The highly anticipated Wicked movies are finally making their way to the big screen, with release dates, an iconic cast, and plenty of buzz surrounding this two-part adaptation. Directed by Jon M. Chu, the films feature Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in the legendary roles of Glinda and Elphaba. Here’s a complete breakdown of what we know so far!
Release Dates and Runtimes
The two-part film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical has been carefully planned for maximum impact:
- Part One: Released on November 22, 2024, with a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
- Part Two: Slated to hit theaters exactly one year later, on November 21, 2025.
In April 2022, Jon M. Chu explained the decision to split the story into two films. He shared on social media, “As we prepared this production, it became clear that trying to condense Wicked into one movie would compromise the story. With two films, we can truly explore the depth and richness of these characters and their journeys.”
Wicked Movies: The Cast and Creative Team
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo were cast as Glinda and Elphaba in November 2021. Both stars took to Instagram to share their excitement, with heartfelt photos and messages celebrating their dream roles.
- Glinda the Good Witch: Originally portrayed on Broadway by Kristin Chenoweth, this role now belongs to pop sensation Ariana Grande.
- Elphaba: First brought to life by Idina Menzel on stage, the role of the misunderstood Wicked Witch is now played by the powerhouse British actress Cynthia Erivo.
The star-studded supporting cast includes:
- Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton) as Fiyero, Elphaba’s love interest.
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, headmistress of Crage Hall.
- Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard.
- Ethan Slater as Boq, and Marissa Bode as Nessarose (Elphaba’s sister).
- Additional roles feature Bowen Yang, Kaela Settle, and more.
Wicked movies Behind the scenes, the creative team is equally impressive. Winnie Holzman, who wrote the original Broadway script, and Stephen Schwartz, the composer behind iconic songs like Defying Gravity and Popular, return to craft the screenplay and music. Marc Platt, known for producing La La Land, serves as producer, while Paul Tazewell is designing costumes.
Production Journey
Rehearsals for Wicked Part One began in August 2022, with filming kicking off in London by December of that year. However, the production faced delays due to the SAG-AFTRA strike in mid-2023. Despite these challenges, filming resumed and wrapped up by January 2024.
In a notable production choice, both Cynthia and Ariana opted to sing live during filming instead of relying on pre-recorded tracks, a bold decision praised by director Jon M. Chu.
Plot and Storyline
Based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, exploring the origins of Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship and the events that led to Elphaba’s transformation into the Wicked Witch.
The story intertwines themes of friendship, betrayal, and self-discovery as Elphaba struggles against the manipulations of The Wizard and societal prejudice. Glinda, on the other hand, faces her own challenges as a figure of public adoration.
Cynthia Erivo teased that the movies will elevate the beloved story: “It’s going to be unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. We’re adding layers of magic and depth to these characters.”
Composer Stephen Schwartz also revealed that the films will include new material, with two brand-new songs and additional sections to some existing numbers, ensuring a fresh experience for fans.
The Wicked movies promise to deliver a cinematic spectacle filled with heart, unforgettable music, and breathtaking visuals. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the release dates!
Q: Is Wicked Movies Is Available On Netflix?
A: No, the Wicked movies are not available on Netflix. These films are being produced by Universal Pictures and are slated for theatrical release. The first part, Wicked: Part One, is set for release on November 22, 2024, and the second part on November 21, 2025.
After their theatrical run, the films are likely to stream on platforms associated with Universal Pictures, such as Peacock. Netflix is not expected to have the streaming rights unless a special licensing agreement is made.
For all updates of movies, TV shows, and more, keep visiting What to Watch Category on our website NetflixPlans.com.