Wicked Part 1: Everything We Know About the Film So Far

Wicked Part 1, the highly anticipated adaptation of the Broadway musical, is hitting the theater on November 22. Starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, Wicked Part 1 is definitely one of the must-see movies this fall. Here’s everything we know so far, from casting to behind-the-scenes magic bringing Oz to life!

Get ready to head back to Oz—but this time, it’s all about the witches! Wicked Part 1, directed by Crazy Rich Asians’ Jon M. Chu, takes the beloved Broadway hit and gives it an epic big-screen glow-up. Cynthia Erivo stars as the misunderstood green-skinned Elphaba, with Ariana Grande as Glinda, her bubbly blonde counterpart, tackling the journey from classmates at Shiz University to their very different fates in Oz. Alongside big names like Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, and Peter Dinklage, this stellar cast is bound to make us rethink everything we thought we knew about the Land of Oz.

The Plot

Wicked Part 1 covers the events of the first act of the beloved Wicked musical, where we dive into the Land of Oz long before Dorothy’s arrival, focusing on the story behind the infamous Wicked Witch of the West. The plot follows Elphaba, a smart yet misunderstood young woman with green skin, as she navigates her studies at Shiz University. There, she meets Glinda, her polar opposite in charm and popularity, sparking an unlikely friendship that shifts both their paths. As Elphaba grapples with the prejudice she faces, her journey slowly leads her toward the role of the “Wicked Witch,” setting the stage for her destiny in Oz.

The Cast

Taking center stage in Wicked’s adaptation, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande step into the legendary roles of Elphaba and Glinda, forming the heart of this complex tale of ambition, friendship, and fate. Ariana Grande’s vocal range and pop flair, combined with Cynthia Erivo’s soulful intensity and commanding voice, make it possible to convey the emotional rawness and authenticity of the musical’s powerful songs in real-time. Wicked movie is capturing most of the iconic duets between Elphaba and Glinda through live-recorded and filmed performances. 

They’re joined by a powerhouse ensemble. Michelle Yeoh, acclaimed for her roles in Everything Everywhere All at Once, brings her undeniable gravitas and range to the film as Madame Morrible. Jeff Goldblum (Jurassic Park) will play as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Jonathan Bailey, a fan favorite from Bridgerton, will play as Prince Fiyero. Also Adding to the cast, Marissa Bode steps in as Elphaba’s sister, Nessarose, while Bowen Yang and Bronwyn James bring Pfannee and ShenShen, Glinda and Elphaba’s spirited classmates at Shiz University, to life.

The Crew

The crew behind Wicked brings together both Broadway veterans and Hollywood talent to adapt this beloved musical for the big screen. Director Jon M. Chu, known for his vibrant work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights, leads the project with a deep understanding of musical storytelling. The screenplay is penned by Winnie Holzman, who wrote the original Broadway script, along with Dana Fox, ensuring that the heart of the stage production carries over to film. Composer Stephen Schwartz, the genius behind Wicked’s unforgettable music, returns to oversee the score, bringing his signature songs like “Defying Gravity” and “Popular” to life in a cinematic format. 

The Fans

Since the first trailer released, it has sparked fan speculation over the two different versions of the line “You’re green.” Some believe this might hint at dual perspectives in the movie, one from Glinda’s and one from Elphaba’s, as each version carries subtle emotional differences. Which version do you prefer?

@metroentertainment First is iconic imo 🙂‍↕️ Fans have noticed that @universalpicturesuk chose a different take for @arianagrande’s “You’re green?” in the second #Wicked trailer. 💚 Which one do you prefer? 👀 📲 Follow us for popular entertainment content and more. #wickedmusical #arianagrande #ariana #arianators #eternalsunshine #youregreen #pop #music #filmtok #scene #cynthiaerivo #singing #universalpictures #trailer #discussion #fyp #foryoupage ♬ original sound – Metro Entertainment

The Wicked movie poster, a playful nod to the Broadway classic, stirred up some fan edits to make it look more like the original. One AI-generated edit covered more of Ariana Grande’s face and hid Cynthia Erivo’s eyes, which didn’t sit well with Cynthia Erivo. She posted her reaction on Instagram, calling the change “the wildest, most offensive thing” she’d seen, feeling it erased her character. Director Jon M. Chu backed her, calling her his “superhero.” While some were surprised by her reaction, it’s fair for Cynthia Erivo to be cautious and express her concerns, given the transformative phase of AI and its unpredictable impact to creatives, as Ariana Grande put it. Later, at the CFDA Awards, Cynthia Erivo laughed it off, saying, “I probably should have called my friends, but it’s fine.”

The Critics

Although there’s still about half a month until Wicked Part 1 hits theaters, Universal Pictures has already given film press an early look, and the first wave of reviews is starting to roll in. The film’s leads, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, are already earning raves, with their performances positioning them as strong contenders for Oscar season as Wicked kicks off its awards campaign.

Kristin Chenoweth, the original Broadway Glinda, caught an early screening of Wicked and shared her excitement on X. 

Katcy Stephan from Variety described Wicked as a “masterpiece” that exceeded her initial skepticism. She highlighted Ariana Grande’s portrayal of Glinda, noting her humor, flair, and hair flips that add sparkle to every scene. “Well worth the 20-year wait,” she concluded.

The Release Date

The magic of Wicked kicks off with a grand premiere at Sydney’s State Theatre on November 3, 2024, before flying into U.S. theaters on November 22. And the wait for the epic conclusion won’t be too long—Wicked Part 2 is set to soar into cinemas on November 21, 2025, wrapping up Oz’s unforgettable story just in time for the holiday season.