The highly anticipated Wicked movie, split into two parts, will clock in at approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes (165 minutes) for Part One. This runtime, while subject to minor adjustments during the final editing process, provides a substantial glimpse into the expanded world of Oz on the big screen.
Unveiling the Runtime: What to Expect
The announcement of Wicked being split into two films sparked both excitement and curiosity. How much content would each movie cover? Would the pacing suffer? Thankfully, early reports suggest that splitting the story allows for a more faithful and nuanced adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical. The 2-hour and 45-minute runtime for Part One allows director Jon M. Chu and the team to breathe life into Elphaba and Glinda’s origin story, exploring their complex relationship and the political tensions brewing in Oz.
The runtime is significantly longer than the average stage production, which typically runs around 2 hours and 40 minutes including intermission. This extra time allows for the inclusion of elements previously constrained by the stage format, such as expanded character backstories, more detailed world-building, and potentially even new musical numbers crafted specifically for the film.
Diving Deeper: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to some of the most pressing questions surrounding the Wicked movie’s runtime and its impact on the overall cinematic experience:
FAQ 1: Is the 2 Hours and 45 Minutes Including Credits?
While the official runtime includes everything, it’s highly probable that the main film itself will be slightly shorter, with credits accounting for a portion of the total time. Expect the actual narrative content to be closer to 2 hours and 35-40 minutes.
FAQ 2: Will “Wicked: Part Two” Be a Similar Length?
Currently, no official runtime has been announced for Wicked: Part Two. However, considering the need to conclude the narrative arc initiated in Part One, it’s reasonable to expect a similar length, likely between 2 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours. This allows for a satisfying resolution to the complex plotlines and character arcs.
FAQ 3: How Does This Compare to the Broadway Musical?
As mentioned earlier, the Broadway musical traditionally runs around 2 hours and 40 minutes, including an intermission. The movie’s runtime for Part One is comparable, suggesting a relatively faithful adaptation of the core narrative. However, the cinematic medium allows for greater flexibility in storytelling, which might lead to minor deviations and additions.
FAQ 4: Will There Be an Intermission in the Movie Theaters?
Unlike the stage production, it is highly unlikely that the movie will have an intermission. The cinematic experience typically favors a continuous narrative flow, and splitting the film into two parts already provides a natural break in the overall story.
FAQ 5: What Will the Extra Time Be Used For?
The extra time afforded by the extended runtime will likely be used to flesh out the world of Oz, explore character backstories in greater detail, and potentially introduce new musical numbers or scenes. This allows for a richer and more immersive cinematic experience than what is possible on stage.
FAQ 6: Could the Runtime Change Before Release?
While the reported runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes is currently accurate, it’s always possible that it could change during the final stages of editing. Minor adjustments in pacing and scene length are common in post-production, so this runtime should be considered an estimate.
FAQ 7: Will Extended Versions or Director’s Cuts Be Released Later?
Given the popularity of Wicked and the scope of the film adaptation, it’s certainly plausible that extended versions or director’s cuts could be released on home video or streaming platforms in the future. However, this remains speculative at this point.
FAQ 8: Does the Runtime Justify Splitting the Movie Into Two Parts?
Many fans believe that the reported runtime for Part One, combined with the anticipation for Part Two, justifies the decision to split the movie. This allows for a more thorough and nuanced exploration of the story, avoiding the need to condense complex plotlines and character development into a single film.
FAQ 9: Will All the Original Songs from the Musical Be Included?
While the exact song list for the movie remains unconfirmed, it’s highly probable that most of the original songs from the Broadway musical will be included. The musical numbers are a crucial element of Wicked‘s appeal, and their absence would likely disappoint fans. However, some songs might be shortened or re-arranged to fit the cinematic format.
FAQ 10: How Does This Impact the Pacing of the Story?
The longer runtime allows for a more deliberate and nuanced pacing of the story, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the world of Oz and connect with the characters on a deeper level. This is particularly important for a complex narrative like Wicked, which explores themes of prejudice, power, and identity.
FAQ 11: Where Can I Find the Most Up-to-Date Information on the Runtime?
The most reliable sources for up-to-date information on the Wicked movie’s runtime are official press releases from Universal Pictures, reputable entertainment news websites like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter, and the film’s official social media accounts. Be wary of unverified information circulating on social media.
FAQ 12: Is the Runtime a Good Thing for the Movie’s Success?
Ultimately, whether the runtime is a good thing for the movie’s success will depend on how well the story is told and how effectively the time is used. However, the longer runtime allows for a more complete and satisfying adaptation of the beloved musical, which could ultimately contribute to its critical and commercial success. A poorly paced or unfocused film, regardless of its length, is unlikely to resonate with audiences. The key is quality storytelling and effective execution.