'WICKED' Soars Beyond Expectations, A Spellbinding Journey for Fans and First-Timers

L to R: Cynthia Erivo is Elphaba and Ariana Grande is Glinda in WICKED, directed by Jon M. Chu. Courtesy Universal Pictures

By Jaimz Dillman

The anticipation for WICKED (2024), the major motion picture, has been building for years. Finally, under the helm of director Jon M. Chu, the Emerald City is brought to life again and in the most glorious fashion to wow fellow Ozians and casual attendees alike.

WICKED (2024)—a story that was first a book by Gregory Maguire and then a Broadway show with songs by Stephen Schwartz—is the tale of what happened in Oz before Dorothy dropped in and has been marketed across every platform that could conceivably be turned pink and green. Splitting the movie into two parts drew criticism, especially as the stage show comes in under two and a half hours, even with an intermission. Still, Chu is getting praise for his decision now, letting moments have their beats. Creating the grand scope of Oz and Shiz University, where most of the first half is focused, lends itself to building emotional moments to garner big payoffs.

Admittedly, I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of Ariana Grande playing one of the lead witches Glinda (the “guh” is silent). Knowing of her from teen shows my daughter watched and pop stardom, I was worried the importance of the character’s comic relief and subtle foreshadowing leading up to Act 2 would get lost in what we already knew of Ms. Grande. I'm happy to say any worries I had were unfounded.

Within the first five minutes, I was completely sold on the blonde in pink who comes and goes by bubble. I heard lots of talk from early screenings that awards season might have her name all over it, and I agree. The relationship arc between her and Elphie, while also being the “popular” girl in school, is subtly complex and gives the character much more depth that could’ve easily dissolved into if played as an empty-headed twit.

Courtesy Universal Pictures

There was never a doubt in my mind Cynthia Erivo would slay as the Wicked Witch, Elphaba. The actress has killed it on Broadway; she’s nearly an EGOT winner (holding out for that Oscar!), so her chops are proven. Once you fall in love with a performance, it almost feels like cheating on a friend to like someone else. But there Erivo was, ripping our hearts out with every raise of her eyebrow and crooked half smile. She doesn't play Elphaba as a victim, no matter her circumstances. Elphaba is strong and confident in who she is. Even when others question her, she stands her ground. And come on. Those vocals? The slight runs that made each song her own were so naturally added that it made the role more hers.

Bringing in Jonathan Bailey of Bridgerton fame as Winkie Prince Fiyero Tigelaar is brilliant casting as he’s very easy on the eyes. But, dang, if that man doesn't embody the charisma and charm needed to make everyone at Shiz fall in love with him. And all of us in the theater were right there, too. Again, the singing and dancing seemed to fit him naturally and the surroundings so well you were made to think, oh, this happens all the time in a school library, right? Those who know what happens in the second half have more to look forward to in Part 2 with Fiyero, but WICKED (2024) gives us a small glimpse that there is more than meets the eye here with Bailey.

It was hard not to get caught up in the pre-production drama from the set involving Grande and costar Ethan Slater, who plays Boq Woodsman of Munchkinland. Their newfound romance could’ve easily skewed perception on screen. However, Boq is such an empathetic character it was easy to instantly love him for wanting the pretty girl in class. Even if he still sounds like SpongeBob when he sings (the role he originated on Broadway), it’s easily forgotten as he dances through life.

Marissa Bode rounds out the lead Shiz students and brings a little more light to Elphaba’s little sister, Nessarose. Even though they seem to have a close sibling relationship, it couldn’t have been easy growing up with a sister who was so different. Even though confined to a wheelchair, Nessarose makes it well known that she doesn’t need anyone to help her and seems to constantly fight for her independence and be allowed to do things independently. Again, those who know the lore also know where her pretty shoes end up after her unfortunate run-in with a tornado in the second half.

Courtesy Universal Pictures

Head of Shiz, Sorceress Madame Morrible, played by Michelle Yeoh, gives us a quiet villainous performance that eventually reveals her true aspirations and will make you hate her even more. Peter Dinklage lends his voice to the only remaining animal professor at school, Dr. Dillamond. From him, we learn that something terrible is happening in Oz. Elphaba isn’t having it, insisting the Wizard will right the wrongs and someone needs to tell him.

Speaking of the Wizard, could anyone but Jeff Goldblum portray a lovable conman you still want to root for even after you know he’s all pomp and no circumstance? A showman first, his Wizard puts on a great front in front of the citizens of Oz, but like everything else in this world, it comes with a price. Elphaba is the main cog, and he needs to continue his farce and stay in control.

Production Designer Nathan Crowley has created a world so lush and full of eye candy that it’ll be hard to catch all the details in even a second, third, or fourth viewing. Using as many practical sets as possible, we see landscapes, buildings, vehicles, forests, and more to show us the complex world beyond the yellow brick road.

WICKED (2024) is a love letter to fans. Easter eggs are everywhere. This is an incredible invitation to first-timers to travel over the rainbow. It is everything fans could want, and more they didn't know they needed. WICKED (2024) is an escape to a beautiful world far away from viewers' troubles and daily strife. Fans will revel in it, and all the merchandise coming out until long after the second part drops next year.

I’m here for it. All of it.

WICKED (2024) defies gravity and gives everyone a chance to fly. You can catch it now in theaters.