The Verdict
Did the Wicked Film Live Up to the Anticipation? Explore the Reviews
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande headline Jon M. Chu’s cinematic adaptation.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo in Wicked
Courtesy of Universal Pictures
Directed by Jon M. Chu, renowned for his work on In the Heights and Crazy Rich Asians, this adaptation has become one of the most eagerly discussed musical films in recent memory. Has it truly soared above the clouds of expectations? Critics offer their insights below, but be advised: spoilers may abound!
Engage with the reviews here:
- Backlot Magazine (Ridge Harripersad)
- Business Insider (Palmer Haasch)
- Chicago Reader (Albert Williams)
- Collider (Jeff Ewing)
- The Daily Beast (Kevin Fallon)
- Deadline (Pete Hammond)
- Entertainment Weekly (Christian Holub)
- The Guardian (Peter Bradshaw)
- Hello Magazine (Rebecca Lewis)
- The Hollywood Reporter (David Rooney)
- IGN (Alyssa Mora)
- The Independent (Chris Wasser) *
- The Irish Examiner (Declan Burke) *
- The Irish Times (Donald Clarke)
- LA Times (Katie Walsh) *
- Looper (Cynthia Vinney)
- Mashable (Kristy Puchko)
- Metro UK (Tori Brazier)
- NPR (Aisha Harris)
- The New Statesman (Simran Hans)
- The New York Post (Johnny Oleksinski) *
- Out Magazine (Mey Rude)
- People Magazine (Eric Andersson)
- Polygon (Petrana Radulovic) *
- Screen Crush (Matt Singer)
- Screen Daily (Fionnuala Halligan)
- Screen Rant (Rachel Labonte)
- The Seattle Times (Moira Macdonald) *
- Slant Magazine (Dan Rubins)
- Slash Film (Witney Seibold)
- The Telegraph (Robbie Collin)
- TheaterMania (David Gordon)
- Variety (Peter Debruge) *
- Vulture (Bilge Ebiri)
- WhatsOnStage (Alex Wood)
- The Wrap (William Bibbiani)
*Some reviews may require a free account or a subscription for access.
Playbill will persist in updating this compilation as additional reviews emerge.
The film adaptation of Wicked features songs by Stephen Schwartz, a screenplay penned by Winnie Holzman, and visually captivating designs crafted by Tony Award winner Paul Tazewell. The film stars Tony Award winner Cynthia Erivo and Grammy Award winner Ariana Grande in the iconic roles of Elphaba and Glinda, respectively.
Joining them are West End Company Olivier winner and Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, SpongeBob SquarePants star Ethan Slater as Boq, Emmy winner Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond, 2023 Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, and the talented newcomer Marissa Bode as Nessarose. Additionally, stage and screen luminary Keala Settle, alongside SNL‘s Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Aaron Teoh, and Colin Michael Carmichael, portray new characters exclusive to this cinematic rendition, with Settle taking on the role of Miss Coddle and Carmichael featuring as Professor Nikidik.
READ: 15 Enchanting Easter Eggs in Wicked‘s Official Trailer.
Wicked, reimagining the classic tale of The Wizard of Oz, first dazzled audiences on Broadway in 2003 and remains a firm favorite at the Gershwin Theatre. Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel, the musical showcases Schwartz’s arresting music and poignant lyrics, alongside Holzman’s compelling book. The original Broadway cast featured Tony winners Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth as Elphaba and Glinda, respectively, and Wicked now holds the distinction of being the fourth longest-running show in Broadway history.
It secured Tony Awards in 2004 for Best Actress in a Musical (Menzel), Best Costume Design (Susan Hilferty), and Best Scenic Design (Eugene Lee).
Secure your tickets at a theater near you via WickedMovie.com. You can also pre-order the film’s soundtrack album, set to release on November 22, through this link. The film’s second part is scheduled for release on Thanksgiving 2025.
Vocabulary List:
- Anticipation /ænˌtɪs.ɪˈpeɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The state of expecting or looking forward to something.
- Adaptation /ˌæd.æpˈteɪ.ʃən/ (noun): The process of adjusting to new conditions or the act of modifying something for a different purpose.
- Cinematic /ˌsɪ.nəˈmæt.ɪk/ (adjective): Relating to the cinema or movies; characteristic of filmmaking.
- Eagerly /ˈiː.ɡərli/ (adverb): With great enthusiasm or excitement.
- Captivating /ˈkæp.tɪ.veɪ.tɪŋ/ (adjective): Attracting and holding interest or attention.
- Incorporate /ɪnˈkɔːr.pə.reɪt/ (verb): To include or integrate a part into a whole.