October 24, 2025/Midnight
Erie, PA. – As a longtime fan of the Broadway musical, I am so excited to see the magic of Wicked come to theaters soon. For over twenty years, this show has been one of the most beloved musicals. With its themes of friendship, finding your identity, and blurring the line between good and evil, Wicked holds a special place in my, and many other fans, heart. However, with the show being turned into a film adaptation, there is some concern that it will not hold the same magic.
For one, the talent from the Broadway production is difficult to measure up to. Elphaba (played by Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (played by Ariana Grande) are known for their spellbinding singing and close dynamic. Fans were concerned about the actresses being able to pull it off but were pleasantly surprised. Within the first part of Wicked (2024), I was very impressed. Cynthia Erivo’s powerful vocals, sounding emotional and raw in a way that embodies Elphaba perfectly. Ariana Grande transformed into Glinda with her bubbly personality and charm. Together, their chemistry truly felt like a lifelong friendship.
From the first film, it is clear that this version of Wicked is able to do more visually. Comparing the film to the stage production, there are sweeping landscapes and large-scale effects making it feel more immersive. I was taken away by the beautiful colors and settings of the first film.
Still, what I appreciated the most was that despite all the technological changes, the original magic still remained. The story remains grounded in friendship and the bond between Elphaba and Glinda, despite their differences.
With Wicked: For Good set to release later this year, fans are eagerly waiting for an emotional twist. The first film left us off on a cliffhanger, setting up for the darker half of the story to come. This film will have a deeper, emotional tone as we get a jump ahead into their adult lives. It is clear that these movies are not just a recreation of the stage production, but a thoughtful adaptation honoring the Broadway legacy. As someone who has loved Wicked for years, I can say that I am excited for the new movie to come out and excited to see what changes are made.
