The long-awaited movie adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked is set to premiere on November 22, 2024. This film, directed by Jon M. Chu, stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the green-skinned outsider who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the charming and popular “Good Witch.” Their complex friendship will be central to this adaptation, which explores untold stories of The Wizard of Oz.

The Cast and Production Details

Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande lead a cast that also includes Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero and Michelle Yeoh as the powerful Madam Morrible. Jeff Goldblum brings his unique charm to the role of the Wizard, the mysterious leader who holds sway over the land of Oz. Director Jon M. Chu has expressed excitement over the performances, describing Erivo and Grande as "born to play these roles." The cast and production team have been deeply invested in capturing the unique magic of the original musical and the original 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire.

The film will be split into two parts, allowing for a richer exploration of the story’s characters and themes. Wicked: Part Two is scheduled to release on November 21, 2025, promising a continuation of Elphaba and Glinda's journeys.

Set in the vibrant world of Oz, Wicked explores the backstory of its famous characters, showing how the labels “good” and “wicked” may not always reflect reality. The movie dives into Elphaba’s journey, including her struggles with discrimination and her growth as a powerful, misunderstood figure. Glinda’s story, by contrast, reveals her challenges with popularity and personal values. Their friendship, challenged by the political landscape of Oz and the manipulations of the Wizard, stands at the heart of the film’s message about identity, prejudice, and integrity.

Fan Reactions and Expectations

Fans of the original musical have shown high anticipation for this adaptation. Universal Pictures, which premiered early footage at CinemaCon, received strong praise, with audiences expressing excitement for the visuals, costumes, and powerful renditions of iconic songs like “Defying Gravity.” Chu’s vision brings a fresh cinematic style, with immersive visuals capturing both the whimsy and darker undertones of Oz. This approach, combined with Erivo’s and Grande’s strong vocal performances, has left fans eager for what they describe as a dream adaptation.

With its star-studded cast and the depth of its two-part structure, Wicked is expected to attract a global audience eager to revisit the untold stories of Oz. Fans can look forward to a holiday release that promises both visual spectacle and a story filled with heartfelt messages about friendship, courage, and standing up against unjust power. As the release date nears, Wicked looks ready to enchant and inspire a new generation of audiences.