Wicked: Everything we know about release date, director, cast, storyline and characters

Universal's film adaptation of the Broadway show "Wicked" has a new release date. The film will now open in theaters on November 22, five days earlier than previously scheduled.

Release Date

"Wicked," the film adaptation of the popular Broadway show, will now open in theaters on November 22. This is five days earlier than the previously scheduled date of November 27. The new date helps the film avoid direct competition with Disney's "Moana 2," which was set to release on the same day.

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Avoiding Competition

The shift in release date allows "Wicked" to avoid a box office battle with "Moana 2." Both movies appeal to a similar female demographic, so Universal's decision to move up the release date helps prevent audience overlap. The new date, just before Thanksgiving, gives "Wicked" a head start on the holiday season.

Competing with "Gladiator II"

Although "Wicked" now avoids "Moana 2," it will still face competition. The new release date coincides with the debut of Paramount and Ridley Scott's "Gladiator II." However, there is likely less overlap in the target audience between these two films.

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Previous Date Shifts

This is not the first time "Wicked: Part One" has experienced a date shift. Initially, the film was scheduled for a December 25 release. Universal moved it to Thanksgiving to avoid competing with other Christmas releases such as Disney's "Mufasa: The Lion King" and "Sonic the Hedgehog 3."

Director and Cast

Jon M. Chu, known for "Crazy Rich Asians" and "In the Heights," is directing the two-part adaptation of "Wicked." The second part is scheduled for release on November 26, 2025. "Wicked" is a prequel to "The Wizard of Oz," based on the long-running Broadway show.

Storyline and Characters

The story of "Wicked" features classics like "Defying Gravity" and "Popular." It stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the Good. Their unlikely friendship faces challenges from external forces. The cast also includes Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Ethan Slater as Boq, and Bowen Yang as Pfannee.

FAQs:

Why was the release date of "Wicked" moved up?
The release date of "Wicked" was moved up to avoid direct competition with Disney's "Moana 2."

Who stars in the "Wicked" movie?
Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, and Ariana Grande stars as Glinda in the "Wicked" movie adaptation.