screen adaptation, placing it among 2025’s top debuts across genres.
- Coverage characterizes the film as overtly political, foregrounding propaganda, racial dynamics and immigration themes that reviewers connect to recent ICE raids and official DHS statements.
- Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo lead the cast under director Jon M. Chu, with the release arriving squarely in awards season and prompting Oscar talk for the performances.
- Despite prior cast remarks downplaying further installments, industry reporting says the commercial results are prompting reconsideration, with some outlets noting studio exploration of potential spin-offs as unconfirmed possibilities.