‘Wicked’ on Broadway was ripped by critics — and then became a global hit worth billions

Nobody’s shocked that “Wicked: For Good” is poised to be Queen of the Box Office this weekend.

It’s the blockbuster sequel to a best picture Oscar nominee that grossed more than $700 million worldwide.

Success was so obvious that the Munchkins wouldn’t even bother to come out, come out and sing a happy song about it.

But, 22 years since Elphaba first defied gravity onstage, what many forget is that “Wicked” the musical didn’t start off as a surefire juggernaut that was destined to gross $6 billion.

Its yellow brick road was full of hazards from the very start.

Back in 2003, during the “Wizard of Oz” riff’s tryout in San Francisco, Calif., the musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman was ripped by critics.

“Ding, dong, the witch’s prognosis is uncertain at this stage of ‘Wicked’