It’s time to try defying gravity—here’s everything we know about the movie version of Wicked
Everyone deserves a chance to fly—and to see Wicked the musical. If you haven’t had a chance to experience the Broadway sensation, you won’t have to wait much longer forever. There’s a movie version of Wicked that’s coming to theaters—and its release is even sooner than we expected.
Part of the reason we’ll be able to return to Oz so soon is because Wicked is now being split into two movies. But the first installment has also been bumped up a month earlier than planned. Originally slated for a release around Christmas, Wicked part one is now set to open in theaters nationwide on Nov. 27, 2024. According to Variety, Universal thought a Thanksgiving release would give it a better chance of success since Christmas 2024 is already stacked with Avatar 3 and a new Sonic the Hedgehog movie.
Wicked will be directed by Jon M. Chu, who announced the new release date on Twitter.
WICKED NEWS: We are deep into production on WICKED and everyday we get more and more excited to share with u the mischief we’ve been up to. So…We’ve decided to get it to you all a little earlier than planned. OUR NEW RELEASE Date is NOV 27th 2024! A little Thanksgiving treat! pic.twitter.com/6YvjA1gRDr
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) March 14, 2023
What is Wicked about?
Wicked acts as a sort of prequel to The Wizard of Oz, telling the story of how green-skinned Elphaba became the Wicked Witch of the West, long before Dorothy and pals hit the Yellow Brick Road. The original Broadway production opened in 2003, with Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth in the iconic roles of the two witches, Elphaba and Glinda. The Broadway show is well known for hit songs like “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good,” and the movie version is expected to feature at least two new songs.
Who is starring in Wicked?
The leads in the movie version have some big (pointy) shoes to fill. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are set to star as Elphaba and Glinda. Also on board: Bridgerton‘s Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard, Oscar winner(!) Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Ethan Slater as Boq.
