Wicked, directed by Jon M. Chu, has quickly made its mark on cinema since its release on November 22, 2024. Within just under a month, this adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical and Gregory Maguire’s novel has grossed over $580 million globally, setting records and delighting audiences.
Wicked is not just any theatrical adaptation; it has achieved the biggest domestic debut for any movie based on a Broadway musical. Initially raking in $164 million, it has become the talk of the town with its enchanting narrative centered around the complicated friendship of two young witches—Elphaba and Glinda. Cynthia Erivo takes on the role of the misunderstood Elphaba, famously known as the Wicked Witch of the West, whilst Ariana Grande portrays her bubbly counterpart, Glinda.
Reviews have been largely positive, with the film scoring 88% on Rotten Tomatoes along with an impressive 95% audience score. The need for such high-quality adaptation has manifested from the immense popularity of the original Broadway musical, which premiered back in 2003.
On the horizon is the impending digital streaming release, which is set for December 31, 2024. Universally acclaimed, Wicked will be available to buy or rent through major platforms such as Prime Video and Apple TV. But what can fans expect from this home release? Audiences will have access to over three hours of extra content, including behind-the-scenes featurettes, and commentary from director Jon M. Chu and the stars themselves. Cynthia Erivo remarked, "There is nowhere like home to watch Wicked," encapsulating the film's warmth and approachability.
While it continues to perform strongly at the box office, Wicked is expected to gross around $35 million over the extended five-day Christmas weekend, which could push its domestic total past the $420 million mark. It currently ranks among the top 50 highest-grossing films of all time, demonstrating its wide-ranging appeal.
One of the standout features of the digital release will be its sing-along version, providing fans with the chance to belt out their favorite tunes from the film just as they might have done when seeing it live on stage. This tie-in to theatrical traditions is palpable, bridging the gap between the stage and screen.
With its success measured not just by box office receipts but also by its cultural footprint, Wicked is quickly proving to be one of the highest-grossing movie musicals to date, ranking second after Disney's live-action Beauty and the Beast, which brought home over $500 million. The film's triumph might just be the start of what could become a major franchise, as fans eagerly await the sequel, Wicked: For Good, set to release on November 21, 2025.
The separation of Wicked's narrative across two films has sparked interest; musical composer Stephen Schwartz has noted, "Most of it has been shot. We thought no one wanted to sit for four hours and see one movie, so it got divided." This thoughtful approach seeks to maintain the integrity of the characters and story, ensuring fans enjoy the rich detail they have come to love.
To sum it up, Wicked stands as more than just another film; it has cemented its legacy as a cultural phenomenon. With its theatrical roots deeply embedded, enchanting performances, and thrilling narrative, audiences have embraced it wholeheartedly. Fans are already marking their calendars for the exciting digital release and the future sequel, making it evident there is still much more to explore within the land of Oz.
