The highly anticipated “Wicked” movie has taken theaters by storm, captivating audiences with its magical retelling of the Oz story. The film, released on November 22, 2024, has quickly become a box office hit, grossing over $100 million in its opening weekend. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical brings the land of Oz to life with stunning visuals and powerful performances.
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande lead the cast as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, delivering standout performances that have critics raving. Their on-screen chemistry and vocal talents bring depth and emotion to the iconic characters. The supporting cast, including Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, adds star power and gravitas to the production.
Critics have praised the film for its faithful adaptation of the stage musical while taking advantage of the cinematic medium. The movie’s themes of friendship, prejudice, and the nature of good and evil resonate strongly with viewers. Fans of the original musical and newcomers alike have found much to enjoy in this visually stunning and emotionally resonant film.
Must-Knows About the Wicked Movie (2024)
The Story
“Wicked: Part One” hit theaters in November 2024. It’s based on the Broadway musical and Gregory Maguire’s novel, both inspired by “The Wizard of Oz.” The movie tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, Glinda and Elphaba, and how they became the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.
The Cast
The movie features a star-studded cast:
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
- Ariana Grande as Glinda
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
- Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard
Reviews
Critics and audiences generally praised the film.
- Strong Performances: Erivo and Grande received acclaim for their vocals and acting.
- Visual Spectacle: The movie is visually stunning, with impressive sets and costumes.
- Faithful Adaptation: The film stays true to the spirit of the source material while adding its own cinematic flair.
What to Know Before You Watch
- Two-Part Movie: This is only the first part of the story. “Wicked: Part Two” is expected to be released in 2025.
- Long Runtime: The movie is over 2.5 hours long.
- Musical Numbers: Be prepared for lots of singing! The film features most of the beloved songs from the stage production.
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Budget
Bringing the Land of Oz to life on the big screen doesn’t come cheap! “Wicked” reportedly had a production budget of around $250 million. This makes it one of the most expensive film musicals ever produced. The costs likely stem from elaborate sets and costumes, extensive visual effects, and a star-studded cast. This significant investment shows the studio’s confidence in the film’s potential success.
Wicked Poster
The posters for “Wicked: Part One” capture the movie’s essence with striking visuals. You can find these posters online with a quick image search, or you might see them displayed at your local theater. The posters often feature Elphaba and Glinda in their iconic green and white dresses, set against the backdrop of the Emerald City. These images effectively convey the movie’s themes of friendship, magic, and defying expectations.
When Will it Stream?
Many fans are eager to know when they can watch “Wicked: Part One” from the comfort of their homes. As of right now, there’s no official streaming release date. However, Universal Pictures usually releases its films to the Peacock streaming service after a period of theatrical exclusivity. This means you might have to wait a few months before you can stream “Wicked” at home. Keep an eye out for announcements from Universal or Peacock about the streaming release.
Is it suitable for kids?
“Wicked” is rated PG-13 for thematic elements, some fantasy action, and partial nudity. While many children enjoy the story, parental guidance is suggested.
Wicked: From Stage to Screen
The “Wicked” movie is the latest in a long line of movie musicals. This genre has seen a resurgence in recent years, with successful adaptations like “Les Misérables,” “Into the Woods,” and “The Greatest Showman.”
Movie musicals can bring beloved stage productions to a wider audience. They also allow for creative visual storytelling that can enhance the theatrical experience. However, adapting a stage musical for the screen can be challenging. It requires careful consideration of pacing, visuals, and how to best use the cinematic medium to tell the story.
| Movie Musical | Release Year | Based On | Critical Reception |
|---|---|---|---|
| Les Misérables | 2012 | Stage musical | Generally positive |
| Into the Woods | 2014 | Stage musical | Mixed to positive |
| The Greatest Showman | 2017 | Original story | Mixed |
| West Side Story | 2021 | Stage musical | Highly positive |
| Wicked: Part One | 2024 | Stage musical | Positive |
Latest Wicked News
Here’s the latest news:
- Box Office Success: “Wicked: Part One” has been a massive box office hit, exceeding expectations and breaking records for movie musicals.1 It had the third-biggest U.S. opening weekend of 2024, raking in an estimated $114 million.2 This makes it the biggest-ever opening weekend for a film based on a Broadway musical.
- Critical Acclaim: Critics have generally given “Wicked: Part One” positive reviews, praising the performances of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the visual spectacle, and the faithful adaptation of the source material.3
- Audience Reactions: Audiences seem to be loving the movie too! Social media is filled with positive reactions, with many people calling it a “magical” and “emotional” experience.
