After 20 years of touring the world as one of theatre’s most-loved musicals, Wicked is finally receiving a film adaptation.
First announced in 2016, the on-screen reimagining of Wicked has been a long time coming for Wizard of Oz fans and after two years of production, the film will finally premiere in cinemas across the globe in 2024.
Directed by Crazy Rich Asians’ Jon M. Chu, the cinematic epic features an all-star cast of Broadway musical icons and fan-favourite Hollywood talent, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande driving the narrative of Elphaba and Glinda.
As fans count down the days until they can belt ‘Defying Gravity’ in cinemas, keep scrolling for everything you need to know about the Wicked movie.
What is the Wicked movie about?
Based on the stage musical of the same name, Wicked centres around The Wizard of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, also known as Elphaba Thropp and Glinda Upland.
Set many years before Dorothy’s arrival in Oz, the film reimagines the Land of Oz from the perspective of Elphaba and her unlikely friendship with Glinda.
As the duo continue to uncover new aspects of their friendship, the disparity between Glinda’s popularity and privilege and Elphaba’s ongoing struggle against prejudice becomes increasingly apparent, with the film culminating in Elphaba’s transformation into the infamous Wicked Witch of the West.
Who is the cast of the Wicked movie?
Transforming the iconic stage show into film, Wicked features an all-star cast of Broadway legends and Hollywood stars.
Joining the cast as Elphaba and Glinda are The Color Purple’s Cynthia Erivo and singer Ariana Grande. Following the journey of the two title witches is Michelle Yeoh as Madam Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Ethan Slater as Boq, and Peter Dinklage as Doctor Dillamond.
The screen adaptation of Wicked will also see the introduction of multiple new characters to the story, with Broadway star Keala Settle portraying the character of Miss Coddle and Argylle’s Grecia De la Paz joining as Gilligan.
In an extra addition to the original narrative, the film will also see the introduction of Glinda’s father to the storyline, with The Buccaneers’ Adam James joining the cast in the new feature role.
Why is the Wicked movie in two parts?
Shortly following the release of the first teaser for Wicked, fans were surprised to learn that the film adaptation will be split into two parts.
Speaking on the decision to divide the story into two instalments, Wicked creator Stephen Schwartz told Collider, “We ultimately decided to do two movies because we couldn’t get it all crammed into one movie without, we felt, really compromising the story.”
Despite the film being split into two parts, Stephen revealed that filming for Wicked Part Two has almost been fully completed, with the composer explaining that work on both films had been delayed as a result of the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes.
Fortunately for fans of the Wizard of Oz-inspired musical, Wicked Part Two is slated for release exactly one year after the first film, with the official premiere date being listed as November 26, 2025.
When does the Wicked movie come out?
The first instalment of the Wicked film will be released in cinemas worldwide on November 27, 2024.
Continuing the story, Wicked Part Two will premiere in theatres one year later, with release currently slated for November 26, 2025.
Where to watch Wicked
While Wicked may not yet be available to stream online, fans eager to uncover the story of The Wizard of Oz’s most powerful witches can catch the original stage show on tour in Melbourne and Brisbane.
Click here to purchase tickets to Wicked in Melbourne
Click here to purchase tickets to Wicked in Brisbane
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