The Shakespearean play *Othello* has broken Broadway’s highest-grossing preview record, earning $2.8 million in eight performances at the Barrymore Theater. This surpasses *Harry Potter and the Cursed Child*’s previous mark of $2.7 million, highlighting the growing influence of Hollywood connections on stage plays. Both records are linked to film franchises or stars: *Harry Potter* drew fans from its cinematic universe, while *Othello* features A-list actors Denzel Washington (as Othello) and Jake Gyllenhaal (as Iago).
The trend reflects a merging of Broadway and Hollywood audiences. Last year’s successful *Wicked* movie adaptation showed cross-over appeal, and *Othello* further cements this shift. As film stars take center stage, plays with ties to pop culture or celebrities are increasingly attracting broader crowds, signaling a stronger partnership between theater and cinema.
Source: https://screenrant.com/othello-broadway-top-grossing-play-history-denzel-washington-jake-gyllenhaal