The Magical World of Wicked: A Review
A New Chapter Unfolds
Wicked, the film adaptation of the popular Broadway musical created by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, brings the enchanting world of Oz to life with meticulous detail and magic. With a plethora of songs that couldn’t all be included, viewers may notice the title “Part 1” on the screen or a “To be continued” message at the end of the film. Producer Marc Platt explains, “We have crafted this story to span two films. The first delves into how Elphaba becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, while the second explores how her best friend Glinda truly becomes good.” No songs or characters have been cut, and no scenes deleted. The goal is to capture the essence of the beloved theatrical production and take audiences beyond their imagination to an epic universe where monkeys fly, witches ride brooms, and magicians exist. The release date for the second part is set for November 21, 2025.
A Thought-Provoking Experience
Ariana Grande reflects, “This musical pushes us to question ourselves deeply. Am I empathetic enough? Am I a good friend, a good sister, a good human being? How can I make more room for those I love and be a better ally?” Wicked provides a refuge for those who feel queer and different. With a massive promotional campaign, Wicked is on track to become the next cultural phenomenon. The promotional budget matches the film’s production cost at $350 million. Sixty brand collaborations are in place, from Barbie Wicked dolls to Starbucks Wicked coffee. Makeup tutorials and the iconic line “oh, you’re green” are already trending on social media. At the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics, nearly six months before the film’s release in France, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo sported the colors of their characters in the stands, setting the stage for success.