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The Definitive Guide: When Is Wicked Flying Into Theaters? Everything You Need To Know About The Two-Part Movie Event

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The wait is finally over for fans of the beloved Broadway smash hit, *Wicked*. The highly anticipated two-part cinematic adaptation, directed by Jon M. Chu, is set to redefine the cinematic musical landscape, bringing the untold story of the Witches of Oz to the big screen. As of late 2025, the release dates are locked in, the star-studded cast is confirmed, and production details reveal a truly massive, immersive world for audiences to explore. This definitive guide cuts through the rumors to give you the most current and essential information on when you can finally see Elphaba and Glinda defy gravity in theaters.

The decision to split the narrative into two separate feature films has only amplified the curiosity and excitement surrounding the project. With the first installment arriving just in time for the holiday season, and the second a year later, the theatrical event promises a deep, rich exploration of the characters and themes that made the original stage musical a global phenomenon. Prepare your calendars for a journey back to the magical, yet complicated, land of Oz.

Wicked Movie Release Dates and The Two-Part Schedule

The *Wicked* film adaptation is not a single movie, but rather a spectacular two-part event, ensuring the entire, complex narrative from the stage musical and Gregory Maguire's novel is fully realized without major cuts. This strategic decision by director Jon M. Chu and composer Stephen Schwartz means fans will get an unprecedentedly rich and detailed version of the story.

Here are the confirmed theatrical release dates for both films:

  • Wicked Part One: November 22, 2024 (Thanksgiving Weekend)
  • Wicked: For Good (Part Two): November 26, 2025 (Thanksgiving Weekend)

The staggered release dates, separated by approximately one year, allow the filmmakers to fully explore the first half of the story—chronicling the unlikely friendship between Elphaba and Glinda at Shiz University—before diving into the dramatic second act, which sees them embrace their respective destinies as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

Why Was the Wicked Movie Split into Two Parts?

The question of "why is Wicked split into two parts" was a major point of discussion among fans following the initial announcement. The creative team, including composer Stephen Schwartz, emphasized that the decision was purely artistic and necessary to preserve the integrity of the source material.

The original Broadway musical is known for its dense plot and numerous subplots, character arcs, and musical numbers. Attempting to cram it all into a single two-and-a-half-hour film would have required significant cuts, which the team was unwilling to make.

  • Character Development: Splitting the story allows for deeper character development, particularly for Elphaba Thropp and Glinda Upland, giving their complex relationship the screen time it deserves.
  • Plot Preservation: It ensures no major plot points from the stage show or the original Gregory Maguire novel are omitted.
  • Natural Act Break: The stage musical naturally breaks into two distinct acts, with the first act culminating in Elphaba’s iconic flight. The two-part film structure mirrors this dramatic split perfectly.

The Star-Studded Wicked Movie Cast & Creative Team

A major draw for the cinematic adaptation is the phenomenal, high-profile cast assembled by director Jon M. Chu, who is known for his work on *Crazy Rich Asians* and *In the Heights*. The cast list is a perfect blend of Broadway royalty and global pop superstars, guaranteeing both vocal power and mainstream appeal.

Full Cast List (Biography Profile)

  • Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp: A Tony, Grammy, and Emmy Award winner, Erivo takes on the role of the misunderstood, green-skinned witch who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of the West. Her powerhouse vocals are expected to bring a raw intensity to songs like "Defying Gravity" and "The Wizard and I."
  • Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland: The multi-platinum pop icon and Grammy winner plays Glinda, the beautiful and ambitious young woman who becomes Glinda the Good. Grande's vocal range and theatrical background make her a perfect fit for the bubbly, yet complex, character.
  • Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar: Known for his role in *Bridgerton*, Bailey plays the charming and carefree prince who becomes the love interest of both Elphaba and Glinda.
  • Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: The iconic actor takes on the role of the mysterious and powerful leader of Oz.
  • Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible: The Academy Award-winning actress plays the headmistress of Shiz University.
  • Ethan Slater as Boq: A Tony-nominated actor, Slater plays the Munchkin student who is infatuated with Glinda.
  • Marissa Bode as Nessarose: Elphaba’s sister, who is confined to a wheelchair.
  • Bowen Yang as Pfannee: A Shiz University classmate.
  • Keala Settle as Miss Coddle: The *Greatest Showman* star joins the ensemble.

The creative team is led by Director Jon M. Chu, with music and lyrics by the original composer, Stephen Schwartz, and a screenplay by Winnie Holzman, who also wrote the book for the stage musical. This continuity ensures the film remains faithful to the spirit of the Broadway production.

Behind the Scenes: Production Details and Filming Locations

To create the fantastical world of Oz, the production team went to extraordinary lengths, relying on massive, practical sets and stunning real-world locations rather than solely on green screens. This commitment to practical effects is a testament to the film’s ambition and is a major reason why the film is being so highly anticipated.

Where Was Wicked Filmed?

Despite being set in the fictional land of Oz, the *Wicked* movies were filmed entirely in the United Kingdom. Key filming locations and studios include:

  • Sky Studios Elstree: The primary base for the production, where many of the elaborate interior sets, including the halls of Shiz University, were built.
  • Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden: Used for additional soundstage work and large-scale set construction.
  • Seven Sisters Country Park, East Sussex: The stunning white cliffs and rolling hills were utilized for the vast, open landscapes of Oz.
  • Norfolk and Buckinghamshire: Various locations in the British countryside were transformed into the colorful, magical environments of the Emerald City and the surrounding lands, including a real tulip field for a memorable scene.

The use of real locations and massive, Oscar-winning set design, overseen by production designer Nathan Crowley, promises a visually spectacular experience that will immerse audiences in the world of the witches.

What to Expect: New Songs and Story Details

While the film is a faithful adaptation of the musical, director Jon M. Chu has confirmed that the movie will feature new elements, including at least one original song composed by Stephen Schwartz. The addition of new music is a common practice in musical adaptations and makes the film eligible for the Best Original Song Oscar.

The soundtrack for the second installment, *Wicked: For Good*, is already generating buzz, with a new original song, "Every Day More Wicked," confirmed to be on the tracklist.

Key Musical Numbers from Wicked Part One

Fans can expect all their favorite songs from the first act of the musical to be featured in *Wicked Part One*, including:

  • "No One Mourns the Wicked"
  • "The Wizard and I"
  • "What Is This Feeling?" (The iconic "Loathing" song)
  • "Dancing Through Life"
  • "Popular"
  • "Defying Gravity" (The climactic finale of Part One)

The film adaptation is poised to be one of the biggest cinematic events of the decade, stretching across two years and two holiday seasons. With a powerhouse cast, a visionary director, and a commitment to preserving the story's depth, *Wicked* is flying high and will be well worth the wait when it finally arrives in theaters on November 22, 2024, and November 26, 2025.

The Definitive Guide: When Is Wicked Flying Into Theaters? Everything You Need To Know About The Two-Part Movie Event
when is wicked in theaters
when is wicked in theaters

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