For almost two decades, Wicked has amazed audiences of all ages worldwide with its unforgettable story, catchy songs, and powerful messages of friendship and identity. Now, this beloved Broadway musical found its way to the big screen in a two-part movie series, and the loyal fanbase, both young and old, raves about Jon M. Chu’s movie adaptation.
Based on Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, this musical has taken on a life of its own since its first appearance on the stage in 2003. The show reimagines the story of The Wizard of Oz, told through the eyes of Elphaba, the “Wicked Witch of the West,” and Glinda, the “Good Witch,” exploring themes of friendship, power, and what it means to be truly good or evil.
The casting for the movie has already generated buzz among fans of this Broadway show. The versatile Cynthia Erivo will play the role of Elphaba, whose powerful voice and acting prowess have seen her receive critical acclaim across film and theater. Erivo’s portrayal of the misunderstood and ambitious witch is sure to bring depth and complexity to the character, who was originally made famous by Idina Menzel on Broadway. Opposite her, as Glinda, the well-intentioned and of course, popular Good Witch will be the international pop sensation Ariana Grande. With her incredible vocal range and charm, Grande is known to be quite thrilled to step into the shoes of Glinda, who brings both comic relief and emotional depth into this story. It also stars Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero in the star-studded ensemble.
While the film will remain true to the musical in all its core elements, there are some changes fans will notice, especially in terms of setting and storytelling. Director Jon M. Chu, working on such films as In the Heights and Crazy Rich Asians, has promised “a visual feast”. He planned a spectacle of bringing Oz magic into a new and exciting life. Those who haven’t seen the film yet should expect dazzling costumes, intricate landscapes, and plenty of special effects that immerse viewers in this beautiful world. It also sets the film to be split into two parts, where the first will be in theaters in November 2024, to be followed by the second in 2025. With this decision, more elaborate narration of the characters and the complex relationships between them becomes central in the storyline. Given the sprawling nature of the Wicked narrative, this divide will give way to more room for the characters’ arcs to develop, especially the nuanced friendship between Elphaba and Glinda.
Wicked has always resonated with audiences because of its universal themes, which include identity, acceptance, and the complexity of moral choices. Elphaba’s story, from Outcast to Wicked Witch, is a powerful reminder that people are often misunderstood or judged based on things that make them different. Glinda, on the other hand, grapples with her values and what she must give up in order to achieve her dreams. Each of these characters teaches an important lesson about friendship, loyalty, and the struggle to do what is right, even when the world sees you as a villain. For many high schoolers, Wicked isn’t just a show, it’s an experience that shows the struggles of adolescence. The characters’ struggles to fit in, be themselves, and navigate complex relationships are universal to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or had to choose between friendship and ambition.
Excitement is as much among longtime fans of this musical as it is amongst new generations who may only hear the Wicked magic for the very first time. The magical world that is Oz and the brilliant Erivo and Grande will appeal to each of various age groups. For all of us who have ever belted out “Defying Gravity” in our cars or have been “holding space” after viewing the many TikToks made about the Wicked movie, this film promises to bring our beloved characters to life in a whole new way. To the high school students and theater lovers, the movie Wicked will be both nostalgic and newly exciting. Whether one has been a long-ago fan or has just heard about the show, this new movie adaptation is a magical ride!
