The story of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz has been adapted many times since it was first published. The 1939 film starring Judy Garland is the most famous, but there have been numerous movies, TV shows, and stage plays based on L. Frank Baum’s classic tale.
One notable stage adaptation is The Wiz, a soul-inspired musical that rivals the quality of the 1939 film. However, a more recent adaptation has captured global attention.
Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, offers a fresh twist on the classic Oz story. Instead of following Dorothy from Kansas, it goes into the backstory of the Wicked Witch of the West.
The musical was a huge hit, winning three Tony Awards. Fans have long awaited a movie adaptation, and now, Wicked: Part One is finally in the works.
The film, set to release soon, boasts a talented director and a cast of top actors and musicians. Despite being over a year away, Wicked: Part One is already generating buzz as one of the most anticipated films of 2024. Read on to learn more about the cast, crew, release date, and other details about this exciting return to the world of Oz.
Release Date
Wicked: Part One was originally planned to come out on December 25, 2024. However, it’s now hitting theaters earlier on November 27, 2024. This means fans can enjoy the musical over Thanksgiving. The movie will premiere just a week after Ridley Scott’s Gladiator 2.
Trailer
The first sneak peek of Wicked came out on February 11, 2024, during Super Bowl LVIII. While it wasn’t a full trailer, it offered a preview of what to expect from the movie. More footage was revealed at Universal’s 2024 CinemaCon panel. Collider’s Britta DeVore was there and shared details about the clip.
The new footage expanded on the relationship between Elphaba (played by Erivo) and Glinda (played by Grande). It showed key moments like Elphaba receiving her hat and her transformation into the Wicked Witch. The clip also featured magic, hints of green and pink, and introduced Peter Dinklfage as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.
Plot
Wicked follows a storyline similar to the original Wizard of Oz but with its unique twists. If you’re not familiar with the story, here’s a quick overview without giving away major spoilers.
The Wicked Witch of the West is named Elphaba in this version, a nod to the original Oz author, L. Frank Baum. She’s born with green skin, which makes her stand out in a world full of talking animals and magical plants. Despite this, she faces challenges growing up.
Later, Elphaba goes to Shiz University, where she meets Glinda the Good Witch, her cheerful rival. She also encounters Prince Fiyero, a conceited love interest, and the powerful Wizard of Oz. These characters influence Elphaba’s journey, shaping her into the villain she becomes, but in unexpected ways.