Wicked and Gladiator II show strong box office openings but fall short of Barbenheimer's success

"Wicked" and "Gladiator II" have both opened strongly at the box office, but their initial earnings are not as high as the recent "Barbenheimer" phenomenon. "Wicked," based on the Broadway musical, has earned about $19.2 million in early previews. "Gladiator II," the sequel to the 2000 film, has made approximately $6.5 million so far. It is projected to earn between $59 million and $66 million over the opening weekend. In comparison, "Barbenheimer" had a stronger start, with "Barbie" earning $22.3 million and "Oppenheimer" $10.5 million in their previews.