The new “Wicked” musical fantasy film starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo hit theatres Nov 22. The film has broken three box office records since it was released.
The new rendition of the “Wicked” series has been one of the most anticipated films since the announcement of the film back in 2012. But due to the long-awaited development and delays from COVID-19, Jon M. Chu wasn’t hired to direct the adaptation back until 2021.
According to the official Wicked Movie X account, the film is currently the No. 1 movie in the world and has been said to be a “spectacular cinematic triumph” by Forbes.
Chu announced on X that the film of the long-running Broadway musical – which was an adaptation of Gregory Maguires 1995 book — would be split into two parts.
Despite having almost a three-hour runtime, “Wicked” only covers the first act of the hit Broadway musical, with the second film having a scheduled release date in late 2025.
This is a story with deep roots in American popular culture, stretching back over 100 years to a time when a yellow brick road was a metaphor for the gold standard. Though it may not be an exact replica of the 2003 musical, the changes in the film were necessary in adapting a stage production to the theatres.
Chu’s film follows Elphaba, played by Erivo, a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Glinda, played by Grande, the popular girl, and how they become best friends after meeting each other at Shiz University in the Land of Oz.
During the film, fans will learn a little bit more about what exactly happened between Elphaba and Glinda.
The movie brings new depth to Elphaba’s character as she learns to love herself no matter what others may think. She chooses to embrace herself and her powers and fight the regimen around her.
“It was really important,” Chu said in an interview during the lead up to the film’s release. “She needed a reason why; not for anger, not for vengeance, but for herself. She needed to be this person.”
Everything about the film represents faithfulness while also bringing creative sets, costumes and special effects that makes the movie a work of art.
Along with the impeccable character development, fans are spoiled with Grande and Erivo’s powerhouse vocal abilities as fans have been seen singing along with the stars during the film.
Erivo and Grande have a very palpable chemistry which makes the movie even more entertaining, and the pair seems to captivate the audience every step of the way.
Before the release of the movie, Grande and Erivo participated in many emotional interviews where they would go in depth of what the movie means to fans and how the film has changed them.
“I think we found a little piece of ourselves in each other,” Erivo said in one of those interviews. “I think I have gotten a little bit of her softness, and she has gotten a little bit of my strength.”
Overall, “Wicked” is a must-see film this year as it has become one of the most anticipated movies we have seen.
