These days, it seems that many of us wait for the movies we hear about to come to streaming platforms rather than seeing them in theaters. I urge you to buck this trend and treat yourself to WICKED on the big screen. Combining all of the creativity and heart of the novel and stage play, WICKED takes audiences to an even more immersive and engaging level of storytelling.
Synposis:
One of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its journey to the big screen as a spectacular cinematic event this holiday season. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 21, 2025.
Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning and Oscar®-nominated powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her green skin who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege who has yet to discover her true heart.
The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.
Source: Universal Pictures
To say that I’ve been anticipating the coming of WICKED for years is an understatement. I remember reading Gregory Maquire’s bestselling novel when it released in 1995 and being absolutely captivated by the world he created in my mind and soul. The first time I saw the Broadway musical based upon the book, I was too captivated by what I experienced to be disappointed by the ways in which the theater experience strayed from Maguire’s vision. When the film adaptation was announced in 2012, I held my breath and prayed, like others devoted to WICKED, that the movie could do justice to the story I loved so much.
I entered the theater Sunday for a screening of the film and was delighted to see Elphabas and Glindas of all ages dressed to pay tribute to their favorites. Just like we fans sorted ourselves into houses at Hogwarts, it’s pretty clear that most Wicked fans are either “Team Elphaba” or “Team Glinda”. And while I didn’t wear a pointy hat to the screening, I did don a green sweater to pay my allegiance to one of my favorite heroines. As a superfan of Idina Menzel, who originated Elphaba on Broadway, I was concerned that I would be disappointed. But I also already knew and loved Cynthia Erivo from her 2019 role in Harriet. And from the earliest moments of the film, I was delighted by both Erivo and her co-star Ariana Grande-Butera, who shines brightly as Glinda.
There is so much to love about this film. From a production perspective, Jon Chu’s love for the source material translates into a revolutionary bringing to life of the Wicked universe. Film, and especially today’s technology, enables us to go to an entirely new place in bringing the imagined to the screen. One example of this is the fantastic performance of Peter Dinklage who voices Elphaba’s favorite professor Dr. Dillamond. Dillamond is a goat in form, but in spirit he is a mentor, an activist, a scholar, and ultimately a victim of cruelty whose plight awakens Elphaba to her calling. While watching the film, I completely forgot the character was CGI. Another fine example of what film can do is the magnificent “Dancing Through Life” scene that helps all of us fall in love with Fiyero. I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen, and the choreography was every bit as captivating as the singing of one of my favorite Broadway classics.
While there are those who will find fault with WICKED, I am not one of them. I loved everything about this movie: the performances, the music, the cinematography, and the filmmakers’ devotion to a story I love. I left the theater anxious to buy tickets for opening weekend so I can go back and see it again with my husband. I suspect I’ll be seeing it several times to take in the many details that eluded me during this first look. I strongly recommend seeing WICKED on a big screen and paying extra for tickets that will give you the best sound experience possible. Of course this film is only Part 1 of a two-part production, so we have the next iteration, coming in 2025, to anticipate now.
Image credit: © Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
Like the novel by Gregory Maguire and the Broadway musical, WICKED the film will now be on my list of favorite storytelling gifts. If you love this story too, I believe you will be delighted by this moviegoing experience. If the story is new to you, I urge you to check it out. The themes of WICKED have felt relevant for years because they give us a newer, greener, perspective on the Hero’s journey. But today, in a society too often deeply divided against itself, Elphaba and Glinda have much to teach us about how we might go from loathing one another to loving each other. And that’s a story worth exploring in all of its forms.
WICKED is rated PG for some scary action, thematic material and brief suggestive material.