The highly anticipated musical film 'Wicked,' which enjoyed a spectacular theatrical release on November 22, 2024, held its own at the Golden Globes, as stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo received nominations for their standout performances. The film chronicles the relationship between the spirited Glinda (played by Grande) and the misunderstood Elphaba (Erivo) at Shiz University, before the iconic events of 'The Wizard of Oz.'
At the Golden Globes this year, the chemistry between the two actresses continued to captivate audiences, especially when E!’s Heather McMahan brought attention to their viral interview moment. When asked about their humorous exchange surrounding fans “holding space” for the lyrics of their show-stopping number, “Defying Gravity,” Grande playfully responded, “Um four seconds ago, five seconds ago,” after McMahan jokingly asked when she last held Erivo’s nails.
Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser also joined the fun, quipping during her opening monologue, “You could really do anything, I mean, except tell the country who to vote for...But it’s okay. You’ll get them next time. If there is one.” When she humorously requested, “Ariana hold my finger,” viewers were treated to another playful interaction as Grande quickly complied, holding Erivo’s finger once again.
Adding to the excitement, both actresses were nominated for Golden Globes: Erivo for Best Performance by a Female Actor in A Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and Grande for her role as Glinda. 'Wicked' also received recognition as Best Motion Picture within the Musical or Comedy category, along with nominations for Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.
Cynthia Erivo, visibly overwhelmed by her nomination, shared her heartfelt reaction on Instagram, stating, “Now my feet are hovering off the ground, I cannot even come close to properly expressing what this moment means to me, not just because of this individual nomination, but because I get to watch as this project and my @wickedmovie family are celebrated, too.” Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba, the unconventional and often misjudged character, resonates with audiences and speaks to those who feel they do not belong.
The success of 'Wicked' is reflected not only at award shows but also at the box office, where it grossed over $580 million worldwide, marking it as one of the highest-grossing films of the year. The movie had the third highest-grossing opening weekend of 2024, following notable heavyweights 'Deadpool & Wolverine' and 'Inside Out 2.' This adaptation is the first installment of Jon M. Chu’s two-part cinematic venture pulling inspiration from the Broadway musical, which first captured audiences with its imaginative storytelling and powerful musical score back in 2003.
While currently playing exclusively in theaters, fans can look forward to future viewing options for 'Wicked.' It is anticipated to arrive on video-on-demand (VOD) platforms later this year, with streaming expected via Peacock, Universal’s own platform, sometime in 2025. For those eager to own the film, physical copies are expected to hit shelves, likely including behind-the-scenes footage and other special features, along with Blu-ray and DVD options.
The cinematic rendition of this beloved musical is drawing fans, both new and old, back to the enchanting land of Oz. For many, 'Wicked' offers not only entertainment but also stories highlighting friendship, acceptance, and defiance against societal norms. Fans can’t wait to experience these powerful messages through performances from Grande and Erivo, who are not only celebrating their successes at the Golden Globes but also their roles within the vibrant narrative of 'Wicked.'
With both stars set to reunite for 'Wicked: Part II,' scheduled to premiere on November 21, 2025, audiences anticipate continuing the magical story of these iconic characters and the built-in camaraderie they showcase.