By Mary Mason Ingold

Image credit: Universal Pictures.

Over Thanksgiving break, I caught the new movie Wicked, based on the popular musical. It has been one of the most anticipated movies this year and began production in 2022. 

The musical version premiered on Broadway in 2003, with stars Indina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth cast as the two main characters, Elfaba and Glinda. The story is about how Elfaba, an outcast and misunderstood witch, becomes friends with Glinda, the popular and well-liked witch. The musical tells the tale of a friendship between them as a sort of prequel to The Wizard of Oz, before they become mortal enemies.

The movie was cast in 2021, with the leads for Elfaba and Glinda going to Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. It will be split into two parts, one half being released on November 22 of this year, and the other half releasing on November 21, 2025. Production for this movie began as early as July 2022, and according to fans and sources, it felt like the movie took so long. 

Indina Menzel (left) and Kristin Chenoweth in the original Broadway production of Wicked. Photo credit: Joan Marcus on Broadway Buzz

According to Logan Kelly at Collider.com, Wicked’s “journey to the big screen was as turbulent as a farmhouse in a twister.” Producers had planned to release the movie sometime in 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic pushed back the film’s completion. In addition to losing a deadline, the project lost its director, Stephen Daldry. 

After Daldry, John Chu became the official director on Wicked. He always had a love for the show on Broadway and highly anticipated his new role. He understood the challenges the production had faced, and according to IMDB, Chu stated, “I make movies. I know how to get a movie made.” With his leadership, the Wicked project came to life and premiered under his name for all the world to see. His passion and dedication toward the story have contributed to the film’s success.

The SAG-AFTRA strike began on July 14, 2023, and actors, writers, and many other people in the entertainment industry stopped working. The events that followed the strike shut down several productions and filming locations for movies and shows, keeping the Wicked team from having further rehearsals. Nevertheless, Chu repeatedly reassured viewers that “it will not affect the film’s release date.” After multiple obstacles during the filming process, the film was finally completed after nearly two and a half years.

Since its release, Wicked has collected thousands of reviews online, both positive and negative. With ratings ranging from one to five stars, viewers have strong opinions on the highly anticipated film. IMDB user “Puggly Duckling” said the film “beautifully captures the essence of friendship, love, and the complexity of identity. It brings to life the rich tapestry of Oz in a way that feels both fresh and familiar. The cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking, with vibrant colors and stunning landscapes that transport you to a world where magic is not just an illusion but a palpable force that shapes destinies.” IMDB users “Eric Duvall-Winscher” and “MrGavinmccolgan” claimed there “were too many plot points” and it was a “prime example of style over substance… the movie feels like it’s constantly dragging its feet.” Even Nicholas Barbe from BBC stated that the songs are “weighed down by under-developed subplots and under-used supporting characters.” The mixed opinions on the film have been a significant topic of debate, so I decided to see for myself.

Grande (left) and Erivo. Photo credit: @arianagrande on Instagram.

After watching the movie, I thought it was everything I had hoped for and more. The vocals from the cast were outstanding, and there was not a single moment during the 2 hr., 40 min. film where I was bored. Anne Randall Berkeyheiser (‘25), who has seen it multiple times, stated, “It like it more and more each time I watch it.” 

Given that Grande is a striking pop star, I had my doubts about her performance. I was worried I would just see Grande performing, not Glinda. Grande’s devotion to morphing into her character was impressive, and there were times I forgot she was a celebrity. Also, Erivo continues to amaze me with her theatrical skills. She is not as famous in pop culture as she is in the Broadway industry, so it was refreshing to see her shine in this film. The bond Elphaba and Glinda have pulled at my heartstrings, and I do not typically get emotional when it comes to movies, but their relationship felt so genuine. 

In addition, the soundtrack is quite catchy. I had seen Wicked the musical, but it never resonated with me. After watching the movie, the soundtrack has been on repeat in my house over and over. My favorite songs include “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “What is This Feeling?”

Photo credit: @cynthiaerivo on Instagram.

The attention to detail when it came to costuming and set design was down to the last inch. The production designers even planted over nine million tulips for the set to appear more realistic. Some might argue there were too many plot points, but I think each scene was entertaining and played a crucial part to the larger story. The diligence the cast, crew, and directors put into this movie is evident, and in my opinion, they are deserving of all the praise.