What a fantastic year in Cinema 2024 was! The Team – Nicholas Porteous, Amanda Gilmore, Justin Waldman, David Baldwin and Mr. Will unveil for you their best-of 2024 film lists here which you absolutely cannot miss! There are some surprises!

What were your faves? Let us know on IG and FB!

We thank you so much for your supporting all these years including 2024 and cannot wait to bring you the goods in 2025 whether it be first looks, screening pass giveaways, reviews or interviews, we will continue to be there for you!

To an epic 2025!

Team Mr. Will

It’s justice for MUFASA: THE LION KING which climbs to the summit position in its second week out for Disney, taking $37 million from 4,100 theatres. This brings its run domestically so far to $111.4 million.

In second is SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 with a great $38 million from 3,769 theatres for Paramount Pictures, a run of $137.5 million over two weeks.

Third is gothic Horror NOSFERATU debuting with a stellar $21.1 million from 2,992 theatres for Focus Features/Universal Pictures. This latest effort from Robert Eggers gets 86% on the Tomatometer.

WICKED takes fourth with $19.4 million, a tally of $424.6 million for Universal Pictures over just six weekends.

Rounding out our Christmas Box Office is MOANA 2 with $18.3 million, a total $394 for Disney over five weekends.

SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 3 opens with a stellar $70.5 million from 3,761 theatres for Paramount Pictures pre-Christmas weekend. The Series’ best opening belongs to 2022’s SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2 with $72.1 million. This installment gets 85% on the Tomatometer.

MUFASA: THE LION KING debuts in second with $38 million from 4,100 theatres for Disney. By contrast, its 2019 predecessor debuted with $191 million. The origins story gets 57% on the Tomatometer.

MOANA 2 gets third $16 million from 3,600 theatres in its fifth weekend, totalling $360 million domestically, for Disney.

Fourth goes to WICKED with $14 million from 3,296 theatres, a total run of $384 million for Universal Pictures.

Angel Studios’ HOMESTEAD gets $5.5 million in its debut from 1,886 theatres. This gets 40% on the Tomatometer.

MOANA 2 continues its reign taking the lead a third straight weekend with $26 million from 4,000 theatres for Disney. This takes its run to $336.9 million already domestically.

WICKED continues to performing exceedingly well in second with $20.5 million, bringing it to $357 million in its fourth weekend for Universal Pictures.

KRAVEN THE HUNTER debuts with $13 million from 3,211 theatres for Sony Pictures. Critics didn’t love this, giving it 15% on the Tomatometer.

GLADIATOR II gets $7.6 million, taking it to $145.7 million over four weekends for Paramount Pictures.

Fifth goes to THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE WAR OF ROHIRRIM, taking $5 million in its debut from 2,602 theatres for Warner Bros.

A very stellar second frame for MOANA 2, taking $55 million this weekend from 4,200 theatres, which is the highest post-U.S. Thanksgiving weekend ever. High was previously held by FROZEN 2 with $35 million in 2019. It surpasses $300 million already domestically for Disney.

WICKED continues to thrive with $31.7 million from 3,885 theatres for Universal Pictures, also surpassing the $300 million mark already in three weeks.

Third up is GLADIATOR II with $12.3 million from 3,450 theatres, taking it to a run of $132.5 million for Paramount Pictures in its third weekend.

Fourth is PUSHPA 2 – THE RULE with $5.6 million for Prathyangira Cinemas.

Rounding things out is RED ONE with $5.5 million from 3,150 theatres for Warner Bros. A run of $84.2 million domestically over four weekends.

It’s a great time for the Box Office right now Black Friday weekend as ticket sales are soaring! Taking top spot is MOANA 2, poised to take $116 million this three-day weekend alone for Disney. It gets a passing 65% on the Tomatometer, meaning Dwayne Johnson has topped the Box Office twice this month already, the other release being RED ONE. By contrast, the first Moana film opened with $56 million in 2016.

Second spot goes to WICKED with a stellar $68.2 million for Universal Pictures. Over two weeks, it has grossed $250 million already domestically!

Third is GLADIATOR 2 with $32 million, bringing it to $112 million in its second weekend for Paramount Pictures.

In fourth we have RED ONE with $21 million for Amazon Studios/MGM/Warner Bros. This takes it to $78 million in its third weekend out, and a second film for Dwayne Johnson in the Top Five.

Rounding things out is THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER with $4 million for Lionsgate/Cineplex Pictures, totalling $32 million over four weekends.

A huge weekend at the Box Office as we head into U.S. Thanksgiving later this week! WICKED defies gravity at #1 with a stellar $117 million debut from 3,888 theatres for Universal Pictures. Not only this, this musical adaption gets a superb 90% on the Tomatometer. The Film was made for $145 million and is well on its way to recouping that quick.

GLADIATOR II also has a fantastic opening with $60 million from 3,573 theatres for Paramount Pictures. It gets a 71% on the Tomatometer. Its 2000 predecessory opened strong also with $34.8 million. This “GLICKED” one-two finish very much echoes last Summer’s BARBENHEIMER (Barbie and Oppenheimer) phenomenon, where a female-centric and a male-centric film went head to head in release, and filmgoers rooted for both as a duo/double feature.

