The upcoming ‘Wicked’ movie, set for release on November 22, 2024, has fans and critics alike buzzing with excitement. This adaptation of the Broadway sensation explores the untold backstory of Oz’s famous witches. With Ariana Grande as Glinda, and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the film takes a fresh look at the beloved fantasy world made famous by ‘The Wizard of Oz’, a film that has set an iconic standard since 1939. ‘Wicked’ brings a new angle by diving into the witches’ friendship and the events that drive them apart, creating a complex, relatable narrative set in a magical realm. Joining the legacy of Oz adaptations like ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘The Wiz’, ‘Wicked’ offers a modern take on the story, blending the familiar with fresh perspectives that fans are eager to experience on the big screen.
In ‘Wicked’, the story follows Elphaba, a young woman ostracized for her green skin, who learns that her powers come with significant costs and moral dilemmas. Her path crosses with Glinda, a beautiful, popular young woman whose life takes a surprising turn as she befriends Elphaba. As their bond strengthens, they face difficult choices shaped by personal ambitions, misunderstandings, and the corrupt power structures in Oz. The film offers a unique exploration of how Elphaba is transformed into the so-called “Wicked Witch of the West” and how Glinda rises as the “Good Witch.” This story delves into themes of social justice, discrimination, and self-discovery, making ‘Wicked’ a more emotionally resonant take on Oz’s classic lore. With Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo leading a talented ensemble, the film promises a visually dazzling experience. With a production budget of $145 million dollars for the first ‘Wicked’ movie, ensuring that Oz’s magical landscapes and grandiose set pieces will captivate viewers, while a hefty marketing campaign underscores studio confidence in the film’s box office potential.
Oh wait, did I just drop some knowledge on ya’ll? I’ll bet you didn’t know there’s a Wicked Part 2 that is scheduled to come out in 2025, and that movie has an even bigger production budget of $165 million dollars.
Analysts predict strong ticket sales for both movies, bolstered by fans of the original musical, Ariana Grande’s massive following, and the universal appeal of the Oz universe.
The original ‘The Wizard of Oz’, released in 1939, continues to captivate audiences worldwide, its enchanting blend of fantasy, music, and moral lessons resonating with viewers of all ages. This iconic adaptation stars Judy Garland as Dorothy, who embarks on a journey through the magical land of Oz to find her way back home. Alongside beloved characters like the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, Dorothy encounters life lessons and memorable music, including the timeless “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Production costs reached nearly $3 million – which back in the day was a significant amount of money at the time, and was mostly due to the innovative color motion picture process called Technicolor, elaborate costumes, and groundbreaking visual effects that set a new standard for cinema. Though it initially faced mixed reviews and modest earnings, ‘The Wizard of Oz’ found enduring success through numerous re-releases, eventually amassing considerable profits and firmly establishing itself as one of the greatest films in history.
Another notable adaptation is ‘The Wiz’, released in 1978 as a bold, urban-inspired reinterpretation of the original Oz tale. This film stars legendary performers like Diana Ross as Dorothy, Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow, Nipsey Russell as the Tin Man, Ted Ross as the Cowardly Lion, and Richard Pryor as the Wiz himself. ‘The Wiz’ brought an updated lens to the classic story, showcasing urban landscapes and an unforgettable funk and soul soundtrack, adding a distinctive cultural layer. While it had a lavish budget of approximately $24 million, the film’s box office performance was limited, as it only managed to make around $21 million. ‘The Wiz’ became a cultural touchstone, especially in the Black community, and its soulful reinterpretation and stellar cast cemented it as a beloved classic, even if it did not achieve ‘The Wizard of Oz”s commercial success.
This Thanksgiving 2024 season is shaping up to be one of the busiest in recent memory, as ‘Wicked’ is slated to debut alongside heavy-hitters like ‘Gladiator 2’ and ‘Moana 2’. Each of these films carries significant anticipation, appealing to various segments of the moviegoing audience and ensuring fierce competition at the box office. ‘Gladiator 2’, the long-awaited sequel to Ridley Scott’s 2000 historical epic, is set to draw fans of grand historical dramas, while ‘Moana 2’ promises to pull in families and fans of Disney animation. Analysts expect ‘Moana 2’ to set Thanksgiving weekend records, which could impact ‘Wicked’’s performance, though its strong fan base and unique story may allow it to shine on its own. With three high-profile films releasing in close proximity, the holiday season will likely push box office numbers to impressive heights, but moviegoers may face tough choices as they pick between these cinematic spectacles. Each film’s appeal could bolster the overall Thanksgiving box office while also setting up a high-stakes battle for viewers’ attention.
With Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo leading ‘Wicked’, the movie is set to deliver both visual spectacle and emotional depth. Grande and Erivo, known for their powerful voices and screen presence, bring layers of complexity to Glinda and Elphaba, enhancing the film’s exploration of friendship, ambition, and betrayal. Their combined star power, coupled with ‘Wicked’s’ beloved storyline, suggests that the movie will find its audience despite a crowded release calendar. Fans of the Broadway musical and lovers of Oz’s enchanting world are eagerly awaiting this adaptation, hopeful that it will deliver a fresh and memorable experience in theaters.
The Wizard of Oz, Wicked and The Wiz: 3 Takes On an American Classic