Fans of the beloved musical 'Wicked' are set for some exhilarating news as Universal Pictures announced the film will be available for streaming starting on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2024. This highly anticipated release allows audiences to enjoy the cinematic adaptation from the comfort of their homes, complete with offerings including deleted scenes and sing-along versions of the enchanting soundtrack.
The movie, featuring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, has captured the hearts of viewers since its theatrical debut. Following the witches’ intertwined journeys before Dorothy arrives in Oz, 'Wicked' builds upon the rich lore established by both the original Broadway musical and Gregory Maguire's iconic novel. According to Universal Pictures, "Wicked, one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, arrives on your screen as a generation-defining cinematic sensation."
These sentiments are echoed by fans eagerly awaiting the chance to watch it again, with the film already raking in $580 million at the global box office since its rollout last month. Notably, it also garnered four Golden Globe nominations, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, showcasing the film's broad acclaim and impact within the entertainment industry.
But what’s even more exciting is the exclusive content awaiting viewers. The digital release will feature three hours of additional content—delightful for the biggest enthusiasts. Features include deleted scenes, extended moments, and behind-the-scenes videos, as well as the much-anticipated sing-along version for those who can’t resist belting out their favorite songs.
You might wonder where you can stream this fantastic film. 'Wicked' will be available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Microsoft Movies & TV, allowing ample choices for fans to immerse themselves back in the land of Oz.
Physical copies of the movie won't be far behind, set to be released on February 4, 2025, on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD. Given its record-breaking opening as the biggest debut for any movie based on a Broadway show, it's clear 'Wicked' is poised to maintain its stellar status both on the big screen and at home.
The excitement even carries over to the future of the franchise, with the second installment, 'Wicked: For Good,' scheduled to hit theaters on November 21, 2025. Stephen Schwartz, the musical's composer, shared the reasoning behind splitting the film, stating, "We couldn't get it all crammed onto one movie without, we felt, really compromising the story," emphasizing the depth of the narrative which warrants more screen time for fans.
For those who have long awaited the chance to see 'Wicked' at home and engage with its magical story anew, the countdown has begun. Mark the calendar for New Year's Eve and prepare to sing along to the iconic 'Defying Gravity' and other timeless hits as this cinematic treasure makes its streaming debut!
