WICKED: For Good, the blockbuster musical sequel, recorded the second-biggest box office opening weekend of 2025, amassing £170million worldwide.
Google Trends data shows interest in the film surged ahead of its
release on November 21 before dropping sharply in the weeks that followed.
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Cinema-goers flocked to see the latest Wicked movie on its opening weekend
Searches for the film climbed steadily through October, peaking in November as hype around Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo reached its highest point.
The days just before the film’s release recorded the strongest search activity, with Google Trends showing a clear spike as fans hunted for new clips, early reviews and last-minute tickets.
But the data also reveals what happened once the spoiler-free rush was over. By the beginning of December, searches for “Wicked: For Good” had begun to fall fast.
Google searches for Wicked: For Good peaked in November, before falling sharply
The decline suggests the film’s online buzz was already settling, even though it launched during peak cinema-going season and arrived with one of the biggest fanbases in modern musical history.
Within the data, Google Trends shows that interest wasn’t just limited to the leads.
Bethany Weaver, a standout supporting cast member, saw a spike in searches immediately after release, indicating that audiences were curious about her role and keen to learn more about the rising star.
Fans flocked online to read interviews, explore her career and performance, giving Weaver her own moment in the spotlight.
The film’s soundtrack proved equally magnetic.
Searches for “Wicked songs” surged following the premiere, as viewers streamed iconic numbers, from soaring duets to emotional solos.
According to Google Trends, the soundtrack maintained high interest for several days after the release, showing that the music continued to engage fans even as searches for the film itself tapered off.
When the first Wicked movie hit UK cinemas in November 2024, its Google Trends curve showed a longer-lasting surge, with searches remaining elevated for weeks after release.
Fans showed interest in the movie’s stars – particularly lesser-known cast members
That film not only dominated box office charts in 2024, but also sparked a renewed and sustained interest in the stage musical and soundtrack.
Wicked: For Good, however, has dropped off much quicker.
While interest shot up immediately before and at the time of release, search volumes for the film itself had plunged by early December, indicating fans were moving on.
Only specific elements of the sequel, such as its soundtrack and cast members, continue to draw attention.
Where the original Wicked enjoyed a sustained afterlife, Wicked: For Good’s buzz seems to have been more short-lived.
Strong at first, the trend is declining, even as fragments of interest survive around music and memory‑making moments.
What does that say about the movie’s success? And how would a third film fare…?
