The highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway musical “Wicked” is set to enchant audiences in 2024. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, this prequel to “The Wizard of Oz” explores the origins of the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West. Universal Pictures is bringing this beloved story to the big screen in two parts, with the first installment (Wicked Part One) scheduled for release on November 22, 2024.
Directed by Jon M. Chu, known for “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In The Heights,” the movie features a star-studded cast. Ariana Grande takes on the role of Glinda, while Cynthia Erivo portrays Elphaba. The film promises to captivate viewers with its tale of an unlikely friendship between two young witches in the land of Oz, long before Dorothy’s arrival. As excitement builds, fans eagerly await glimpses of the magical world and the iconic songs that have made “Wicked” a theatrical phenomenon.
The Details of Wicked (2024)
The highly anticipated film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical “Wicked” is set to grace the silver screen in 2024. Here’s what you need to know about this upcoming cinematic spectacle:
A Tale of Two Witches
“Wicked” serves as a prequel to “The Wizard of Oz,” offering a captivating backstory for the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. It explores their unlikely friendship, their differing perspectives on Oz’s political landscape, and the events that shaped their destinies.
Release Date
The film will be released in two parts:
- Part One: November 22, 2024
- Part Two: November 26, 2025
Cast and Crew
- Director: Jon M. Chu, known for his work on “Crazy Rich Asians” and “In the Heights.”
- Elphaba (Wicked Witch of the West): Cynthia Erivo
- Glinda: Ariana Grande
- Other Notable Cast: Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard)
Musical Numbers
The film is expected to feature beloved songs from the original Broadway production, including:
- “Defying Gravity”
- “Popular”
- “For Good”
- “The Wizard and I”
Visual Spectacle
Director Jon M. Chu is known for his visually stunning films, and “Wicked” promises to be no exception. Expect vibrant costumes, elaborate sets, and breathtaking special effects that bring the magical world of Oz to life.
Differences from the Broadway Musical
While the film will largely follow the storyline of the stage production, some changes and additions are anticipated. This might include new songs, expanded scenes, and further exploration of certain characters and themes.
Anticipation and Expectations
“Wicked” has garnered immense popularity on Broadway, captivating audiences with its compelling story, memorable music, and powerful performances. The film adaptation carries high expectations, with fans eager to see how this beloved musical translates to the big screen.
The Legacy of “Wicked”
“Wicked” has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless fans and leaving a lasting impact on the world of musical theater. Its themes of friendship, acceptance, and challenging societal norms resonate deeply with audiences of all ages.
Beyond the Movie: Experiencing “Wicked”
If you can’t wait for the film’s release, there are other ways to experience the magic of “Wicked”:
- Broadway or Touring Productions: Catch a live performance of “Wicked” on Broadway or in a city near you.
- Original Broadway Cast Recording: Listen to the original Broadway cast recording to immerse yourself in the music and story.
- Behind-the-Scenes Books and Documentaries: Explore books and documentaries about the making of “Wicked” to gain insights into its creation and impact.
The upcoming “Wicked” film promises to be a cinematic event that will enchant audiences and reimagine this beloved musical for a new generation.
Key Takeaways
- The “Wicked” movie adaptation will be released in two parts, with the first premiering in November 2024.
- Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo lead the cast as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively.
- The film explores the origin story of Oz’s witches before the events of “The Wizard of Oz.”
The Inception and Evolution of the Wicked Film Project
Universal Pictures first revealed plans for a Wicked movie adaptation in 2016. The studio initially set a release date of December 20, 2019. This timeline proved too ambitious, leading to several postponements.
A major shift occurred on April 26, 2022. Director Jon M. Chu announced that Wicked would be split into two films. This decision came after attempts to condense the story into a single movie proved unsatisfactory. Chu felt that cutting songs or trimming characters would compromise the beloved source material.
The move to a two-part format allowed for a broader canvas. It gave the filmmakers space to tell the story as intended while adding depth to the characters’ journeys. This announcement sparked mixed reactions from fans.
On February 11, 2024, producer Marc Platt addressed the two-movie decision. He explained that splitting the story prevented the need for a four-hour film or cutting songs. Platt emphasized the desire to satisfy musical fans and explore the rich world of Oz on screen.
