After months of anticipation, the film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked has finally hit streaming platforms, becoming a must-watch for musical enthusiasts and fans of the original stage play. Released in theaters on November 22, 2024, and now vividly available on Peacock, this cinematic spectacle has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
The narrative of Wicked revolves around the unique friendship between Elphaba, known as the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, who will eventually become Glinda the Good. The characters, brought to life by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande respectively, navigate their complicated relationship amidst the politically charged backdrop of Oz. With supporting performances by established stars like Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Peter Dinklage, the film explores deeper themes than its predecessor, the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz.
Wicked has been highly successful not only at the box office but also critically, earning ten Oscar nominations and grossing an impressive $739.5 million worldwide. The film is being praised for its visuals and powerful performances, securing awards including Best Costume Design and Best Production Design at both the Academy Awards and the BAFTAs. It has established itself as the highest-grossing musical film adaptation of all time.
In its theatrical run, Wicked made headlines with jaw-dropping opening weekend figures—$164 million—followed by a remarkable second weekend of $118 million. This momentum continued well into its theatrical release, as it garnered more than half a billion dollars by mid-December, firmly placing it at the top of the 2024 box office charts.
As audiences were treated to the dynamic performances and music from the stage adaptation, many were eager for more. Adding to its allure, the streaming release on Peacock includes a singalong version of the film, allowing fans to enjoy the musical numbers in an interactive way. The service also provides bonus content for those who want to dive deeper into the world of Wicked.
The movie features fan-favorite songs reframed for this adaptation, including ‘Defying Gravity’ and ‘Popular,’ rehashed beautifully through Erivo and Grande’s vocals. With this streaming opportunity, many fans who may have missed the film in theaters can now experience the captivating journey of Elphaba and Glinda from the comfort of their homes.
The sequel, Wicked: For Good, is set to release on November 21, 2025, as anticipation around the storyline continues to grow. By the end of the first film, audiences are left with many questions and a desire to learn how Nessarose, Elphaba’s paraplegic sister portrayed by Marissa Bode, will evolve in the sequel, deepening the narrative as it explores her character's transformation.
Even with the pandemic delays affecting production, and the tumultuous 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, Wicked has emerged as a cinematic phenomenon, topping charts and winning awards. The film was not only popular among broad audiences but also critically acclaimed, receiving accolades from prestigious organizations like the National Board of Review, which dubbed it as the Best Picture.
Wicked's compelling storyline, filled with themes of friendship, loyalty, and social justice, resonates deeply with modern audiences, revealing how perspectives on villainy can change based on one's experiences. The mischaracterization of the Wicked Witch provides a fresh take on a classic tale, pulling emotions from the viewers and making it relatable beyond traditional fantasy.
With all its successes, Wicked encapsulates both box office triumphs and artistic recognition, making it a landmark in musical film adaptations. As fans eagerly anticipate the sequel, it is a fitting time for the original film to shine once more in the streaming realm, allowing new viewers to discover its charm while providing long-time fans another opportunity to sing along to their favorite moments. Anyone enthusiastic for colorful tales filled with captivating songs should not miss out on this production.
