Glicked never really took off, did it? At least not in Europe, where both Gladiator II and Wicked were released a week apart. The attempt to create a cultural event around the simultaneous release of Ridley Scott’s Gladiator sequel and Jon M. Chu’s The Wizard of Oz prequel, in hopes of recapturing the excitement of last year’s Barbie and Oppenheimer releases, has fallen flat. While the US release of both films, timed for Thanksgiving weekend, may yield box office success, Glicked doesn't evoke the same cultural phenomenon as Barbenheimer. Although global box office numbers are yet to be seen, it’s clear that this year’s movie face-off hasn't generated the same level of excitement, fan art, or meme potential. Despite extensive press tours, Wicked’s biggest headline was a porn SNAFU. Both 2024 films may perform well globally, but the Gladiator II / Wicked releases demonstrate that repeating a successful strategy isn’t always foolproof. More importantly, Glicked’s failure may be attributed to the fact that neither Gladiator II nor Wicked match the quality of Barbie and Oppenheimer. Scott’s sequel was entertaining but lacked purpose, while Chu’s first chapter of a planned two-parter was watchable but bloated, reflecting Hollywood’s focus on marketing over storytelling. Wicked is a good time at the movies, but it enchants and exhausts in equal measure. For those unfamiliar with the Broadway musical or Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked tells the origin story of Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), Oz’s future Wicked Witch of the West, and her roommate Galinda (Ariana Grande), who becomes Glinda the Good Witch of the North. Props to Jon M. Chu for adapting a cherished story, but the film’s maximalist approach becomes tiresome with wonky CGI, artificial sets, and flawed lensing. Clocking in at nearly three hours, Wicked drags but eventually finds its footing, especially with standout numbers like 'Popular' and 'Defying Gravity'. However, the film’s forced two-parter structure ensures it won’t replace Barbie pink. Despite its flaws, Wicked ends on a high note, reminding us that hatred is a mirror and that no good comes from fearing the Other.
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