The production team aimed to use film’s visual possibilities. They wanted to bring locations like Shiz University and the Emerald City governor’s mansion to life in detail. This approach sought to expand on the stage version’s world-building.
Release dates for both parts were set. Wicked: Part One is scheduled for November 22, 2024. The sequel will follow on November 26, 2025. These dates represent the culmination of a long development process, stretching from the initial 2016 announcement to the present.
The Plot of Wicked’s Film Adaptation
The Wicked movies follow Elphaba and Glinda’s journey at Shiz University. These unlikely friends face magical training, romance, and self-discovery in the Land of Oz. As the story unfolds, Elphaba is wrongly labeled as “wicked”. The films will show how she became the infamous Wicked Witch of the West.
Viewers will see familiar Oz characters in new light. The story explores Elphaba’s connections with other beloved figures from the classic tale. This fresh take on the Wizard of Oz world promises to reveal untold stories and hidden truths about Oz’s most misunderstood resident.
Trailers and First-Look Images for the Wicked Films
The Wicked movie adaptation has generated significant buzz with its trailers and promotional images. Universal Pictures unveiled the first full-length trailer on May 15, 2025. It showcases Elphaba and Glinda’s initial encounter, featuring a snippet of their rendition of “Popular.” The trailer also hints at “Defying Gravity” and depicts the shifting relationship between the two witches.
A second official trailer for part one dropped on September 5, 2024. It teases viewers with glimpses of the backstory before Dorothy’s arrival in Oz. This preview includes a taste of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s version of “For Good,” blended with “Defying Gravity.”
The Super Bowl 2024 aired a minute-long teaser on February 11. This brief glimpse offered fans a taste of the movie’s visual style and musical elements. It featured vibrant, soaring scenery and ambitious scene snippets, all set to the iconic “Defying Gravity.”
Universal has released several promotional posters for the first Wicked film. One notable image recreates the classic pose from the original Broadway poster, featuring Erivo and Grande.
During production in April 2023, director Jon M. Chu, Grande, and Erivo shared exclusive behind-the-scenes photos on social media. These images gave fans their first look at the two witches in costume.
On March 20, 2024, Vanity Fair published a series of exclusive images from the movie set. These photos show:
- Grande as Glinda and Erivo as Elphaba in their shared room
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero on horseback
- Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, and Bronwyn James in Shiz University uniforms
The Vanity Fair spread also featured solo shots of the lead actresses. Grande appears as Glinda in a pink gown with silver embroidery, crown, and starburst scepter. Erivo’s photo shows her fully transformed into the Wicked Witch of the West, complete with the character’s signature black outfit and pointed hat.
These trailers and images have built excitement for the film adaptation. They offer fans a glimpse of the movie’s visual style, costume design, and musical elements. The promotional materials showcase the star-studded cast and hint at key scenes from the beloved musical.
As the release date approaches, more trailers and images may be unveiled to maintain audience interest. Fans can expect additional teasers highlighting different aspects of the production, from musical numbers to special effects.
Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses of Wicked
Universal has released several featurettes offering a peek into the making of Wicked. In July 2024, a two-minute video showcased the creation of the movie’s sets. Director Jon M. Chu emphasized the goal of creating an immersive Oz experience.
The footage revealed:
- Aerial views of Emerald City and Munchkinland
- Hand-painted yellow bricks
- A real field of tulips
- A custom-built train
Ariana Grande noted the use of physical, tangible sets throughout the production.
In September 2024, Universal shared “Celebrating Wicked,” which included:
- Behind-the-scenes filming footage
- Cast and director interviews
Another featurette, “Wicked – Passion Project,” provided:
- Audition clips of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
- Commentary from Jon M. Chu
- On-set footage
These videos offer fans a glimpse into the movie’s production process. They highlight the attention to detail in creating the world of Oz and the dedication of the cast and crew.
The use of practical effects and real sets suggests a commitment to bringing the Broadway musical to life in a tangible way. This approach may help create a more authentic and engaging experience for viewers when the film releases on November 22, 2024.
When Will the Wicked Movies Hit Theaters?
