Fans of the Broadway musical Wicked will be delighted to know that Universal Pictures has moved up the release date of its eagerly awaited film adaptation. Initially planned for November 27, the movie will now premiere in theaters on November 22, 2024, as confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. Directed by Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), the film stars Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, leading a talented ensemble cast.
The decision to advance the release date is aimed at leveraging the extended holiday weekend, providing more time for the film to create buzz and draw in audiences. This strategic move also sidesteps a clash with Disney's Moana 2, positioning Wicked to potentially lead the Thanksgiving box office alongside Paramount's Gladiator II, which stars Paul Mescal and is set for release on the same day.
Wicked is a cinematic adaptation of the Tony-winning musical, which was inspired by Gregory Maguire's novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, reimagining characters from L. Frank Baum's classic The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The film promises an enchanting journey through the magical land of Oz, with performances described by director Jon M. Chu as both uplifting and emotionally resonant.
The supporting cast includes notable names such as Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, and Bowen Yang, enriching the vibrant world of Oz for the silver screen. Producers Marc Platt and David Stone are steering this ambitious project, according to The Hollywood Reporter. At CinemaCon in Las Vegas earlier this year, Jon M. Chu previewed the film's grandeur, stating, "We dreamed very, very, very big for Wicked, a magical land of sights and sounds that will astonish, and performances that will lift your spirits and occasionally break your heart."
Following the release of the first installment in 2024, Wicked will continue with Wicked: Part Two on November 26, 2025.
