The Ultimate Guide to the Wicked Movie Phenomenon

The Ultimate Guide to the Wicked Movie Phenomenon

The Wicked movie adaptation has finally arrived, bringing the magic of Oz to the big screen in a spectacular two-part event. Wicked and its sequel, Wicked: For Good, promise to retell the beloved story of Elphaba and Glinda with a star-studded cast and breathtaking visuals. This guide covers everything you need to know, from the latest news surrounding the cast to detailed answers about the plot, characters, and music that defines this cultural touchstone.

Latest News: The Stars Shine at the Wicked: For Good Premiere

The promotional tour for Wicked: For Good has been as dazzling as the Emerald City itself. At the New York City premiere on November 17, 2025, stars Cynthia Erivo (Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (Glinda) captivated the red carpet. Erivo stunned in a custom black Balenciaga gown with a dramatic feather-trimmed cape, a clear homage to her iconic character. Grande continued her Glinda-inspired method dressing, embodying the essence of the Good Witch.

In a notable update, both lead actresses chose to skip red carpet interviews. Universal confirmed that Erivo had lost her voice, and the decision was made for both to walk the carpet together without speaking to the press. This followed a challenging promotional tour, which included a security incident in Singapore. Despite the hurdles, the cast, including Jonathan Bailey (Fiyero), Michelle Yeoh (Madame Morrible), and Jeff Goldblum (The Wizard), celebrated the film’s upcoming release, set for November 21st.

The Story of Wicked: A Deeper Look into Oz

Before Dorothy dropped in, another story unfolded in the Land of Oz—one of a talented, misunderstood girl with emerald-green skin. The plot of Wicked provides a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, exploring the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, who would become the Wicked Witch of the West, and Galinda (later Glinda the Good).

The story, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, examines how political corruption, propaganda, and societal prejudice can shape a narrative, transforming a passionate advocate for justice into a public enemy. The musical and the movie explore themes of friendship, identity, and the true meaning of being “wicked.”

Your Complete Wicked FAQ

You have questions, and we have the answers. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the most asked questions about the Wicked movie and the original Broadway production.

**The Movie Adaptation: Wicked & **Wicked: For Good

Release, Streaming, and Showtimes

• When did the Wicked movie come out? Wicked: Part One was released on November 22, 2024, and Wicked: For Good is set to be released on November 21, 2025.
• Why is the Wicked movie in two parts? Director Jon M. Chu explained that splitting the story into two films was necessary to do justice to the rich narrative and characters without cutting beloved songs or crucial plot points. The first movie ends at the musical’s Act 1 finale, “Defying Gravity.”
• How long is the Wicked movie? Wicked: Part One has a runtime of approximately 2 hours and 28 minutes. The runtime for Wicked: For Good is expected to be similar.
• Is there an intermission in the Wicked movie? No, unlike the stage musical, the film does not have an intermission.
• Where can I watch the Wicked movie? The films are released exclusively in theaters first. You can find Wicked showtimes at your local cinema, including AMC, Regal, and Cinemark.
• When will the Wicked movie be streaming? As a Universal Pictures production, the movie is expected to stream on Peacock after its theatrical run. A specific streaming release date has not been announced. It will likely be available to rent or buy on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV before it streams for free.
• How can I watch Wicked at home? After the theatrical window, you will be able to rent or purchase the film digitally or on Blu-ray/DVD. Eventually, it will be available on a streaming service like Peacock.

Cast and Characters

• Who is in the cast of the Wicked movie?
  • Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
  • Ariana Grande as Glinda
  • Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
  • Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard
  • Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
  • Ethan Slater as Boq
  • Marissa Bode as Nessarose
  • Bowen Yang as Pfannee
• Are the original Broadway cast members in the movie? While Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth do not reprise their roles, they have been incredibly supportive of the new cast and there are rumors of potential cameos.
• Who is Dorothy in the Wicked movie? Dorothy Gale is not a primary character in the first part of Wicked, as the story is a prequel. Her arrival in Oz is a pivotal event that will likely be addressed in Wicked: For Good.
• Who becomes the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Lion in Wicked? The story provides origin stories for these characters. Fiyero’s fate is tied to the Scarecrow, Boq’s to the Tin Man, and a rescued Lion cub that Elphaba frees is implied to be the Cowardly Lion.

Music and Songs

• Is the Wicked movie a musical? Yes, it is a full musical featuring the iconic songs from the Broadway show, such as “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” and “For Good.”
• Are there new songs in the Wicked movie? Yes, composer Stephen Schwartz confirmed that there are new songs written for the films.
• When does the Wicked movie soundtrack come out? The soundtrack for the first film was released alongside the movie in November 2024. The soundtrack for Wicked: For Good is expected to follow the same pattern.

The Original Broadway Musical

• When did Wicked premiere on Broadway? The musical opened on Broadway at the Gershwin Theatre on October 30, 2003.
• How long is the Wicked musical? The stage show runs for about 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
• Can I watch the original Wicked musical online? No official recording of the full Broadway production is legally available to stream. The only way to experience it is to see it live in theaters.
• How does the musical end? The musical ends with the revelation that Elphaba faked her death. She and Fiyero (as the Scarecrow) leave Oz together in secret, while Glinda mourns her friend, whom she believes is truly gone.

General Questions

• What is Wicked rated? The movie is rated PG for thematic elements and some peril. It is generally considered appropriate for older children and pre-teens.
• Is Wicked scary? The film contains some intense scenes, including flying monkeys and dramatic confrontations, but it is not a horror movie. The “scary” elements are within the context of a fantasy adventure.
• Is Wicked connected to The Wizard of Oz? Yes, it is the official prequel, telling the story of the witches and other characters before Dorothy arrived. It reimagines the villains and heroes of the original story.

Get the Look: Glinda and Elphaba Inspired Beauty

Channeling the magic of Oz doesn’t have to stop at the theater. Whether you identify with Glinda’s bubbly charm or Elphaba’s powerful defiance, you can capture their essence with the right products. For a flawless, “popular” glow worthy of Glinda, start with a radiant base using Charlotte Tilbury’s Airbrush Flawless Longwear Foundation. Add a touch of ethereal shine to your lips with Gisou’s Honey Infused Lip Oil, perfect for casting spells or singing arias.

For a look that’s more Emerald City-chic, a strong primer like e.l.f.’s Power Grip Primer ensures your makeup stays put through any defiance of gravity. To keep your complexion looking smooth and refined under any spotlight, a dusting of Hourglass® Vanish Airbrush Pressed Powder works like a charm. And for lips that speak volumes, try the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm for a hydrated, powerful pout.