The release dates for the highly anticipated Wicked movies have been set. Fans can mark their calendars for November 22, 2024, when the first part will premiere in theaters. This date is five days earlier than previously announced, giving audiences an extra weekend to enjoy the film.
The second installment of Wicked is scheduled to arrive almost exactly one year later on November 21, 2025. Both movies are strategically positioned just before the Thanksgiving holiday in the United States, likely aiming to capitalize on the holiday movie-going crowd.
These release dates are the result of several shifts in the production timeline. The filmmakers and studio have adjusted the schedule multiple times to find the optimal release window.
The November 2024 premiere puts Wicked in direct competition with other major film releases. Notably, it will face off against Gladiator II, starring Paul Mescal and Pedro Pascal. This scheduling has sparked comparisons to other high-profile movie matchups.
Universal Pictures is betting on the strong fan base and popularity of the Wicked musical to drive success at the box office. The studio has invested heavily in bringing the beloved Broadway show to the big screen.
With the release dates now firmly set, the cast and crew are working to complete the films. Fans can look forward to seeing Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo bring the story of Elphaba and Glinda to life in just over a year’s time.
When did filming wrap on the Wicked movies?
The Wicked movies finished filming in January 2024. Production began on December 7, 2022, as confirmed by stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and director Jon M. Chu on social media. The process faced a brief interruption due to the SAG-AFTRA strike in July 2023, with only 10 days of filming remaining at that point.
On January 25, 2024, Ariana Grande signaled the end of her role as Glinda with a cryptic Instagram post. The image showed Grande’s silhouette on set, captioned with lyrics from the musical’s song “For Good.” Director Chu responded to Grande’s post, expressing gratitude for her performance and hinting at the imminent completion of filming.
The following day, January 26, 2024, marked the official wrap of both Wicked movies. Chu acknowledged this milestone on social media, tagging Cynthia Erivo and asking if she was ready for the final day of shooting. Erivo’s enthusiastic reply confirmed her readiness to finish the project.
Key dates in the Wicked movies’ production timeline:
- December 7, 2022: Filming begins
- July 2023: Production pauses due to SAG-AFTRA strike
- January 25, 2024: Ariana Grande completes her scenes
- January 26, 2024: Official wrap on both movies
The completion of filming puts the Wicked movies on track for their planned release dates:
- Part One: November 22, 2024
- Part Two: November 26, 2025
With filming now complete, the post-production phase begins. This process typically involves editing, visual effects, and sound mixing to bring the magical world of Oz to life on screen.
Cast Members of the Wicked Films
Ariana Grande takes on the role of Glinda in the Wicked movies. She pursued this part for a decade, considering it her dream role. Grande’s preparation was intense, involving daily voice and acting lessons for six months. She worked hard to distance herself from her pop star image to fully embody Glinda’s character.
Cynthia Erivo portrays Elphaba, the green-skinned witch. Both Grande and Erivo announced their casting on Instagram in November 2021. Their roles received approval from original Broadway stars Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel.
Jonathan Bailey, known for Bridgerton, plays Fiyero, the love interest of both witches. A teaser revealed Bailey’s charming portrayal, complete with a British accent. The clip shows Fiyero’s interactions with both Glinda and Elphaba, hinting at the story’s central love triangle.
Michelle Yeoh, fresh from her Oscar-winning role in Everything Everywhere All At Once, takes on the part of Madame Morrible. As the headmistress of Crage Hall at Shiz University, Yeoh’s character plays a key role in the witches’ lives.
Jeff Goldblum, famous for Jurassic Park and Independence Day, steps into the shoes of the Wizard. His casting adds star power to the already impressive lineup.
Ethan Slater portrays Boq, Nessarose’s love interest. Slater, a Broadway veteran, brings musical theater experience to the role.
Marissa Bode makes her film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s younger sister. This newcomer joins the star-studded cast in a significant role.
The supporting cast includes:
- Bowen Yang as Pfannee
- Bronwyn James as ShenShen
- Keala Settle as Miss Coddle
- Colin Michael Carmichael as Professor Nikidik
- Aaron Teoh as Avaric
These actors round out the ensemble, bringing Shiz University and Oz to life on screen.
