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“Wicked” will take off at the box office. This has been certain for a long time. Now it’s also becoming clear: the fantasy musical is also really, really good. Many reviews are full of enthusiasm.
A whopping 91 percent of the now over 125 on the review collection site RottenTomatoes Published reviews of “Wicked” are positive. Many reviews even express great enthusiasm about the fantasy musical and “The Wizard of Oz” prequel.
“That rare cinematic feeling of enchantment”. William Bibbiani von TheWrap figured out. “Equal parts smart, charming and sassy, with stunning special effects, brilliantly colorful camerawork and production design, dynamic singing and dancing and — best of all — emotionally intimate storytelling,” enthuses Albert Williams im Chicago Reader. “Bubbling with energy, it is almost everything a movie musical should be”it says Rafer Guzman in Newsday.
The two main actresses, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, in particular, are repeatedly praised. “The real magic comes from Erivo and Grande as the ‘frenemies’ at the center of the story,” writes so Helen O‛Hara von Empire.
Of course, there are also a few more cautious reviews. Explained like this Alonso Duralde von The Film Verdictthat the film is “not a fiasco”, but “those who see the material for the first time might wonder what all the hype is about.” However, the majority of the reviews are positive and the anticipation from fans is unbroken anyway .
Mega start for “Wicked” in US cinemas
“Wicked” opens in North America this weekend. It has been clear for weeks that the start will be gigantic. The pre-sale has already been a complete success. It is now expected to gross between $100 and $110 million in the first weekend alone at the US box office. Some optimistic tracking services even estimate up to $130 million – even though another big blockbuster is opening in the USA at the same time: “Gladiator II”.
While Ridley Scott’s historical actioner is already running in this country, We have to wait a little bit until “Wicked” is released in German cinemas. The start date is December 12, 2024. That’s why you’ll have to wait a little longer (until a week before the cinema release) to read our review. We assume that after this your anticipation will not diminish.
From Broadway to the cinema: This is “Wicked”
In the mid-1990s, author Gregory Maguire wrote a prequel novel to the children’s book and fantasy musical classic “The Wizard of Oz.” His work “Wicked” became a huge Broadway musical success and also conquered German stages. “Crazy Rich” successful director Jon M. Chu is now bringing the stage original to cinemas as a two-part film (“Wicked – Part 2” follows on November 20, 2025).
In his films we get to know two different witches: the beautiful Glinda (Ariana Grande), who is loved by everyone, and Elphaba (Cynhia Erivo), who is always reviled because of her green skin color. Despite their differences, they become best friends at the witch school. But they soon end up in an adventure that leads them to the powerful Wizard of Oz (Jeff Goldblum). It is an encounter that brings their relationship to a turning point and ensures that the two friends’ lives take very different paths from then on…
In addition to the German trailer embedded above, we also have a long original preview for you below:
What elements of the film adaptation of “Wicked” do Anna and Tom believe enhance the storytelling compared to the original Broadway production?
Welcome to our interview about the highly anticipated release of “Wicked” on the big screen. I am thrilled to have with me today two guests, Anna Smith, a renowned film critic and movie expert, and Tom Jenkins, a musical theater enthusiast and avid fan of the original Broadway production.
Anna, as we can see from the article, “Wicked” has been making waves in the entertainment industry with its impressive collection of positive reviews. What is your take on these reviews? Do you think they are justified?
Anna: Absolutely! As a film critic, I can confirm that “Wicked” is a delightful surprise. It has every element that makes for a great movie musical – compelling storytelling, stellar performances, breathtaking visuals, and of course, electrifying songs and choreography. The chemistry between Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande is palpable, and they bring their characters to life in a way that’s both captivating and heartwarming. I particularly loved how the film handles the complicated relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, and how it explores the idea of friendship, acceptance, and the power of kindness. “Wicked” delivers an enchanting cinematic experience that audiences will love.
Tom, as someone who has seen the musical multiple times, how does the film adaptation compare to the stage production? Are there any significant changes or improvements you’ve noticed?
Tom: I’m glad you asked! As a fan of the original Broadway production, I was a little nervous about how the film would turn out. But I’m pleased to say that it does justice to the source material while also adding its own unique flair. The visual effects are incredible, and the new songs written specifically for the film add depth and emotion to the story. The casting of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande was spot-on, and they both deliver powerhouse performances that surpass even their stage counterparts. The main change, of course, is the format – the intimacy of the theater is replaced by the grandeur of the big screen, which works surprisingly well. I think “Wicked” translates beautifully to film and will appeal not only to musical theater fans but also to new audiences
