Wicked (2024): A Magical Journey into Oz
Imagine a world where magic, friendship, and the power of truth intertwine in a tale that has captivated audiences for decades. That’s exactly what Wicked (2024) delivers—a cinematic adaptation that brings to life the beloved stage musical about the Oz books. Directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, this film promises to be a spectacle of wonder and emotion.
The Cast and Storyline
At the heart of Wicked (2024) are two powerful performances: Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp and Ariana Grande-Butera as Galinda Upland. These two actresses bring depth and authenticity to their roles, making us believe in the complex friendship that forms between them. As Elphaba arrives at Shiz University, she faces ridicule from Galinda, but it’s through music and shared experiences that they forge a bond that will change both of their lives.
But this isn’t just any story about friendship; it’s a tale of magic, power, and the fight against injustice. Elphaba releases her magic, putting everyone except herself and Fiyero to sleep, and they escape campus with a frightened lion cub. This pivotal moment sets the stage for their journey into the unknown.
The Journey to Oz
Elphaba receives an invitation from the Wizard, who has heard of her powers from Morrible. Galinda accompanies her to the Emerald City, where they affirm their friendship while sightseeing. The Wizard reveals his true nature as a fraud, and Elphaba steals the Grimmerie spellbook. This act sets in motion a series of events that will test their loyalty and change their lives forever.
As Elphaba flees the Emerald City, pursued by Glinda, who tries to convince her to reconcile with Morrible and the Wizard, we see the dynamic between these characters evolve. Elphaba repeats the levitation spell on a broom and escapes, leaving Glinda behind. The students of Shiz evacuate campus, and Governor Thropp suffers a heart attack as he receives news about Elphaba’s escape.
The Making of Wicked (2024)
Principal photography began in 2022 but was interrupted by the SAG-AFTRA strike. It resumed and completed in 2024, with a premiere at the State Theatre in Sydney on November 3, 2024. The film received positive reviews, winning several awards, including Best Film at the National Board of Review.
Behind the scenes, the cast and crew worked tirelessly to bring this magical world to life. Adam James and Alice Fearn appear briefly as Galinda’s parents, while Shaun Prendergast appears as Shiz President and Cherida Strallen as the Shiz Librarian. Various West End actors make cameos, including Kerry Ellis, Luke Bayer, Georgina Onuorah, and Dianne Pilkington.
Marketing and Release
The marketing for Wicked (2024) was nothing short of spectacular. First-look pictures were released on social media, work in process footage presented at CinemaCon, and a premiere of the first trailer during Super Bowl LVIII. A featurette debuted at the NBCUniversal Upfront event on May 13, 2024, followed by an official trailer on May 15, 2024, and a Lego brickfilm version on May 29, 2024.
The film premiered in Sydney at the State Theatre on November 3, 2024. It was theatrically released by Universal Pictures on November 21-22 in Australia and the US, with various screenings taking place before its theatrical release. A sing-along version of the film was released theatrically on December 25, 2024.
Accolades and Reception
The film received pre-release projections for a successful opening weekend. Tickets went on sale October 9, 2024, with the film becoming the site’s number 2 first-day ticket pre-seller of 2024 and best PG-rated ticket pre-seller of the year. Projections ranged from $67–150 million in domestic box office sales.
By December 15, 2024, it had grossed $525 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing film based on a work set in the Land of Oz. By Christmas Day, the film grossed $392.4 million domestically, becoming the 49th highest-grossing film of all time in the US and Canada.
On Rotten Tomatoes, 88% of critics’ reviews are positive with an average rating of 7.8/10. Metacritic assigned a score of 73 out of 100 based on 63 critics, indicating ‘generally favorable’ reviews. Audiences gave the film an average grade of ‘A’ and a 92% overall positive score.
Critics praised Cynthia Erivo’s performance as Elphaba, with praise also going to Ariana Grande as Glinda, Jon Chu’s direction, performances, sets, and costumes. The film was described as ‘the most entertaining film of the year,’ ‘a musical masterpiece,’ and ‘a blast from start to finish.’
The Sequel
But Wicked (2024) isn’t just a standalone story. The sequel, Wicked: For Good, which will cover the events of the musical’s second act, is scheduled for release on November 21, 2025. In November 2024, Schwartz and Holzman said they were discussing possible future projects, but did not want to use the titles Part Three or Part Four.
From LGBTQ+ representation, to shining a light on disabilities, animal rights, female friendship, and more, Wicked (2024) not only offers escapism to a world of utter fantasy, but equally acts as a sharp reminder of how to navigate a world marred by corruption and discrimination. It’s a film that will leave you with a sense of wonder and a heart full of hope.
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This page is based on the article Wicked (2024 film) published in Wikipedia (retrieved on January 11, 2025) and was automatically summarized using artificial intelligence.
