Jake Yancey is a product of NYU Tisch and is passionate about engaging in substantial conversation and enriching, multi-faceted dialogue in politics, tv production, and culture. Jake is excited to work at The Hollywood Insider because he believes that Film and Journalism are humanity’s first line of defense against the chaos of an uninformed public sector and so spends his time scouting for relevant stories everywhere. Jake, driven by a strong work ethic and love for people, plans on eventually working at the studios to help develop the stories which have had such a lasting impact on him.
Jan 7, 2025
Table of Contents
Few Broadway adaptations have been as hotly anticipated as Jon M. Chu’s ‘Wicked’ (2024). Starring powerhouse talents Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the film dives into the untold story of the witches of Oz, serving as both a prequel and a counter-narrative to ‘The Wizard of Oz’. With its enchanting melodies, dazzling choreography, and a devoted fanbase, ‘Wicked’ had all the ingredients to dominate the box offic and leave audiences spellbound. And while the film honors much of its source material, a few cracks in its broomstick keep it from flying as high as it could.
Clocking in at a hefty 2 hours and 40 minutes, ‘Wicked’ is only five minutes shy of the Broadway show’s runtime, a decision that will likely divide audiences. While musicals thrive on slow-burning character development and grand set pieces, the pacing here occasionally falters. Moments that should feel transformative — like Elphaba’s journey of self-discovery or Glinda’s grappling with popularity — sometimes drag under the weight of the film’s extended runtime.
Compounding this issue is the choice to split the adaptation into two parts, with the second installment slated for 2025. While this approach mirrors trends like ‘Dune’ or ‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay’, it leaves ‘Wicked: Part One’ feeling incomplete. The film builds steadily to Elphaba’s climactic flight during ‘Defying Gravity’, but as the screen fades to black, one can’t help but feel a pang of frustration. A story this richly woven demands closure, and audiences will have to wait another year to get it.
Despite these pacing issues, ‘Wicked’ is buoyed by two stunning central performances. Ariana Grande, long associated with her pop-star persona, disappears into the role of Glinda. From her very first notes, Grande demonstrates both a deep respect for the material and an uncanny ability to make it her own. Her bubbly energy, impeccable comedic timing, and soaring vocals make her the definitive Glinda for a new generation.
Cynthia Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba is equally captivating. Known for her powerhouse performances on stage and screen, Erivo brings a quiet vulnerability to the green-skinned outcast. Her rendition of ‘I’m Not That Girl’ is heartbreakingly intimate, while ‘Defying Gravity’ is a true showstopper, showcasing not just her vocal prowess but the raw emotional core of the character. Together, Erivo and Grande anchor the film, making their dynamic the beating heart of the story.
While the two leads soar, some of the supporting cast struggles to break free of the script’s limitations. Jonathan Bailey, playing Fiyero, brings his trademark charisma and charm but is hampered too-quick and too-immediate development in his character arc. Ethan Slater’s Boq is similarly challenged and additionally underutilized, though his chemistry with Grande adds a touch of warmth to their shared scenes.
Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard were among the most intriguing casting choices heading into the film’s release. And while both deliver moments of brilliance, their characters feel underserved by the script. Yeoh’s Madame Morrible exudes the conniving and cunning required for the role, but she is given too little to do, her planning relegated to the background. Similarly, Goldblum’s Wizard oozes charisma, but our Wizard isn’t given enough runway to show the meaningful complexity needed to fully resonate. Both performances by Yeoh and Goldblum are stellar but the script ultimately shorts their full potential.
If ‘Wicked’ falters in pacing and script, it more than makes up for it in its musical numbers and choreography. Chu’s direction leans heavily into the theatricality of the source material, creating set pieces that feel grand without losing their emotional intimacy. The Emerald Palace – the gorgeous and resonant shades of its waiting room make the movie worth a watch all on its own. The choreography too – is phenomenal – blending traditional Broadway stylings with cinematic flair.
