Oz’s magic never fades! The 2024 adaptation of the Tony-winning Broadway hit is captivating audiences on Prime Video with its lush musical fantasy. Exploring the complex friendship between two very different witches, Wicked blends soaring songs, stunning visuals, and emotional depth—a must-watch for anyone who grew up spellbound by the world of Oz. Now, with the sequel Wicked: For Good hitting theaters on November 21, fans are returning to stream the original, making it the second most-watched movie on Prime Video. Here is everything you need to know about Wicked – from the plot and cast to reviews and release date. The trailer is at the bottom of the article.
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Wicked: all the key details
- Title: Wicked
- Format: Film
- Runtime: 160 minutes
- Genre: Musical / Fantasy / Adventure
- Release date: November 22, 2024 (theatrical)
- Director: Jon M. Chu
- Lead cast: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Michelle Yeoh
- Produced by: Universal Pictures / Marc Platt Productions
What Wicked is about
Wicked reimagines the world of Oz through the lives of two very different witches: Elphaba and Glinda. Elphaba, with her distinctive green skin, struggles with being an outsider while holding firmly to her moral convictions. Glinda, outgoing and privileged, seeks status and acceptance. Their friendship deepens and fractures amid the complex political and magical landscape of Oz, with each facing choices that define their destinies. The film heightens emotional stakes with themes of loyalty, ambition, and sacrifice. It explores the tension between doing what is right and pursuing personal desires, offering audiences a story rich in psychological depth and high-stakes decision-making. Wicked balances spectacle with introspection, making it as much about inner transformation as magical adventure.
Cast and main characters
Cynthia Erivo shines as Elphaba, capturing both vulnerability and unyielding strength. Ariana Grande delivers a lively and heartfelt Glinda, whose charisma masks her personal struggles. Jonathan Bailey brings nuance to Fiyero, a figure torn between love and duty, while Michelle Yeoh embodies the authoritative Madame Morrible. Supporting roles from Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard and Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond add gravitas to the ensemble.
Is Wicked based on a true story?
Wicked is a fictional story adapted from the Tony-winning Broadway musical, which itself is inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. It offers a fresh perspective on the world of Oz, exploring the backstory of characters traditionally seen as villains.
The reviews
Early reviews highlight Wicked’s ambitious scale and emotional resonance. Critics have praised Jon M. Chu’s direction for combining cinematic spectacle with character-driven storytelling. Especially, the musical performances by Erivo and Grande have been singled out as particularly powerful, anchoring the narrative with intimacy and energy. Audiences have responded enthusiastically, especially to the chemistry between the lead witches and the lavish production design.
Where was Wicked filmed?
The movie was filmed in England, combining studio and outdoor locations. The crew used Sky Studios Elstree and Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden to build large-scale interior sets. They created the vibrant Munchkinland sequence in Ivinghoe, Buckinghamshire, with surrounding tulip fields in Norfolk. Meanwhile, river scenes for Shiz University were filmed at Seven Sisters Country Park, East Sussex, and the production captured dramatic shots on the white cliffs of Dorset, adding sweeping fantasy visuals to the film.
Why watch Wicked
If you enjoyed The Greatest Showman or La La Land, Wicked is the right film for you, blending musical fantasy with a story about friendship, ambition, and moral complexity. Its cinematic scale and emotional depth make it a standout among modern musicals.
Wicked release date on streaming
Wicked is streaming on Prime Video starting December 31, 2024. ► Watch on Prime Video
