Wicked was originally a book written by Gregory Maguire in 1995, and then a musical produced in 2003. It is important to keep in mind that the movie and musical are based on the book. The story follows the story of Elphaba, a girl who was born with green skin and a sharp mind, and Glinda, a do-gooder, pink fanatic with a bubbly personality. It describes the characters’ rocky relationship and Elphaba’s ambition to meet the Wizard of Oz, as well as the background context of the land of Oz before Dorothy appeared. 

The musical has captivated musical theater fans for decades, with its amazing score and lyrics, as well as the general adaptation from the book transformed on stage. 

Adaptations have proved to fall short of the true greatness of the original product, and I was skeptical that a 2 hour and 53 minute film would live up to the expectations that I and many other Wicked fans have had since the musical’s first show in June 2003.

However, the film starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, as well as Jonathan Bailey, was a movie phenomenon. The acting, visuals, and incorporation of the music was truly amazing. 

“I loved seeing Ariana Grande,” Ian Shultz (8) said. “She’s one of my favorite artists. And Cynthia, you know… both of them are so good, they’re basically sisters from another mister.” 

Erivo was perfect for the role of Elphaba, embodying the character’s strong willed personality in every song she sang, perfectly hitting the notes in Defying Gravity, the last song of the film and first act of the musical. Grande left me appreciating her musical abilities more. She truly left me speechless with how amazing of an actress she is, making me feel as if I truly did know Glinda. I left the theater feeling extremely happy and eager to see part two. 

There is indeed a part two to Wicked. The first film covers the first act of the musical and first portion of the novel. The second part will be released next year, with experts saying around November 21, 2025. It will cover the second act of the musical and the second portion of the novel. Many fans were left frustrated, as no advertisements stated that it was two separate performances. 

“I was a little disappointed because I wanted to see the end,” Elise Webb (8) said. “It did say part one but I thought it would say part two, like, somewhere in the middle.”