Do Wicked and Gladiator II have what it takes to be the next Barbenheimer?

It's set to be a big weekend at the movies, with the release of Wicked starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, andGladiator II starring Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal.

Both films promise big, sweeping stories, stunning special effects, and compelling performances bystar-studded casts.But will they end up becoming the next Barbenheimer, or will one film emerge victorious from the box office wars?

Today on Commotion, critics Hoai-Tran Bui, Rad Simonpillai and Jackson Weaver join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about both Jon M. Chu's film adaptation of themusicalWicked,and Ridley Scott's sequel to his fan-favourite filmGladiatorand whether either lives up to its original source material.

You can listen to the full discussion from today's show on CBC Listen or on our podcast, Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud, available wherever you get your podcasts.

Panel produced by Jean Kim.