From a novel to a Broadway sensation, theaters in the U.S. welcomed “Wicked,” a film adaptation of the Broadway musical and a prequel to the well-known “The Wizard of Oz,” on Nov. 22.
In its opening week, the box office grossed $164 million from “Wicked,” making this film the largest opening weekend for a Broadway-adapted film.
“Wicked” follows the story of Elphaba, a young woman judged by her unnatural green complexion, and her roommate and friend Glinda, a girl who desires to become a great sorcerer and strives for popularity. The movie tells the story of how their growing friendship started and later broke and how their lives drifted apart.
The themes explored in “Wicked” resonate with the audience, discussing topics of self-love, equality and pushing past social expectations of oneself.
For reasons such as the popularity of the Broadway musical, the nostalgia for this whimsical land, the themes discussed and even the popular casting, it’s understandable why fans old and new and even those who have never seen or read the story before found the film enjoyable.
When it comes to casting, many were happy to see Ariana Grande play the almost sickeningly sweet Glinda, which was also the role she wanted to play even when she was young.
Some people have stated that Grande as Glinda “exceeded all expectations” and that she was “absolutely enchanting” in her role.
However, some controversies that people may have are the film’s length being over two hours long and the sheer amount of musical numbers. Some say that the pacing was “atrocious” and that the songs feel like “filler.”
The original film “The Wizard of Oz,” released in 1939, is a classic that many people have likely watched, perhaps multiple times. The story itself dates back even further, with its original release on May 17, 1900. This means that this beloved world has been part of people’s lives for nearly 125 years.
And with the seemingly instant success of this film, corporations are leveraging the film’s success through merchandise and partnerships, appealing to fans across generations. These products allow fans to connect with their favorite characters in a tangible way, whether through collectibles, clothing, or other items that celebrate the film’s legacy.
It is no surprise that so many people love and adore this film, given all these factors, ranging from the beloved well-known cast to the timeless world that has captivated audiences for generations. Fans should also note that the upcoming second part of Wicked is set to release on Nov. 21, 2025, but who knows whether or not this film will live up to the hype of the films and stories before it.
