The highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway musical Wicked has taken both audiences and critics by storm since its release on December 31, 2023. Under the direction of Jon M. Chu, the film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, bringing to life the complex friendship between the two iconic characters from the acclaimed stage production. The cinematic version, which spans 2 hours and 40 minutes, has captivated viewers, yet it also leaves many wondering about the numerous deleted scenes the director had to cut.
At the Palm Springs International Film Festival, both lead actresses expressed their sorrow over specific scenes being left on the cutting room floor. "I love them all. They all have a cozy spot in my heart. I love the train station scene with Boq and Elphaba. That's one of my favorite lines," Ariana Grande shared, emphasizing her affection for the emotional depth of the cut scenes. Grande noted the line from Boq, saying, "Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought we were being honest," which she and her acting coach cherished as one of the film's standout moments.
Director Jon M. Chu explained why certain scenes had to be omitted, stating, "If you know there's a promise and Elphaba is a woman of her word, then you know she’s going to invite [Glinda]" to the Emerald City. He added, "It makes her smarter and...a little bit of surprise. So it was very difficult."
With the plot framing Glinda’s flashbacks, the omitted scenes only deepen the characters’ backgrounds and relationship arcs.
Among the production team was Maria-Josee Mampuya Yonda, who faced her own challenges when tasked with creating a custom wig for Erivo’s character Elphaba on tight deadlines. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Maria had just three days to create the sought-after "micro knotless braided wig" after the film’s stylists deemed the first wig too thick. Despite her years of experience, she admitted, "I would not lie, I was trembling. I was scared, I was worried... but I said I can do it."
Her hard work paid off as the wig made it onto the big screen, allowing Erivo to embody her character authentically.
Fans eagerly discussed the film on social media, especially after deleted scenes from Wicked surfaced online, including Elphaba's Promise. This scene, which reportedly establishes Elphaba's bond with Glinda, sparked outrage among fans who felt it should have remained in the theatrical release. One fan lamented, "Wow! I wish this would’ve stayed in. It would’ve made the following moments even more powerful." Many argued the deleted scene added depth to the characters' friendship, which is central to the story.
Jon M. Chu teased what to expect from the sequel, stating, “If movie one is about choices, movie two is about consequences.” He hinted at new songs and explored the evolution of the characters’ dynamic, stressing the urgency of their different paths. With the film’s soaring popularity, he emphasized how rewarding it has been to witness fans engage creatively with the material. "Whether that's dressing up and going to movie theaters... creating new lyrics, taking little bits and pieces..." Chu noted how the film has cultivated an active fan community.
Cynthia Erivo's live performance of the iconic song "Defying Gravity" during filming has been widely praised. Chu recounted how the entire crew was moved to tears by her rendition, reflecting the dedication and artistry of the cast. "She's just a powerhouse, doing every single one of those stunts and singing live," appreciated cinematographer Alice Brooks.
With Wicked now available for digital purchase and featuring additional deleted scenes, fans are thrilled to revisit the beloved musical. The film has grossed upwards of $432 million at the domestic box office, solidifying its status as the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation of all time, aligning with the anticipation for the sequel set for November 2026.
The phenomenon surrounding Wicked highlights not only the magic of Broadway, but also how its film adaptation continues to inspire new audiences and spark discussions about storytelling, character development, and the poignant themes of friendship and acceptance.