After 20 years of touring the world as one of theatre’s most-loved musicals, Wicked finally received the movie-musical treatment. If you’ve been on social media at all in the latter months of 2024, you’ll undoubtedly know that the film has become low-key iconic. Now, after patiently holding space for the lyrics of Defying Gravity, fans will soon be able to relive the magic at home.
Directed by Crazy Rich Asians’ Jon M. Chu, the film is led by our new favourite celebrity besties Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as the beloved Elphaba and Glinda, and if you weren’t already a musical fan, the glittery pink and green world of Oz is bound to make you try your hand at a few high notes (don’t worry, we won’t judge you).
Whether you’re planning your fifth rewatch or just want to see what all the fuss is about, keep scrolling for everything you need to know about Wicked.
What is the Wicked movie about?
Based on the stage musical of the same name, Wicked centres around The Wizard of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, also known as Elphaba Thropp and Glinda Upland.
Set many years before Dorothy’s arrival in Oz, the film reimagines the Land of Oz from the perspective of Elphaba and her unlikely friendship with Glinda.
As the duo continue to uncover new aspects of their friendship, the disparity between Glinda’s popularity and privilege and Elphaba’s ongoing struggle against prejudice becomes increasingly apparent. The film culminates in Elphaba’s transformation into the infamous Wicked Witch of the West.
Who is the cast of the Wicked movie?
In case you missed the memo, the film adaptation of Wicked is stacked with an all-star cast of Broadway legends and Hollywood stars.
Leading the Ozians as Elphaba and Glinda are The Color Purple’s Cynthia Erivo and pop princess Ariana Grande. Following the journey of the two title witches is Michelle Yeoh as Madam Morrible, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Also joining the cast as everyone’s new favourite blonde heartthrob is none other than Anthony Bridgerton himself Jonathan Bailey, who joins the film as both Elphaba and Glinda’s love interest Fiyero. Completing the main cast is Ethan Slater as Boq and Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage as Doctor Dillamond.
The screen adaptation of Wicked will also see the introduction of multiple new characters to the story. Broadway star Keala Settle portrays the character of Miss Coddle and Argylle’s Grecia De la Paz joins as Gilligan.
In an extra addition to the original narrative, the film will also see the introduction of Glinda’s father to the storyline, with The Buccaneers’ Adam James joining the cast in the new feature role.
Spoiler alert! The film adaptation also features a special cameo from the OG Elphaba and Glinda, aka Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth.
Why is the Wicked movie in two parts?
Shortly following the release of the first teaser for Wicked, fans were surprised to learn that the film adaptation will be split into two parts.
Speaking on the decision to divide the story into two instalments, Wicked creator and composer Stephen Schwartz told Collider, it was impossible to fit it all into one movie.
“We ultimately decided to do two movies because we couldn’t get it all crammed into one movie without, we felt, really compromising the story,” he said.
In good news for fans, both films were shot simultaneously, meaning that we don’t have too long to wait until we can catch the second part of the story on our screens, with the film slated for release on November 21, 2025.
Where to watch Wicked
If seeing the movie once (or five times) in cinemas wasn’t enough, you’ll soon be able to have a Wicked sing-along in the comfort of your own home.
For fans in Oz hoping ready to re-live the magic, Wicked will be available to stream in Australia from January 6, 2025, on Prime Video and Apple TV+. If you’re keen to buy or rent the film, you’ll also be treated to an additional 40 minutes of magic with extra deleted scenes and extended editions, plus a bonus sing-along version of the film.
Wicked is available to rent on Prime Video for $29.99 or to buy for $34.99. Subscribe here to Prime Video from $6.58/month with a 30-day free trial.
