Oh my Oz, they did it! Wicked has landed on the big screen, and it’s nothing short of a masterpiece. Theatre fans, rejoice – this is the faithful adaptation we’ve been waiting for.
I’m a big believer in the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But Hollywood’s obsession with remaking classics has been hit-or-miss. Cats flopped, The Lion King felt lifeless, and The Little Mermaid struggled to make waves. That’s why Wicked – arguably Broadway’s most iconic musical – felt like a high-stakes gamble. But after two decades of spellbinding success and a decade of development delays, the film has arrived. And let me tell you: it’s worth every second.
Director Jon Chu has not only preserved the magic of Wicked’s Broadway roots but also elevated it into a cinematic masterpiece. My expectations were cautiously optimistic, but the cast, the stunning visuals, and the heartfelt storytelling exceeded them all.
It’s as if a team of die-hard Wicked fans banded together to create the ultimate tribute – and it shows. This is the rare adaptation that feels like a love letter to the original while confidently forging its own.
The Wicked movie is a cinematic spectacle that dances through life
My obsession with Wicked began with the TV series Glee, and it’s only grown since. This retelling of the Wicked Witch of the West’s origin story has united audiences all around the world with its iconic score, multi-faceted characters, and universal themes of friendship, ambition, and the price of defying gravity the status quo.
Cut to the premiere night: I was squealing with joy as the opening number, No One Mourns the Wicked, filled the Imax theatre. The Yellow Brick Road, the glimpse of Wizard of Oz characters, the tulip fields, and Ariana Grande’s introduction as Glinda got me on a 160-minute dopamine high.
A cast that’s nothing short of magical
Casting a movie adaptation of Wicked was never going to be an easy feat, but they absolutely nailed the line-up.
Let’s talk about Ariana Grande as Glinda. Despite her well-documented love for Wicked, some fans worried she’d bring too much pop-star energy to the beloved role. But boy did she shut down every sceptic.
She delivers a performance of a lifetime, striking the perfect balance of paying homage to Kristin Chenoweth’s iconic portrayal while adding her signature sparkle. Her soprano dazzles and her comedic timing is spot on, especially in Popular, where she effortlessly waltzes between bubbly and bratty. She kept us giggling throughout with her delightful quirks and hysterics.
Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba is a revelation. Before this, I only knew she was a big name in theatre. But the moment she belted The Wizard and I, it was crystal clear they absolutely nailed her casting. Erivo infuses Elphaba with vulnerability and hope in the beginning, evolving into a fierce, confident powerhouse by the final act. You can’t help but root for her.
Together, Grande and Erivo’s chemistry is palpable, whether as clashing frenemies or BFFs. Their harmonies? Goosebumps. Every duet feels like a perfectly choreographed dance – it just made sense. Now I understand why they cry in every interview.
Then there’s the charming Fiyero. Jonathan Bailey, the man that you are… His effortless charisma leaps off the screen and his ability to spark chemistry with everyone left me grinning like a munchkin. And those smooth moves in Dancing Through Life? As dashing as they come.
The rest of the cast brings their A-game, too. Though not the best vocally, supporting players like Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard and Michelle Yeoh as the warm but sinister Madame Morrible are equally stellar, adding gravitas to the story.
From Shiz to Emerald City: Balancing fantasy and realism in visuals
Some have raised eyebrows over the film’s hazy, desaturated colour grading – a major departure from the vibrant technicolour of the 1939 Wizard of Oz. But director Jon Chu defends the choice, explaining that the muted tones were designed to immerse viewers in Oz, making it feel like a real, tangible place.
“If it was fake,” Chu notes, “then the relationships and stakes wouldn’t feel real.” And this is just scratching the surface of the film’s meticulous attention to detail.
The visuals are spellbinding. From the glimmering Emerald City to Shiz University, every location is rich with detail. By blending practical effects with CGI, the film creates a whimsical yet grounded world that feels tactile and alive. Even the costumes and styling strike the perfect balance, staying grand and magical without tipping into tacky.
Musical numbers such as the TikTok-famous What Is This Feeling and the trippy rotating library in Dancing Through Life practically leap off the screen. The choreography is sharp and the camera angles are dynamic – no notes!
A faithful yet fearless adaptation
The brilliance of Wicked lies in its ability to remain faithful to the stage production while also using the special features of the film, like visuals and effects, to make it even more exciting. Sure, there are some tweaks to the original but this adaptation respects its Broadway roots without being constrained by them.
What’s particularly impressive is how the film balances fan service with storytelling. Those iconic little riffs and lines that theatre fans hold dear? They’re all there. But even for non-theatre buffs, the narrative is tight, the pacing is brisk (despite the long runtime), and the emotional beats hit hard.
And yes, the grand finale of Defying Gravity is well worth the wait. The creators totally knew what they were doing, slowly building up towards Erivo’s epic war cry at the end. It scratched my brain in the best way. I’m not much of a crier but I found myself welling up with pure joy and awe.
The verdict? Wicked soars. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to Oz, this is a must-watch that hits all the right notes. Grab your broomstick (or popcorn) and fly to the nearest theatre.
As for me, I’ll be reliving the visceral moment with the soundtrack while I wait for part two – which is set to release in November 2025.
Wicked is now in theatres islandwide.
