How Does Wicked On Screen Compare to Broadway?
The release of the movie “Wicked” adapted from the 2003 Broadway show follows the stories of Elphaba and Glinda, who become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good in the 1993 book and 1939 Musical “The Wizard of Oz”. Directed by Jon Chu, “Wicked” takes place before Dorthy’s exploration into Oz and follows the complex and tumultuous relationships between Elphaba and Glinda, played by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande.
The “Wicked” Movie delves much deeper into character and world-building, providing the watcher with more depth to the scenes and relationships, including a more immersive and detailed look at Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship. The Movie’s “Part 1” is roughly as long as the entire Broadway musical, allowing for a much lengthier understanding of the characters. While experiencing the songs “Popular” or “Defying Gravity” in person on Broadway is a unique and overwhelming experience, the movie version has succeeded in enhancing the grandeur of the scenes while also providing details that are impossible to replicate on a real-time stage.
While the movie’s main plot remains consistent with the original Broadway themes, it also carries a larger political undertone that ensures its relevance today. The 2003 musical parallels US politics such as the Bush presidency, 9/11 and the Iraq War. In 2024, many of these messages remain relevant. Despite its bubbly and fun nature, it remains an intense political allegory. Chu balances the fun themes of an engaging movie with the behind-the-scenes themes of privilege, fascism, racism and international politics.
As of Dec. 9, Wicked has made 455.5 million dollars worldwide, with 112 million of that coming from the first weekend sales. Wicked debut with a 96% Rotten Tomato score.
Avry Girtsman ‘25 said, “I really enjoyed the movie. I thought that it was really well done. The scenes and the songs were very entertaining and I would definitely go and see it again.”
Wicked Part. 2 will be released on Nov. 21, 2025. The premise will be focused on where Part. 1 left off. Depicting Elphaba’s transformation into the “Wicked Witch of the West” while she is hunted down by Gilinda and the Wizard. The events will culminate in the story “The Wizard of Oz” as we know it.
Ava Fernandez ‘25 said, “I loved the storyline, I have never seen it on Broadway but watching the movie made me want to.”
We would highly recommend “Wicked” to anyone who wants to watch a popular, yet impactful story about the balance between good and evil, within friendship and the larger world.
