Wicked Movie Musical Breaks Box Office Records and Delights Audiences

The highly anticipated movie musical adaptation of Wicked has made a significant impact since its release on November 22, 2024. Directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, the film is the first part of a two-part adaptation of the beloved stage musical by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman, based on Gregory Maguire‘s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West.

The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp and Ariana Grande as Galinda Upland, with a supporting cast that includes Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum. The story follows the complex and unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Galinda, set largely before Dorothy Gale’s arrival in Oz. The movie has been praised for its performances, production design, and faithfulness to the source material, although some critics have noted issues with the runtime and cinematography.

Wicked: Part 1 has broken box office records, defying expectations with a strong opening weekend. The film has grossed $162.9 million worldwide on a $150 million budget, marking a successful start for the two-part series. The movie premiered at the State Theatre in Sydney, Australia, on November 3, 2024, and its success has been highlighted by NBC as exceeding both “gravity and box office expectations”.

The film’s ability to expand on the emotional depth of the characters has been particularly noted. For example, the Ozdust Ballroom scene, where the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda undergoes a significant shift, is described as more emotionally impactful in the movie than in the stage production. This scene allows for a more detailed exploration of the characters’ emotions and interactions, enhancing the audience’s connection to the story.

The sequel, Wicked Part Two, is scheduled to be released on November 21, 2025, continuing the story of these iconic characters and their journeys in the Land of Oz.