Wicked Movie Adaptation: A Faithful yet Expanded Retelling of the Beloved Musical

The highly anticipated movie adaptation of the musical ‘Wicked,’ directed by Jon M. Chu, has finally hit theaters, and it is garnering significant attention from both musical theater enthusiasts and general audiences. Starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the film is the first part of a two-part adaptation of the stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, which is itself based on Gregory Maguire‘s novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’.

The movie stays true to the original musical while introducing several key changes to enhance the storytelling and character development. One notable addition is the detailed backstory of Elphaba’s childhood, including her strained household and her protective nature towards her wheelchair-bound sister, Nessa Rose. The film also delves deeper into Madame Morrible‘s tutoring of Elphaba, showcasing their complex relationship through several added scenes.

The film’s adaptation of key musical numbers has also been praised. For instance, the song ‘One Short Day’ is augmented with a ‘Wiz-o-mania’ show within a show, featuring cameos from original Broadway performers like Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. This addition enriches the magical atmosphere of the Emerald City and highlights the history of Oz.

Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have received widespread acclaim for their performances. Grande, in her first major musical theater role since her teenage years in ’13: The Musical,’ brings a powerful vocal presence and comedic timing to Glinda. Erivo, known for her Broadway prowess, delivers a compelling portrayal of Elphaba, capturing the complexity and emotional depth of the character.

The set design and cinematography are also standout elements, with detailed backgrounds and elaborate scenes that take full advantage of the film medium. Unlike many movie musicals, ‘Wicked’ balances song and dialogue effectively, making the nearly three-hour runtime engaging and well-paced.

While the film has been praised for its faithfulness to the original, some critics note the lack of build-up in the relationships between side characters like Fiyero, Boq, and Nessa Rose, which are crucial for the second part of the movie. However, this does not significantly detract from the overall experience, especially for those unfamiliar with the musical.

Overall, the ‘Wicked’ movie has been well-received for its vibrant visuals, powerful performances, and expanded storytelling. It sets a strong foundation for the second part, scheduled to release in November 2025, and has reignited enthusiasm among fans of the musical and newcomers alike.