The upcoming Wicked films, adapted from the smash-hit Broadway musical, are poised to be cinematic events. Barring unforeseen circumstances, and based on current announcements and established sequel conventions, there will be at least two Wicked movies.
The Two-Part Saga: Why a Duology?
Universal Pictures has officially announced a two-part adaptation of Wicked, scheduled for release in November 2024 and November 2025. This decision wasn’t arbitrary. The musical itself is a sprawling narrative, delving into the complex relationship between Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the Good Witch. Attempting to condense the entire storyline into a single film would have inevitably resulted in significant cuts and compromises to the characters and plot. Splitting the story allows for a more faithful and nuanced adaptation.
The first film will likely cover the events leading up to Elphaba’s transformation into the “Wicked” Witch, detailing her experiences at Shiz University and her initial friendship with Glinda. The second film will then explore the escalating conflict between Elphaba and the Wizard of Oz, culminating in the iconic events of the Wizard of Oz from a different perspective.
Beyond Two Films: The Potential for Expansion
While two Wicked films are currently confirmed, the possibility of future installments shouldn’t be entirely dismissed. The world of Oz, as envisioned by Gregory Maguire in his novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (the source material for the musical), is rich with untold stories.
The success of the initial two films will undoubtedly be a crucial factor. If they achieve critical acclaim and box office success, Universal might consider exploring other narratives within the Oz universe. This could involve prequels focusing on the origins of the Wizard, sequels depicting life after the original Wicked timeline, or even spin-off films centered on other characters like Boq or Nessarose.
However, these are purely speculative at this point. The focus remains firmly on delivering a captivating and faithful adaptation of the core Wicked story in the two upcoming films. Therefore, the answer to the initial question – “How many Wicked movies will there be?” – remains definitively two, for now.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Wicked Movies
This section addresses common questions and concerns surrounding the Wicked film adaptation, providing clarity and insights into the production and future possibilities.
FAQ 1: Who is directing the Wicked movies?
The director of both Wicked movies is Jon M. Chu, known for his work on Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights. His experience with large-scale musical adaptations makes him a suitable choice to bring the vibrant world of Oz to the big screen.
FAQ 2: Who are the lead actors in the Wicked films?
The roles of Elphaba and Glinda will be portrayed by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, respectively. Erivo is a Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Award-winning actress and singer, while Grande is a globally recognized pop star with extensive acting experience.
FAQ 3: Will the Wicked movies be faithful to the Broadway musical?
While some adaptations are inevitable, the creative team has emphasized their commitment to remaining true to the spirit and core narrative of the Wicked musical. Stephen Schwartz, the composer and lyricist of the original musical, is actively involved in the film adaptation, ensuring the integrity of the songs and story.
FAQ 4: Will all the original songs from the musical be included?
It’s highly likely that most of the iconic songs from the Broadway musical will be featured in the films. However, some songs may be shortened or omitted for pacing purposes, or adapted to better suit the cinematic format.
FAQ 5: Will there be any new songs in the Wicked movies?
While the focus will be on preserving the existing musical numbers, there is a possibility of new songs being added to enhance the story or provide additional emotional depth. Stephen Schwartz has hinted at the possibility, but details remain scarce.
FAQ 6: Where are the Wicked movies being filmed?
Filming for the Wicked movies has taken place in various locations, primarily at Sky Studios in Iver, England. Other locations may be used for specific scenes and visual effects integration.
FAQ 7: What is the rating expected for the Wicked films?
Given the tone and content of the musical, the Wicked films are expected to receive a PG or PG-13 rating. This would make them accessible to a broad audience while still allowing for some mature themes and emotional complexity.
FAQ 8: What is the runtime expected for each of the Wicked movies?
Given the expansive nature of the story, each Wicked film is expected to have a runtime of approximately two and a half to three hours. This will allow for a comprehensive exploration of the characters and plot without feeling rushed.
FAQ 9: Will the Wicked movies use CGI extensively?
Yes, the Wicked movies will likely utilize significant CGI to bring the fantastical world of Oz to life. This will be necessary to create the magical environments, flying monkeys, and other visual elements that are integral to the story.
FAQ 10: What are the biggest challenges in adapting Wicked for the big screen?
One of the biggest challenges is maintaining the emotional depth and nuance of the original musical while translating it to a cinematic format. Capturing the essence of Elphaba and Glinda’s complex relationship and the underlying themes of prejudice, friendship, and self-acceptance will be crucial.
FAQ 11: How can I stay updated on the latest news about the Wicked movies?
Follow the official social media accounts of Universal Pictures, the actors involved, and key members of the production team. Reputable entertainment news websites and film blogs will also provide regular updates and announcements.
FAQ 12: Will the Wicked movies be released in theaters or streamed online?
The Wicked movies are currently slated for exclusive theatrical releases in November 2024 and November 2025, respectively. After their theatrical runs, they will likely be available for streaming on platforms like Peacock (owned by NBCUniversal).
In conclusion, while the future of the Wicked cinematic universe beyond the initial two films remains uncertain, fans can anticipate a comprehensive and visually stunning adaptation of the beloved musical, bringing the magic and intrigue of Oz to the big screen. The answer to the question of how many Wicked movies will there be is, with reasonable certainty, two – and hopefully, more someday.