The upcoming Wicked movie (Part One), adapted from the beloved Broadway musical, is slated to run for approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes (165 minutes). This runtime positions it as a significant undertaking, promising a deep dive into the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch.
Anticipating Wicked: A Look at the Movie’s Length
The length of a movie adaptation is always a point of interest, especially when dealing with a property as beloved and expansive as Wicked. The 2 hour 45 minute runtime suggests that director Jon M. Chu intends to explore the narrative richness and musical complexity of the source material in detail. This isn’t simply a condensed version; it’s a reimagining for the big screen designed to resonate with both dedicated fans and new audiences alike. This length positions Wicked alongside other epic musical adaptations and allows ample time for character development, emotional resonance, and, of course, those iconic musical numbers. The producers and director have expressed a commitment to honoring the original stage production while also adding cinematic flair and depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Wicked Movie
This section addresses the most common questions regarding the Wicked movie, providing clear and concise answers.
FAQ 1: Why is the Wicked movie split into two parts?
The decision to split Wicked into two films stems from the sheer volume of material in the original musical. The story is complex, filled with numerous characters, intricate plot lines, and a multitude of iconic musical numbers. A single film, even a lengthy one, would likely have required significant cuts and compromises, potentially diminishing the emotional impact and narrative depth. By dividing the story, the filmmakers aim to do justice to the source material and allow for a more comprehensive exploration of Oz’s history and the central characters’ journeys. The first film will reportedly cover the events leading up to Elphaba becoming the “Wicked Witch,” while the second will focus on the consequences and the unraveling of Oz.
FAQ 2: Does the 2 hour 45 minute runtime include credits?
Yes, the reported 2 hour 45 minute runtime typically includes end credits. The actual narrative portion of the film might be slightly shorter, but it’s safe to assume that the main story will consume the vast majority of that time.
FAQ 3: How does the movie’s length compare to the original Broadway musical?
The Broadway production of Wicked typically runs approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 50 minutes, including the intermission. Therefore, the movie’s length is very close to the stage show’s duration, suggesting a faithful adaptation in terms of content and pacing.
FAQ 4: Will the movie include all the songs from the musical?
While the exact song list for the movie hasn’t been officially released, it’s highly probable that most of the iconic songs from the musical will be included. Some minor songs or reprises might be cut or slightly altered for pacing and cinematic flow. However, expect to hear classics like “Defying Gravity,” “Popular,” “The Wizard and I,” and “For Good.” Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the film’s stars, have both expressed their excitement about performing these beloved numbers.
FAQ 5: Will there be new songs in the Wicked movie?
There’s potential for new songs to be added to the Wicked movie. Stephen Schwartz, the composer and lyricist of the original musical, has reportedly been involved in the film adaptation and might have contributed new material. While nothing is confirmed, adding a song or two could enrich the cinematic experience and provide new insights into the characters and their motivations.
FAQ 6: Is the 2 hour 45 minute runtime just for Wicked Part One? What about Part Two?
Yes, the confirmed 2 hour 45 minute runtime applies to Wicked Part One. The length of Wicked Part Two is currently unknown and will likely depend on how the story progresses and the amount of material that needs to be covered in the second installment. It is reasonable to expect Part Two to be a similar length to Part One to allow a balanced delivery of the plot.
FAQ 7: Will there be an intermission in the movie?
No, it is extremely unlikely that the theatrical release of Wicked Part One will have an intermission. Intermissions are typically reserved for live theater performances and are uncommon in cinema. However, viewers can, of course, pause the film when watching at home.
FAQ 8: Does the movie’s length suggest a specific rating?
The movie’s length, in and of itself, doesn’t determine its rating. The rating will be based on the content of the film, including the presence of potentially frightening scenes, mature themes, or suggestive content. Wicked is generally considered family-friendly, so it is expected that the film will receive a PG or PG-13 rating.
FAQ 9: Who are the main actors and actresses in the Wicked movie?
The Wicked movie boasts a star-studded cast. Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West, and Ariana Grande plays Glinda, who later becomes Glinda the Good Witch. Other notable cast members include Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Ethan Slater as Boq.
FAQ 10: Will the movie be significantly different from the musical?
While the filmmakers have stated their intention to stay true to the spirit of the original musical, some changes are inevitable in adapting a stage production to the big screen. Expect some scenes to be expanded, new visual elements to be added, and certain plot points to be tweaked for cinematic pacing and clarity. However, the core story, characters, and musical numbers are expected to remain largely intact.
FAQ 11: When is the Wicked movie being released?
Wicked Part One is currently scheduled for release on November 27, 2024. Wicked Part Two is slated to follow on November 26, 2025. These dates are subject to change, so it’s best to check reliable sources for the latest updates.
FAQ 12: Where can I find more information about the Wicked movie?
Stay updated on the Wicked movie by following official social media accounts associated with the film, such as Universal Pictures’ channels. Reputable entertainment news websites like Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Deadline Hollywood also provide reliable information and updates about the film’s production, casting, and release. Look for official trailers and behind-the-scenes footage to get a glimpse of what to expect.