Fans of the Broadway musical Wicked have exciting news to look forward to as Universal Pictures has announced the advanced release date for its highly anticipated film adaptation. Originally planned for November 27, the movie will now hit theatres on November 22, 2024. Directed by Jon M Chu (known for Crazy Rich Asians), the film stars Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, leading an ensemble cast. The decision to move the release date forward is aimed at capitalizing on the extended holiday weekend, allowing the film to build buzz and attract audiences.
The rescheduled release date also strategically avoids a clash with Disney’s Moana 2 and positions Wicked to potentially dominate the Thanksgiving box office alongside Paramount’s Gladiator II, starring Paul Mescal. The Hollywood Reporter describes Wicked as a transformation of the Tony-winning musical, inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel reimagining characters from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The film promises a captivating journey through the magical land of Oz, with performances described as both uplifting and emotionally resonant by director Jon M Chu.
Alongside Grande and Erivo, the star-studded supporting cast includes Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, and Bowen Yang, adding depth to the vibrant world of Oz brought to life on the silver screen. Producers Marc Platt and David Stone are leading the ambitious project, which has been highly anticipated by fans of the original musical. During CinemaCon earlier this year, Jon M Chu teased the grandeur of the film, promising a magical land of sights and sounds that will astonish audiences.
Following the release of the first film in 2024, Wicked will return with Wicked: Part Two in November 26, 2025, allowing fans to continue their journey through the enchanting world of Oz. With a stellar cast, talented director, and a beloved source material, Wicked is poised to be a box office success, offering audiences a visually stunning and emotionally powerful cinematic experience. Universal Pictures’ decision to advance the release date reflects their confidence in the film’s potential to captivate audiences and become a holiday season favorite.
Overall, the rescheduling of Wicked’s release date to November 22, 2024, presents an exciting opportunity for fans to experience the magic of the Broadway musical on the big screen sooner than expected. With a talented cast, visionary director, and a captivating story set in the enchanting world of Oz, the film promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally resonant cinematic experience. By strategically choosing a date that avoids competition and allows for an extended holiday weekend, Universal Pictures is poised to capitalize on the film’s potential success and draw in diverse audiences. The anticipation for Wicked’s cinematic adaptation continues to build, and with the release of Wicked: Part Two planned for 2025, fans can look forward to an extended journey through the beloved story.
