Are you ready to defy gravity? The highly anticipated Wicked movie, starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, has been enchanting fans during the holiday season with its fresh take on the beloved Broadway musical.
Based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical of the same name, Wicked reimagines the untold story of the witches of Oz, going deeper into the complex friendship between Glinda, the Good Witch, and Elphaba, the misunderstood Wicked Witch of the West. Since its debut in 2003, the musical has captivated audiences worldwide with its powerful themes of friendship, identity, and courage. Jon M. Chu’s 2024 film adaptation now brings the magic of Oz to the big screen, featuring a star-studded cast led by Grammy-winning artists Grande and Erivo.
Wicked serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, focusing on the story of Elphaba, who ultimately becomes the “Wicked Witch of the West,” and Glinda, who transforms into the “Good Witch.” Elphaba, born with green skin, is misunderstood and struggles to fit in, while Glinda, privileged and ambitious, thrives in popularity. The two meet as roommates at Shiz University in the Land of Oz, and despite their differences, they develop a friendship. However, their encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz forces them to make life-altering choices that test their bond.
The beloved Broadway musical, originally featuring Idina Menzel as Elphaba and Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda, has now been adapted into a film that promises to capture the enchantment of Oz in a new way. The Wicked movie stays true to both the musical and the novel while enhancing the experience with cinematic elements such as new and extended songs, deeper character backstories, and the addition of new characters. Advanced visual effects also bring the world of Oz to life in ways that a stage production cannot.
The movie adaptation was planned to be released in two parts: Part One on November 22, 2024, and Part Two set to release on November 26, 2025. Originally scheduled for a December 25 release, Wicked: Part One was moved to a Thanksgiving debut to avoid competing with Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King, featuring songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Sonic the Hedgehog 3.
The decision to split the movie into two parts was meant to preserve the story’s depth and allow time for full character development. Director Jon M. Chu wanted to avoid cutting songs or rushing key plotlines. The division also mirrors the musical’s natural intermission following the iconic “Defying Gravity” number, allowing Part One to end on a dramatic cliffhanger that builds anticipation for Part Two.
Fans and critics alike are buzzing with excitement throughout social media over the release of Wicked. With the well-known stars, breathtaking visuals, and fresh interpretations of the story have sparked conversation across social media and beyond. “As a lifelong fan of the musical, I couldn’t be happier with the casting,” said Jenna M., a theater enthusiast who saw the movie on December 30, 2024. “Cynthia Erivo’s voice is absolutely breathtaking, and Ariana Grande’s take on Glinda was such a pleasant surprise. They brought the characters to life in a way I didn’t expect!” exclaimed Jenna.
For others, the visuals stole the show. “The set design and costumes were stunning,” said Andrew P., a film student who also watched the movie on December 30, 2024, “You could tell the filmmakers put their heart into creating the magical world of Oz. It’s everything I hoped for and more.” Whether longtime fans or newcomers, Wicked seems to have cast its spell on audiences worldwide.