Each number is a visual and auditory feast. The film’s production design deserves special mention, with the vibrant Emerald City and the shadowy forests of Oz brought to life in breathtaking detail. Coupled with a lush score by Stephen Schwartz, the music remains the beating heart of the story, elevating even its slower moments.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its fidelity to the Broadway show. Fans of ‘Wicked’ will appreciate the care taken to preserve the essence of the original while adapting it for the screen. The narrative beats, iconic songs, and emotional resonance remain intact, ensuring that the film stays true to its roots.
However, this faithfulness is also a double-edged sword. At times, the film feels so devoted to replicating the stage experience that it misses opportunities to innovate. For a medium as dynamic as cinema, there’s a sense that ‘Wicked’ could have pushed the boundaries further, offering new perspectives or deeper insights into its characters.
Despite its small flaws, ‘Wicked’ has clearly struck a chord with audiences, raking in $163 million at the box office on its opening weekend. Its family-friendly appeal, coupled with its iconic status as a cultural phenomenon, ensures that it will continue to draw crowds throughout the holiday season.
For families, the film offers a perfect blend of spectacle and substance. Younger viewers will be enchanted by the vibrant visuals and catchy songs, while older audiences will appreciate the nuanced performances and themes of identity, friendship, and acceptance.
Conclusion: A Spellbinding, If Imperfect, Adaptation
‘Wicked’ (2024) is a dazzling spectacle that honors its Broadway roots while showcasing two of the year’s finest performances in Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Its musical numbers and choreography are phenomenal, its production design breathtaking, and its central duo nothing short of magical.
Yet, the film is not without its imperfections. Pacing issues, an incomplete narrative, and smaller screen time for supporting roles prevent it from achieving perfection. Still, these shortcomings are outweighed by the sheer joy of seeing one of Broadway’s most beloved stories brought to life on the big screen – especially in such a meaningful way.
For fans of the musical, ‘Wicked’ is a must-watch, offering a faithful adaptation that captures the heart of the story. For newcomers, it’s an enchanting introduction to the world of Oz, even if it leaves them longing for more.
As audiences await the second installment in 2025, one thing is clear: ‘Wicked’ has cast its spell, and the world will be watching to see where the broomstick takes us next.
CREDITS:
Director: Jon M. Chu
Writers: Stephen Schwartz, Dana Fox, Winnie Holzman
Leads: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande
Stars: Peter Dinklage, Bowen Yang, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblu, Ethan Slater
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter:The Hollywood Insider’sCEO/editor-in-chiefPritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc. Please keep this going full speed.”
Jake Yancey is a product of NYU Tisch and is passionate about engaging in substantial conversation and enriching, multi-faceted dialogue in politics, tv production, and culture. Jake is excited to work at The Hollywood Insider because he believes that Film and Journalism are humanity’s first line of defense against the chaos of an uninformed public sector and so spends his time scouting for relevant stories everywhere. Jake, driven by a strong work ethic and love for people, plans on eventually working at the studios to help develop the stories which have had such a lasting impact on him.
Jake Yancey is a product of NYU Tisch and is passionate about engaging in substantial conversation and enriching, multi-faceted dialogue in politics, tv production, and culture. Jake is excited to work at The Hollywood Insider because he believes that Film and Journalism are humanity’s first line of defense against the chaos of an uninformed public sector and so spends his time scouting for relevant stories everywhere. Jake, driven by a strong work ethic and love for people, plans on eventually working at the studios to help develop the stories which have had such a lasting impact on him.
Jake Yancey is a product of NYU Tisch and is passionate about engaging in substantial conversation and enriching, multi-faceted dialogue in politics, tv production, and culture. Jake is excited to work at The Hollywood Insider because he believes that Film and Journalism are humanity’s first line of defense against the chaos of an uninformed public sector and so spends his time scouting for relevant stories everywhere. Jake, driven by a strong work ethic and love for people, plans on eventually working at the studios to help develop the stories which have had such a lasting impact on him.
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