Fans of Broadway and the magical world of Oz rejoice—“Wicked” is finally making its way to the big screen! Directed by Jon M. Chu and led by an all-star cast, this adaptation of the iconic Broadway musical is poised to delight audiences everywhere. But with its highly anticipated release comes plenty of questions. What’s the story? Why is it split into two parts? And why has Wicked captured hearts for decades? We’re answering all of these and more.
Whether you’re an avid lover of stage production or simply curious about the hype, here’s everything you need to know about this ambitious cinematic venture.
What Is the Storyline of Wicked?
“Wicked” serves as the untold backstory of the beloved characters from The Wizard of Oz. Adapted from Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked, the narrative primarily focuses on two figures—the ambitious yet misunderstood Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and the magnetic, golden-hearted Glinda (Ariana Grande).
The movie begins at Shiz University, where Elphaba and Glinda form an unlikely but deep friendship. However, their bond is tested after encountering the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Elphaba’s internal battle to remain true to her ideals sets her on a different (and darker) path, transforming her into the Wicked Witch of the West. Meanwhile, Glinda’s pursuit of power and popularity leads her to become the iconic Glinda the Good.
Their story explores themes of loyalty, identity, and societal expectations, offering a fresh and unique perspective on characters we thought we knew. Expect dazzling visuals, emotional depth, and some of Broadway’s greatest musical hits, including “Defying Gravity” and “Popular.”
Why Is Wicked Being Split Into Two Parts?
Adapting a timeless Broadway classic into a movie is no small feat, especially when condensing a two-and-a-half-hour stage production. Director Jon M. Chu and Universal Pictures decided to split “Wicked” into two parts to do justice to its complex narrative and rich musical numbers.
By splitting the story, the production can give individual character arcs and pivotal storylines more room to breathe. Viewers will likely appreciate the slower storytelling pace that allows key emotional moments—like Elphaba’s rise as the Wicked Witch—to take full center stage.
The choice also reflects industry trends, with other major franchises finding success by breaking their climactic stories into multiple films (Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows and The Hunger Games come to mind). “Wicked Part I” is set for release on November 22, 2024, while the follow-up is expected to arrive a year later in December 2025.
What Will Wicked Be Rated?
With its magical storytelling and family-friendly themes, Wicked is rated PG. The rating reflects the presence of some mildly intense thematic elements, a few brief instances of suggestive content, and moments of magical action.
This makes “Wicked” accessible to both younger audiences experiencing the Oz universe for the first time and older fans eager to revisit their love for the story.
What Is the Story Behind Wicked?
First debuting as a novel in 1995, Gregory Maguire’s Wicked reimagined L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard of Oz tells the story from the Wicked Witch’s perspective. It added nuance to a character long portrayed as purely evil, highlighting the societal, political, and personal experiences that led to her transformation.
The novel inspired the Broadway musical adaptation, which opened in 2003. With show-stopping performances by Idina Menzel (Elphaba) and Kristin Chenoweth (Glinda), the production garnered critical and commercial success. Its music, composed by Stephen Schwartz, has become iconic—songs like “For Good” and “The Wizard and I” have cemented Wicked as one of Broadway’s all-time greatest hits.
Fast forward to 2024, and the story remains as relevant as ever, this time leaping from the stage to the screen. Directed by Jon M. Chu (best known for Crazy Rich Asians), this cinematic adaptation commits to honoring its theatrical roots while offering fresh visual experiences for moviegoers.
What to Expect From Wicked (2024)
Bringing a beloved Broadway musical to life on the big screen requires a delicate balance of staying true to fan expectations while leveraging the power of cinema to expand upon the original. Here’s what you can look forward to in Wicked:
1. Powerhouse Cast
The casting alone has generated immense excitement. Cynthia Erivo will helm the role of Elphaba, bringing her raw vocal power and emotional depth to the character. Ariana Grande, known for her incredible vocal range, will step into the iconic role of Glinda. Supporting this duo is an impressive cast, including Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Jeff Goldblum (Wonderful Wizard of Oz), and Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible).
2. Dazzling Visuals
Jon M. Chu has a knack for creating captivating visuals. “Wicked” will combine practical sets (including nearly 9 million planted tulips for Munchkinland!) with cutting-edge CGI to create a vibrant and immersive Land of Oz.
3. Unforgettable Music
Die-hard fans of the Broadway musical will be thrilled to hear many of their favorite songs on the big screen. From “Defying Gravity” to “What Is This Feeling?”, the film will reinvigorate these classics with grander orchestration and potentially new arrangements.
4. A Tale of Friendship
At its core, Wicked is deeply rooted in friendship. Elphaba and Glinda’s evolving relationship is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, providing the emotional backbone of the narrative.
5. Expansive Storytelling
With its split into two parts, Wicked has the creative freedom to explore subplots, character development, and even new scenes that weren’t part of the stage production.
FAQs About Wicked
What Is the Storyline of “Wicked”?
“Wicked” follows the untold story of Elphaba, the green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch. It explores their unlikely friendship, their experiences at Shiz University, and the moments that set them on dramatically different paths.
What Will “Wicked” Be Rated?
The movie is rated PG. It’s designed to appeal to viewers of all ages, making it a family-friendly film.
Why Is Wicked Split Into Two Parts?
The move to split Wicked into two parts allows the filmmakers to explore its rich narrative and character arcs without sacrificing details or pacing.
What Is the Story Behind Wicked?
Wicked originated as Gregory Maguire’s novel reimagining The Wizard of Oz from the Wicked Witch’s perspective. It was adapted into a Broadway musical in 2003, where its story of friendship and empowerment found massive success.
Unleash Your Inner Witch or Wizard
“Wicked” (2024) is shaping up to be an unforgettable cinematic event that retains the essence of the Broadway classic while utilizing the full potential of film.
Whether you’re a longtime Wicked fan or someone eager to discover the untold story behind Oz’s most iconic characters, this movie promises magic, emotion, and a spectacle like no other. Mark your calendars for November 22, 2024, and get ready to defy gravity.