It happened. Finally. After years of development hell and enough rumors to fill a balloon over the Emerald City, the first half of the green-and-pink phenomenon hit the big screen. If you've been asking when does Wicked come out 2024, you should know the wait is over. The movie officially landed in theaters on November 22, 2024.
It’s weird to think how long we waited.
Universal originally teased us with dates all over the calendar. Christmas 2019? Didn't happen. 2021? Nope. For a while, it felt like this movie was just a myth, something we’d talk about but never actually see. But Jon M. Chu—the guy who gave us Crazy Rich Asians—actually pulled it off. He didn't just make a movie; he made a massive, 160-minute spectacle that somehow manages to cover only the first act of the Broadway show.
Why the Wicked Release Date 2024 Was Such a Big Deal
The hype was exhausting, honestly.
We saw the "Glicked" memes everywhere because Gladiator II opened on the same day. It was Barbenheimer all over again, but with more capes and sandals. People were obsessed with the idea of a double feature. While Ridley Scott was doing Roman battles, Ariana Grande was floating in a bubble.
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It worked.
The movie pulled in over $112 million domestically in its opening weekend. That's not just "good for a musical." That is the biggest opening for a Broadway adaptation ever. Period. It crushed the old record held by Les Misérables.
The Split Decision
Why did they split it in two?
Jon M. Chu has been pretty vocal about this. He basically said you can’t squeeze "Defying Gravity" into the middle of a movie and then expect people to sit through another hour of plot immediately. It’s too emotional. The song is a natural peak. By ending Part 1 there, the 2024 release gives that moment room to breathe.
- Part 1 (The 2024 Release): Focuses on Elphaba and Glinda at Shiz University.
- Part 2 (The 2025 Release): Titled Wicked: For Good, hitting theaters November 21, 2025.
If you go to the theater expecting to see the whole story, you’re going to be disappointed when the credits roll after the big flying scene. It’s a bold move. Some critics, like those at the BBC, thought it felt a bit "drawn-out." But fans? They seem to love the extra time spent in Oz.
The Cast That Everyone Is Talking About
Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba. There was no other choice, really. She’s got this raw, grounded energy that makes the green makeup feel... well, real. She’s an Oscar nominee for a reason. Her voice in "The Wizard and I" is basically a masterclass in control.
Then there’s Ariana Grande.
A lot of people were skeptical. They thought, "Oh, the pop star is playing Glinda?" But honestly, she’s the secret weapon. Her comedic timing is surprisingly sharp. She plays Galinda (with a "Ga") as this dorky, high-energy popular girl who actually has a heart buried under all that tulle.
The rest of the Shiz University crew:
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero (yes, he brings the Bridgerton charm).
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible (intimidating as always).
- Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard (perfectly quirky).
- Ethan Slater as Boq.
- Marissa Bode as Nessarose.
Having Marissa Bode play Nessa is actually a huge milestone. She’s the first wheelchair user to play the role, which adds a layer of authenticity the stage show sometimes missed depending on the production.
Behind the Scenes: Real Sets vs. CGI
One thing that makes the Wicked release date 2024 feel so special is how much of it is actually there. Chu didn't want a green-screen mess. He planted 9 million real tulips for a single scene. Nine million.
The Emerald City wasn't just a digital background. They built those sets. You can feel the weight of the world when the characters are walking through Shiz or the Ozdust Ballroom. It gives the film a tactile, "lived-in" quality that's rare for big-budget fantasies these days.
What to Do Before You See It (or See It Again)
If you haven't made it to the theater yet, or you're planning a rewatch, here is the move:
- Listen to the 2024 Soundtrack: It features 11 tracks. "Dancing Through Life" is nearly 10 minutes long in the movie version. It's an experience.
- Check the Runtime: Clear your schedule for 2 hours and 40 minutes. It's a long one, so skip the extra-large soda unless you have a bladder of steel.
- Look for the Cameos: Keep your eyes peeled during "One Short Day." The original Broadway legends, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, make an appearance that will make any theater nerd scream.
The 2024 release of Wicked isn't just a movie; it's a cultural reset for how we handle musicals on screen. It treats the source material with a level of reverence usually reserved for Shakespeare or Marvel. Whether you're a "Ozians" veteran or a total newcomer, it's worth the trip to the cinema. Just remember, you'll have to wait until November 2025 to see how it all ends.
For the best experience, find the biggest IMAX screen in your area to catch the scale of the Emerald City. If you're looking for the soundtrack, it's currently streaming on all major platforms, featuring the full vocal performances recorded live on set.