L to R: Ariana Grande is Glinda and Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba in Wicked Giles Keyte/Universal Pictures
On October 30, 2024, early reactions to the highly anticipated movie adaptation of Wicked started pouring in, with audiences and critics alike praising both the film and its leading stars. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this adaptation of the Broadway phenomenon has fans of the original stage production excited for its official release on November 21. With part one of this two-part adaptation hitting theaters soon, the film’s stars, Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, are being recognized for their dynamic performances and undeniable chemistry on screen.
Fans took to social media to express their excitement, and journalist Simon Thompson described the movie as “an oz-some spectacle that pops and enchants on the big screen.” Thompson noted that Chu’s direction brought a stunning vision to the adaptation, while Grande and Erivo’s portrayals of the iconic witches added depth and charm to the beloved characters. Thompson’s reactions echoed the sentiments of many, who saw Wicked as a cinematic accomplishment that honors the Broadway show while enhancing it for the big screen.
This film adaptation of Wicked is based on the popular 2003 Broadway musical, which tells the untold story of the witches of Oz, inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel. The story explores the lives of Glinda, the Good Witch, and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, before Dorothy’s arrival in Oz. As part of the adaptation process, screenwriter Winnie Holzman, who wrote the book for the original musical, teamed up with Dana Fox to create a screenplay that both respects and reimagines the original story. The musical’s award-winning composer, Stephen Schwartz, also returned to adapt his music for the screen, ensuring that the movie retained the essence of the beloved score.
The praise was echoed by Scott Menzel, who described Wicked as one of the most stunning musical adaptations in recent history. According to Menzel, Chu “perfectly captures the magic of the Broadway show while adding unique flourishes” that make the movie a unique experience. Grande and Erivo, he noted, “knock it out of the park,” while Jonathan Bailey’s supporting role also received high praise for its compelling portrayal.
The responses were not limited to professional critics. On social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, original Broadway Glinda Kristin Chenoweth wrote that viewers would “all be changed for good” upon the film’s release, adding to the sense of excitement and nostalgia surrounding the film. Fans who have loved the musical for over two decades have eagerly awaited a film adaptation that could live up to the magic they felt when watching the stage show, and many are now optimistic that Wicked will do just that.
Entertainment writer Erin Strecker expressed her delight with the film, writing that Wicked was the best Broadway-to-screen adaptation since Chicago and Mamma Mia!. She specifically highlighted Grande’s performance, calling it “perfection” and noting how the singer-turned-actress shined in her role as Glinda. Another social media user commented that the film had “defied gravity” and exceeded their expectations, with both Erivo and Grande delivering “stunning” performances in what they described as an “epic musical journey.” This remark was a playful reference to one of Wicked‘s most iconic songs, “Defying Gravity,” which has become a beloved anthem for fans around the world.
Several other reactions suggested that Wicked was poised to be one of the best films of the year, with many predicting awards for both technical achievements and acting. One fan predicted an Oscar nomination for Grande, praising her talent and ability to captivate viewers as Glinda. Though Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba has also received substantial acclaim, many viewers described Grande’s performance as a revelation, further fueling the excitement and anticipation for the film’s release.
Not all reactions were entirely without criticism. Film critic Drew Taylor appreciated the film’s overall execution but compared it to Disney live-action remakes that, in his opinion, sometimes overemphasize visuals and length, potentially affecting the story’s impact. However, Taylor still praised Wicked as a “solid” film with powerful performances and noted that he was already looking forward to the second installment.
Other fans highlighted the film’s emotional resonance and humor, expressing that Wicked had managed to capture the spirit of the musical while offering fresh elements that could appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers. Many are intrigued by the decision to split the adaptation into two parts, with some wondering how the filmmakers will handle the story’s pacing and whether the second film, set to release in 2025, will carry the same level of excitement and emotional impact.
The release of Wicked has also been accompanied by a surge of themed products and brand collaborations, including clothing lines, accessories, and collectible items inspired by the musical’s iconic characters. This commercial excitement has only fueled fan interest, making Wicked one of the most talked-about releases of the holiday season.
As the November 21 release date approaches, it is clear that Wicked has already succeeded in capturing the hearts of audiences and critics alike. With early reactions painting a picture of a visually stunning and emotionally powerful adaptation, fans are eagerly counting down the days until they can see Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and the rest of the cast bring the enchanting world of Oz to life on the big screen.
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