So much happened before Dorothy dropped in. Wicked, the feature-film adaptation of the musical phenomenon seen by more than 50 million fans around the world, arrives in theaters for the 2024 holiday season. The unforgettable characters and gravity-defying songs of the beloved hit The New York Times called “the defining musical of the decade” come to the big screen as the untold story of the Witches of Oz becomes the movie event that will change audiences for good.
Wicked tells the story of Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned girl who is destined to become the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the beautiful and popular blonde who will eventually become the Good Witch of the North. The two girls meet at Shiz University, where they become unlikely friends and roommates. Together, they navigate the challenges of school, friendship, and love, all while trying to find their place in the world.
The film will be directed by Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliot) and produced by Marc Platt (Into the Woods, Bridge of Spies). The screenplay is by Winnie Holzman (My So-Called Life), who also wrote the book for the three-time Tony-winning stage musical, based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire. Music and lyrics are by three-time Oscar®-winning composer/lyricist Stephen Schwartz (Godspell, Pippin). Wicked is produced on Broadway by Platt, Universal Stage Productions, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.
The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. They are joined by Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Ethan Slater as Boq, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, and Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible.
Wicked Part I is set to be released in theaters on November 27, 2024. It is the first of two films that will tell the complete story of Elphaba and Glinda. Wicked Part II is scheduled to be released in theaters on November 26, 2025.
In addition to the main characters, Wicked also features a large ensemble cast of witches, munchkins, animals, and other Ozian creatures. The film’s music is a mix of classic Broadway tunes and new songs written specifically for the film. The score is sure to be a hit with fans of the stage musical and newcomers alike.
Wicked is a story about friendship, courage, and self-acceptance. It is a tale that will resonate with audiences of all ages. The film is sure to be a box office success and a critical darling. It is the long-awaited adaptation that fans of the stage musical have been waiting for. Wicked is coming to theaters in 2024, and it is sure to be a magical experience.
