Both a prequel and a retelling of “The Wizard of Oz”, the film adaptation will be released in our theaters from November. Here’s what you need to know about the film adapted from the hit musical.
The first discussions around a film adaptation of Wicked date back to 2004. That is, less than a year after the launch of the musical comedy on which it was inspired. But fans had to be patient, even when the project resurfaced in 2010.
Fortunately, this time it’s (almost) there: the first images were revealed during the SuperBowl, and the release date should no longer change, except in the event of an unforeseen event at the moment. So here’s what you need to know about the film directed by Jon M. Chu.
Release date: when is Wicked released? Where will we see it?
The return to the land of Oz, on the big screen, is scheduled from November 27, 2024. In cinemas, since the feature film will be released in our theaters. But you will have noted that its title is Wicked Part 1: the adaptation has in fact been split into two, and the second part will be visible to us on December 24, 2025. Which could be a great Christmas gift.
The story: what will Wicked tell?
Think you know the story like the back of your hand? Think again ! Both a prequel and a retelling of The Wizard of Oz, Wicked takes place before and during the events of L. Frank Baum’s book (which gave birth to one of the greatest films in the history of cinema, in 1939) , following the point of view of the one who has until now been presented as the villain: the Witch of the West Elphaba.
Born with green skin, she was singled out from a young age and this continued when she joined Shiz University. Especially since her sister, Nessarose, disabled due to a birth defect, arouses more affection.
Universal Pictures Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) ready for takeoff
Galinda’s roommate, future good witch of the South who reflects a perfect image and seems to float above the ground when she walks, she discovers in her an enemy who gradually takes a liking to her, while she develops her witchcraft powers alongside Madame Morrible, director of the University.
If you have never seen Wicked (or read its novel adaptation), rest assured: this is a very brief summary, which we will conclude by talking about a decisive encounter, in more than one way with the Wizard of Oz, the dramatic crux of the plot.
Why two films?
“There is so much to explore”, says Marc Platt, producer of this adaptation. Which is not wrong, because the show lasts 2 hours 45 minutes, including intermission. “We didn’t want to arrive with a [premier montage] four hours and having to cut songs. We want to satisfy fans of the musical.”
Fidelity should therefore be required, with elements of cinematic language in addition. And the separation makes all the more sense as the musical is divided into two acts: the first which serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, while the second takes place at the same time.
We didn’t want to come up with a four-hour film and have to cut songs. We want to satisfy fans of the musical
If the same logic is respected in cinema, the first film should end with Wicked’s most iconic hit, “Defying Gravity”which we hear and glimpse a little in the teaser unveiled during the SuperBowl.
Finally, note that Wicked will have absolutely nothing to do with The Fantastic World of Oz, a prequel by Sam Raimi in 2013 which revisited, in its own way, the origin story of the two witches.
Cast: who stars in Wicked?
The adaptation being eagerly awaited by the many fans that Wicked has around the world, the production has pulled out all the stops in terms of casting: pop star Ariana Grande will be G(a)linda. And Cynthia Erivo Elphaba.
Revealed in the cinema thanks to Steve McQueen’s Widows, the latter has already proven her musical talents by participating in the musical comedies adapted from Sister Act and especially The Color Purple, which earned her a Tony Award in 2016.
Universal Pictures
Jeff Goldblum is the Wizard of Oz
Facing them, Michelle Yeoh will be Madame Morrible, director of Shiz University, and Jeff Goldblum the Wizard of Oz. Which, in terms of casting choice, is both obvious and a stroke of genius.
Seen in Broadchurch and The Bridgerton Chronicles, where he plays Anthony, Jonathan Bailey will play Fiyero, a Source of tension between some of the female characters in the story. And fans of The Greatest Showman will be happy to find Kaela Settle, the interpreter of “This Is Me”in the movie.
All under the direction of director and choreographer Jon M. Chu, to whom we owe the very beautiful numbers of Sexy Dance 3.
Why isn’t this a film to be taken lightly?
The last few years have shown us that it is now difficult to predict the success of a film in theaters. Because who would have thought, just a year ago, that Barbie and Oppenheimer would be the big winners of a summer where they would face Transformers, Mission: Impossible and Indiana Jones?
All this to say that it is still early to predict the path of Wicked at the box office. But the potential is there: launched in 2003, the musical has attracted more than 65 million spectators worldwide, and it is still performing in London and New York (Broadway), where it is the fourth most performed show in the world. ‘History.
And its success goes well beyond theaters: The Simpsons make reference to it, just like South Park and The Griffins. It is discussed in episodes of Ugly Betty or Brothers & Sisters. And several songs are covered in Glee (obviously!) or New Girl, while we can hear the title “Popular” in the soundtrack of… Welcome to Zombieland.
But that’s not all: many have noted similarities between “Let It Go”the Frozen hit (which you must have in mind by now, sorry), and “Defying Gravity”, the most iconic of Wicked. Both in the themes (including emancipation and self-affirmation) and the style of singing.
Not to mention that Idina Menzel, who performed the song in the original version of the Disney animated film, played Elphaba in the very first production of Wicked on Broadway.
A phenomenon, a real one, which will perhaps open up to a larger public in November at least.
