Overview

"Wicked" is the first part of a two-part musical adaptation based on the 2003 Broadway musical of the same name. The film tells the back story of the characters from "The Wizard of Oz" and focuses on the relationship between Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.

The movie begins with the death of the Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba. Glinda tells the Munchkins the story of their unusual friendship. Elphaba was born with green skin and magical powers, which led to ostracism and ridicule. In contrast, Galinda, as Glinda was then known, was popular and superficial. The two meet at Shiz University, where they are forced to share a room. Despite their initial dislike, they develop a close friendship.

Elphaba learns of a conspiracy to take away the rights and voices of Oz's talking animals. She places her hopes in the Wizard of Oz, whom she believes to be wise and just. Together with Glinda, she travels to the Emerald City to meet him. There, however, she realizes that the Wizard is corrupt and is behind the oppression of the animals. Disappointed and angry, Elphaba flees and is portrayed as an evil witch by Madame Morrible, the former dean of the university. Glinda stays in the Emerald City and Elphaba flies away on a broom.

The idea for "Wicked" originated back in 1995 with the novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West" by Gregory Maguire. Universal Pictures acquired the film rights, but initially opted for a musical adaptation. The musical "Wicked" premiered on Broadway in 2003 and became an international success.

The film adaptation was already planned for 2010, but production was delayed due to changes in director and the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, Jon M. Chu, known for films such as "Crazy Rich" and "In the Heights", took over as director. The leading roles were cast with Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda. The film was shot at Sky Studios in England and used elaborate sets and costumes to bring the world of Oz to life.

"Wicked" was released in November 2024 and broke numerous box office records. It achieved the biggest box office takings for a Broadway adaptation at the American box office. The film was also praised by critics, who highlighted Erivo and Grande's performances, the music and the special effects.

Cast

• Ariana GrandeGalinda / Glinda
• Cynthia ErivoElphaba
• Jeff GoldblumThe Wonderful Wizard of Oz
• Jonathan BaileyFiyero
• Michelle YeohMadame Morrible