Third goes to RED ONE with $13 million from 4,032 theatres for Amazon/MGM/Warner Bros. Over two weekends it has grossed $52.6 million domestically.

In fourth is historical drama BONHOEFFER: PASTOR. SPY. ASSASSIN. with $4.6 million from 1,900 theatres for Angel Studios. It gets a 51% on the Tomatometer.

Rounding-out the Top Five is VENOM: THE LAST DANCE with $4 million, a total five week run of $133.8 million for Sony Pictures.

Today we get a new Featurette for WICKED which hones-in on the talented Cast singing live on-set during filming. Universal Pictures Canada release November 22, 2024.

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.

Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.

Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

Genre: Musical Event

Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle and Peter Dinklage

Director: Jon M. Chu

Written by: Winnie Holzman

Based on the musical Wicked, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman, from the novel by Gregory Maguire

Producers: Marc Platt, David Stone

Executive Producers: David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz, Jared LeBoff

Starbucks fans and Ozians are in for a fantastical experience, as Starbucks is partnering with
Universal Pictures to celebrate the new cinematic event, Wicked. Through this partnership, the
film’s themes of connection, belonging and joy come to life through exclusive Starbucks beverages
and merchandise.

On Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 Starbucks customers in the U.S., Canada and select international markets
can experience the magic of the collaboration inspired by Oz and its beloved characters and
places, including the Emerald City. With new beverages, merchandise and more, Starbucks and
Wicked fans have much to look forward to, because of course, pink goes good with green.

Wicked, arriving in theaters this holiday season, on November 22, is the untold story of the witches
of Oz. The film centers on Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green
skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by
privilege, who has yet to discover her true heart. As they forge an unlikely friendship, their
extraordinary adventures will see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked
Witch of the West. Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked
Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 21, 2025.

Wickedly Delicious Drinks

Flying into Starbucks stores for a limited time are two new handcrafted beverages inspired by Oz’s
iconic duo, Glinda and Elphaba. Both pictured above in banner.

Glinda’s Pink Potion

This fantabulous creation features a Mango Dragonfruit Starbucks Refreshers® Beverage hand-
shaken with creamy coconut milk, ice and a scoop of real, freeze-dried dragonfruit. Topped with

silky-smooth nondairy strawberry cold foam, the drink is finished with an Oz-dusting of magic
colourful candy sprinkles.

“When dreaming up this beverage, we were inspired by Glinda’s bright character and of course her
iconic association with all things pink,” said Natalia Vasquez, Starbucks beverage developer. “This
colorful beverage is topped with a nondairy cold foam infused with strawberry puree to add even
more pops of pink, along with colorful candy sprinkles for a drink that is as vibrant as Glinda
herself.”

Elphaba’s Cold Brew

This thrillifying creation features Starbucks Cold Brew, a custom blend of beans grown to steep long
and cold, handcrafted in small batches daily, for a super-smooth flavor. The Cold Brew is
sweetened with peppermint-flavored syrup, topped with silky-smooth nondairy matcha cold foam
and colorful green candy sprinkles for an Oz-dusting of magic.

“We were inspired by Elphaba’s bold energy and stunning green skin when creating this recipe,” said
Rosalyn Batingan, Starbucks beverage developer. “Our signature cold brew gets an unexpected
twist of peppermint topped with a nondairy matcha cold foam for a touch of Elphaba’s famous
green, finished with colourful candy sprinkles.”

For Your Dearest & Darlingest

Starting November 7, look to the Western Sky for new Wicked-inspired drinkware and Starbucks
Cards in select Starbucks stores. With Starbucks Cards straight from Oz and a variety of tumblers
and cold cups glistening in vibrant shades of green, pink and gold to choose from, Starbucks and
Wicked fans will be ready to defy gravity.

Starbucks Wicked-inspired beverages and merchandise are available for a limited time, while
supplies last.

Universal Pictures Canada’s Wicked arrives in theaters November 22, 2024.

Universal Pictures Canada x Mr. Will are delighted to send some lucky Readers off to see WICKED! Like you, we’ve been waiting forever for this!

Advance screenings will be held Monday, November 18 at 7 pm in:

· Toronto: Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas and VIP

· Montreal (ENGLISH SCREENING): Cinema Cineplex Forum

· Laval (FRENCH SCREENING): Cinema Cineplex Laval

. Vancouver: Scotiabank Theatre

Synopsis:

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this holiday season. 

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. 

The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda’s unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba’s determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West. 

The film also stars Oscar^® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond. 

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.

Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar^® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff. 

Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar^® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.

Genre: Musical Event

Cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle and Peter Dinklage

Director: Jon M. Chu

Written by: Winnie Holzman

Based on the musical Wicked, music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, book by Winnie Holzman, from the novel by Gregory Maguire           

Producers: Marc Platt, David Stone 

Executive Producers: David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz, Jared LeBoff

To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Please in the comments indicate your City and tag a friend you’ll take with you. Enter as many times as you wish. And you can enter on our IG and X accounts also!

Rules and regulations here.

Universal Pictures Canada release WICKED in theatres Friday, November 22, 2024.

(Photo/video credit: Universal Pictures Canada)