Universal’s Wicked and Paramount’s Gladiator II are off to a dazzling start at the box office, with combined ticket sales expected to surpass $200 million over the weekend, marking a strong kickoff to the holiday movie season.

The highly anticipated adaptation of Wicked has already garnered $19.2 million from advance screenings throughout the week. The film’s preview success includes $2.5 million from Amazon Prime-exclusive Monday showings, $5.7 million across North American theaters on Wednesday, and an additional $11 million from Thursday night previews at around 3,300 venues.

Initially projected to debut at $80 million, Wicked’s opening weekend forecasts have surged to an estimated $120 million to $140 million, with some analysts predicting even greater numbers. The musical adaptation currently holds an impressive 92% “Fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes from over 160 critics and boasts a near-perfect 99% audience satisfaction rating from verified viewers.

Industry experts are optimistic about the films’ impact on the fall box office. Shawn Robbins of Fandango noted, “Wicked and Gladiator II represent the kind of counter-programming audiences have been waiting for, setting the stage for a potentially historic holiday corridor.” With Disney’s Moana 2 slated for release next week, the Thanksgiving movie season is poised to break records.

Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar has taken the music world by storm with the unexpected release of his sixth studio album, GNX. The 12-track project dropped suddenly on Friday at 17:00 GMT via Lamar’s social media channels, sending fans into a frenzy.

The album showcases collaborations with notable artists, including R&B sensation SZA and acclaimed jazz musician Kamasi Washington. GNX follows Lamar’s critically acclaimed 2022 album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers and further solidifies his reputation as one of the most innovative voices in music.

The release comes as Lamar gears up for a landmark performance as the headliner of the Super Bowl halftime show in February, building anticipation for what promises to be a standout event.

GNX also reflects an eventful period in Lamar’s career, marked by his creative evolution and a high-profile feud with Canadian artist Drake that has fueled recent tracks.

With its surprise arrival and star-studded features, GNX is poised to dominate charts and spark widespread discussion, underscoring Kendrick Lamar’s ability to captivate audiences with every move.

Los Angeles, CA – Pamela Hayden, the voice behind the beloved The Simpsons character Milhouse Van Houten, has announced her retirement from the iconic animated series after 35 years.

Hayden, 70, has been part of the show since its debut in 1989 and has contributed to nearly 700 episodes. In a statement released on Wednesday, she said, “The time has come for me to hang up my microphone. It’s been an honor and a joy to work on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show.”

Milhouse, the bespectacled best friend of Bart Simpson, is one of the series’ most popular recurring characters. Known for his timid personality and resilience, he has become a fan favorite over the decades. Producers confirmed that the role will be recast in the coming months.

Hayden also voiced several other characters on The Simpsons, including Rod and Todd Flanders, Jimbo Jones, Janey Powell, and Sarah Wiggum.

Reflecting on her career, Hayden noted the lasting impact of her work. “People are always saying what a nerd [Milhouse] is, but one thing I love about him is he’s always getting knocked down and keeps getting up. I love the little guy. It’s a wonderful analogy for life,” she said in a video marking her departure.

Tribute from the Creator

Matt Groening, the creator of The Simpsons, paid tribute to Hayden’s contributions, saying, “Pamela gave us tons of laughs with Milhouse, the hapless kid with the biggest nose in Springfield. She made Milhouse hilarious and real, and we will miss her.”