- Cameos: Fans have been delighted by the surprise cameos from Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, the original Elphaba and Glinda from the Broadway production. They appear as the “Wiz-O-Mania” superstars in the Emerald City scene.4
- “One Short Day” Sequence: The “One Short Day” sequence, where Elphaba and Glinda arrive in the Emerald City, has been particularly praised for its vibrant visuals and choreography.
- Soundtrack: The soundtrack for “Wicked: Part One” is now available, featuring all the songs from the movie, including new arrangements and a new song written for the film.5
It seems like the “Wicked” movie has successfully captured the magic of the stage production while bringing its own unique cinematic elements to the story. With “Part Two” still to come in 2025, fans have a lot to look forward to!
Key Takeaways
- “Wicked” has become a box office sensation since its November 22, 2024 release
- Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande lead a star-studded cast with critically acclaimed performances
- The film adaptation successfully translates the beloved musical to the big screen
Wicked Movie Overview
The Wicked movie adaptation brings the beloved Broadway musical to the big screen. This highly anticipated film showcases stunning production design and cinematography while staying true to Gregory Maguire’s novel.
Success and Impact on Popular Culture
Wicked has captivated audiences since its Broadway debut in 2003. The musical’s popularity led Universal Pictures to green-light a film adaptation. The movie’s star-studded cast includes Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in lead roles.
Early reviews praise the film’s visual spectacle and performances. Critics highlight the movie’s ability to capture the magic of the stage production. The adaptation introduces Wicked to a wider audience, potentially sparking renewed interest in the source material.
Wicked’s themes of friendship and challenging societal norms resonate with viewers. The film’s success could inspire more Broadway-to-film adaptations in the future.
Synopsis and Origin of the Story
Wicked tells the untold story of Oz’s witches before Dorothy’s arrival. The plot focuses on the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch.
Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel “Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West” inspired the musical. The book reimagines L. Frank Baum’s classic “The Wizard of Oz” from a different perspective.
The film explores themes of prejudice, political corruption, and personal identity. It reveals the events that led Elphaba to become the infamous Wicked Witch. The story challenges preconceived notions about good and evil in Oz.
Meet the Stars
“Wicked” boasts an impressive cast of talented performers bringing the beloved characters to life on the big screen. From award-winning actresses to pop superstars, the film’s ensemble promises to deliver captivating performances.
Lead Cast Profiles
Cynthia Erivo takes on the role of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned witch. Erivo, known for her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence, brings depth to the complex character. Ariana Grande portrays Glinda, the bubbly and popular witch. Grande’s soaring voice and charisma make her a perfect fit for the role.
Jonathan Bailey plays Fiyero, the charming love interest caught between Elphaba and Glinda. Bailey’s theater background and recent TV success position him well for this pivotal role.
Supporting Roles and Notable Performances
Jeff Goldblum brings his unique charm to the Wizard of Oz. Michelle Yeoh takes on the role of Madame Morrible, the manipulative headmistress. Peter Dinklage portrays Doctor Dillamond, adding gravitas to the cast.
Other notable performers include Marissa Bode as Nessarose, Ethan Slater as Boq, and Bowen Yang in an undisclosed role. The film also features cameos from original Broadway stars Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, delighting longtime fans of the musical.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Wicked movie has generated significant buzz and interest. Fans and newcomers alike have many questions about the film adaptation of this beloved musical.
Who are the main characters in the Wicked movie?
Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, the green-skinned witch who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. Ariana Grande portrays Glinda, the bubbly and popular witch who befriends Elphaba. Jonathan Bailey plays Fiyero, the charming love interest.
What has been the critical reception of the Wicked film?
Critics have praised the Wicked movie. Many have highlighted the stunning visuals and strong performances by the lead actors. The film currently holds a high rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers commending its faithful adaptation of the stage musical.
When was the Wicked movie officially released?
The Wicked movie was released on November 22, 2024. This long-awaited adaptation hit theaters just before the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in the United States.
What are the differences between the Wicked movie and the original Broadway show?
The movie stays largely true to the Broadway musical. Some changes include expanded scenes and new locations not possible on stage. A few minor plot adjustments were made to better suit the film format.
Can you provide a summary of the plot of Wicked?
Wicked tells the story of two unlikely friends in the Land of Oz. Elphaba, born with green skin, is misunderstood and ostracized. She forms an unexpected bond with the popular Glinda at school. Their friendship is tested as they navigate romance, politics, and their own magical abilities.
Are there any planned sequels or follow-up films to Wicked?
Yes, a sequel is already in the works. Wicked is being released as a two-part film series. The second part is scheduled to premiere in 2025, completing the story begun in this first installment.
