Wicked (2024 film)

Wicked (2024): A Magical Journey to Oz

Imagine stepping into a world where magic, friendship, and destiny intertwine. That’s exactly what Wicked (2024) promises to deliver. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this American musical fantasy film is based on the beloved Broadway musical of the same name. The first installment covers the first act of the story, starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp and Ariana Grande-Butera as Galinda Upland.

Production began in 2022 but faced numerous delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a SAG-AFTRA strike. Despite these challenges, the film premiered at the State Theatre in Sydney on November 3, 2024, followed by its US release on November 22. The film received positive reviews and accolades, including four Golden Globe nominations and a $600 million worldwide gross.

The Story Unfolds

Dr. Dillamond announces that Animals are no longer allowed to teach at Shiz, forcing him to leave his classroom. Elphaba’s magic puts everyone except herself and Fiyero to sleep during an experiment gone wrong, allowing them to escape. Fiyero confesses that he prefers Galinda over Elphaba in the song ‘I’m Not That Girl.’ Elphaba meets the Wizard, who she discovers has no magical power and is orchestrating the persecution of Animals.

She steals the Grimmerie spellbook and flees, leaving Glinda behind. Glinda tries to stop Elphaba but is apprehended by guards. Elphaba repeats the levitation spell on a broom and escapes the Emerald City in ‘Defying Gravity.’ The students of Shiz evacuate campus, Fiyero flees on horseback, and Governor Thropp suffers a heart attack as news of Elphaba’s departure reaches Oz.

Behind the Scenes

In 2003, the Gregory Maguire novel was adapted into the Broadway musical Wicked. The production inspired long-run productions in Chicago, London, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth starred in the original Broadway production, which won three Tony Awards and ran for over 20 years.

In 2017, Stephen Schwartz stated that the film would feature new songs. However, due to production scheduling issues, the film was put on hold multiple times. Daldry left the production in 2020, and Jon M. Chu took over as director in 2021.

Principal photography was set to commence in June 2022 at the Sky Studios Elstree facilities in the United Kingdom. In July 2021, Stephen Schwartz indicated there were plans to film in Atlanta that year. As we tried to cut songs or trim characters from ‘Wicked’, we decided to make two films instead. With more space, we can tell the story of ‘Wicked’ as it was meant to be told while bringing even more depth and surprise to its journeys.

Cast and Production

Ariana Grande joined the cast as Glinda, with rehearsals starting in August and filming taking place at various locations including Ivinghoe Turf in Buckinghamshire. The film’s large-scale sets were inspired by Steven Spielberg’s Hook, featuring a paved yellow brick road, real mud, and life-size art deco-inspired train.

The song vocals were recorded live on set, and the production sound mixer Simon Hayes collaborated with Chu to achieve this. Chu cited films Pleasantville and The Truman Show as influences on Wicked’s portrayal of Oz. The film was produced under constraints set by Warner Bros., allowing it to be considered a separate work from the 1939 Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film.

Reception and Impact

The film received positive reviews, with Peter Bradshaw writing that Bailey ‘uncorks an outrageous scene-stealer’ as Fiyero. ABC News’ Peter Travers noted that his performance was a ‘display of song, dance and acting virtuosity.’ Odie Henderson called the film ‘visually unappealing,’ while Christy Lemire said that when it’s about spectacle, the prequel is thrilling.

Elle UK’s Panashe Nyadundu wrote that the film was a ‘much-needed escape’ with a powerful message of kindness, friendship, representation and acceptance. The film received several awards and nominations, including Best Film at the National Board of Review and being named one of the top 10 films of 2024 by the American Film Institute.

At the 82nd Golden Globe Awards, Wicked received four nominations: Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, Best Actress – Musical or Comedy (Erivo), Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture (Grande), and Cinematic and Box Office Achievement. It also tied with Conclave for a leading eleven nominations at the 30th Critics’ Choice Awards.

Wicked has grossed $600 million worldwide as of December 27, 2024. It made $46.47 million on its first day in the US and Canada, including $19.2 million from preview screenings. $112.5 million in US and Canada, $162.9 million worldwide, on its opening weekend. $80 million domestic gross in second weekend, over $250 million domestically. $455 million worldwide gross in third weekend. Surpassed Into the Woods (2014) and Les Misérables (2012). Highest-grossing stage musical-to-screen adaptation of all time in US and Canada.

For they don’t get it. For anyone who wants to see girl power, then go so WICKED. Onstage or in a movie theater.