The cast reflects a mix of established stars and fresh faces. This blend aims to capture the magic of the original stage production while bringing new energy to the beloved story.
Changes from Stage to Screen in ‘Wicked’
The ‘Wicked’ film adaptation will bring new elements to the beloved Broadway musical. While staying true to the core story, the movie version aims to expand on certain aspects. The split into two parts allows for a deeper exploration of the characters and their world.
Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba, hinted at fresh takes on familiar scenes. The film may delve further into the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, showcasing their bond as sisters-in-spirit. This approach could offer viewers a more nuanced look at their relationship.
Visual effects will likely play a bigger role in the movie. The magic of Oz can be brought to life in ways not possible on stage. Fans might see more of the Emerald City or experience flying monkeys in a new light.
The adaptation may also draw inspiration from Gregory Maguire’s novel, incorporating elements that didn’t make it into the stage production. This could include more backstory for characters or expanded scenes from Oz’s history.
New Music in the Wicked Movies
The upcoming Wicked films will feature fresh musical content alongside beloved songs from the original Broadway production. Stephen Schwartz, the composer behind the acclaimed musical, has confirmed that two brand-new songs will debut in Wicked: Part 2. These additions were not arbitrarily included but rather born from the demands of the storytelling process.
The decision to create new music stemmed from the need to expand the narrative for the film adaptation. Schwartz emphasized that these songs were crafted organically to enhance the story rather than being forcefully inserted. This approach aims to strike a balance between honoring the show’s beloved elements and leveraging the unique possibilities of film as a medium.
The first Wicked movie’s soundtrack will include 11 songs:
- “No One Mourns the Wicked”
- “Dear Old Shiz”
- “The Wizard and I”
- “What Is This Feeling?”
- “Something Bad”
- “Dancing Through Life”
- “Popular”
- “I’m Not That Girl”
- “One Short Day”
- “A Sentimental Man”
- “Defying Gravity”
Fans can expect to hear familiar tunes like “Popular,” “Defying Gravity,” and “The Wizard and I” in the first installment. A teaser released on October 9, 2024, offered a glimpse of these iconic songs along with “Dancing Through Life” and “What Is This Feeling?”
Director Jon M. Chu revealed a remarkable aspect of the film’s musical production: the vocals were recorded live during filming. This challenging feat was accomplished even during complex scenes involving stunts and aerial work. Cynthia Erivo noted that Ariana Grande performed live vocals while suspended on a chandelier, showcasing the cast’s commitment to authenticity.
The decision to split the story into two films allowed for a more comprehensive adaptation of the source material. This approach provides space for new musical elements and expanded storytelling without compromising the essence of the original show. Schwartz expressed confidence that fans will appreciate the additions while still experiencing the story they’ve come to love.
As the release date approaches, anticipation builds for both the familiar melodies and the new compositions that will bring the land of Oz to life on the big screen. The blend of classic songs and fresh material promises to offer a rich musical experience for both longtime fans and newcomers to the Wicked story.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Wicked movie come out?
The first part of the Wicked movie is set to hit theaters on November 22, 2024. This date marks the beginning of a two-part film adaptation of the popular musical.
Who’s starring in the Wicked film?
Cynthia Erivo will play Elphaba, the green-skinned witch. Ariana Grande takes on the role of Glinda, the good witch. These talented performers lead the cast in bringing the beloved characters to life on screen.
Is there a second Wicked movie planned?
Yes, Wicked will be split into two films. The second part is scheduled for release on November 26, 2025, exactly one year after the first movie debuts.
What’s the source and story of Wicked?
Wicked is based on the Broadway musical of the same name, which in turn was inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel. The story serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, focusing on the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda before they become the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North.
Where can I watch Wicked online?
As of now, there’s no information about streaming platforms for Wicked. The movie will first be shown in theaters. Details about online availability will likely be announced closer to or after the theatrical release.
How can I get tickets to see Wicked early?
Information about premiere tickets or early screenings for Wicked hasn’t been released yet. Keep an eye on the movie’s official website and social media channels for updates on ticket sales and special showings as the release date gets closer.
