Wicked 2024

Movie · 160 min · English · November 3, 2024

Directed by Jon M. ChuWritten by Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox

Starring Cynthia Erivo, Karis Musongole, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater

A 2024 American musical fantasy film, Wicked (titled on-screen as Wicked: Part I) was directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. It is based on the first act of the 2003 stage musical created by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman. The musical draws inspiration from Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel, which reimagines L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its 1939 film version. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande portray Elphaba Thropp and Glinda Upland, respectively; while Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum play supporting roles. The story is set in the Land of Oz prior to events in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, focusing on the early connection between Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and her classmate Galinda, who later becomes Glinda the Good.

Universal Pictures and Marc Platt, both involved in producing the original stage show, announced the film adaptation in 2012. The project faced a lengthy development process and several delays, including those caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Chu was eventually hired to direct, with Erivo and Grande cast in 2021. To preserve the story’s integrity and deepen character development, the film was divided into two parts. Principal filming for both movies started in England in December 2022, paused in July 2023 due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, and resumed and wrapped up in January 2024.

Wicked had its premiere at the State Theatre in Sydney on November 3, 2024, followed by a U.S. release on November 22. The film was both critically acclaimed and financially successful, earning worldwide grosses on a budget. It became the highest-grossing Oz film, the highest-grossing musical adaptation, and ranked fifth among all films released in 2024. The production was recognized as a pop culture phenomenon. Wicked received ten nominations at the 97th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won two awards: Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. It also earned three National Board of Review awards, including Best Film, and was listed among the top ten films of 2024 by the American Film Institute. The sequel, Wicked: For Good, was released on November 21, 2025.