Post Strike Cinema 24' - Wicked (2024 film)

I have seen the musical Wicked, a few times. I missed it last time it toured Australia. However with the film version did box office gold at present, I am sure it will be back in years to come.

Directed by Jon M. Chu & written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox, today was only the first of a two-part film adaptation of the stage musical Wicked by Stephen Schwartz and Holzman.

It is also loosely based on the 1995 novel by Gregory Maguire.

So for cinema you need some big stars and big voices for those big songs! We all know the big songs I am talking about!

Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande play the two killer lead roles. They are joined by Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.

So we all know the story right? Set in the Land of Oz, largely before Dorothy Gale's arrival from Kansas, the film covers the musical's first act. It follows the story of Elphaba beginning her path to becoming the Wicked Witch of the West, and her unlikely friendship with her classmate Galinda, who becomes Glinda the Good.

Wicked actually got its premiere, here at the State Theatre in Sydney, on November 3.

Thus far, part one, has received critical acclaim for its direction, performances (particularly Erivo, Grande and Bailey), emotional weight, production values, and faithfulness to the source material. 

So the big question is, when will Wicked Part Two land at the cinema? Well, it is scheduled release November 21, 2025.

One whole year after the big act one closing number. Defying Gravity is one of those modern musical songs, that has snuck into popular culture.

Both Cynthia Erivo & Ariana Grande were awesome. Grande has given me one of my favourite songs of 2024, Yes And?. Will I listen to this soundtrack? Maybe not, Kendrick Lamar does have a new record out today after all.

I usually don't love musicals on the big screen, I prefer them live. Recently Hamilton was simply brilliant at the Lyric Theatre, the Star. Next up Jesus Christ Superstar at the stunning, Capitol Theatre.

This was easily my favourite musical on the big screen. It has heart, humour and those amazing show tunes, we all know and love.

I am feeling generous in the lead up to the holidays, 4 Stars.