Wicked (Part 1) Review: A Magical and Emotional Return to Oz

Years after taking Broadway by storm, Wicked finally makes its long-awaited debut on the big screen. With Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, this cinematic adaptation of the beloved musical is set to captivate both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. The global success of the stage production has set high expectations, and the film delivers, adding a fresh layer of magic for those eager to explore the backstory of The Wizard of Oz.

"Defying Gravity" Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba

From the very first scene, Wicked transports audiences back to the vibrant land of Oz. The world-building is visually stunning, with Munchkinland, Shiz University, and the Emerald City brought to life in exquisite detail. The film's production design is nothing short of magical, with sweeping landscapes and intricate set pieces that immerse us in a world both familiar and entirely new.

The performances are at the heart of this adaptation. Ariana Grande impresses with her powerful, operatic vocals, especially in her early scenes as Glinda. Her portrayal of the popular, bubbly witch is endearing and, at times, surprisingly grounded. Cynthia Erivo, however, is the true standout. She brings a depth and emotional richness to Elphaba, capturing the character's vulnerability, defiance, and ultimately, her iconic "wickedness." Erivo’s performance, both vocally and emotionally, gives Elphaba the justice she deserves, turning her into a character that we can’t help but love, even as she’s misunderstood.

The visuals of Oz are breathtaking, and the film’s direction ensures that every scene feels like a spectacle. I found myself particularly moved during Elphaba’s solo dance at the Ozdust Ballroom—a hauntingly beautiful moment that symbolizes her inner turmoil and longing for acceptance. The sequence, set to the haunting “Defying Gravity,” is a powerful reminder of why this story resonates so deeply with audiences. It’s a moment of liberation and defiance, both poignant and exhilarating.

"Popular" Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo

The film also pays homage to the 1939 Wizard of Oz movie with several subtle easter eggs and references. Keep an eye out for the iconic ruby slippers and some familiar nods to the original, giving longtime fans a delightful sense of continuity. There are also moments that echo the stage musical, ensuring that Wicked enthusiasts will feel right at home while still experiencing something fresh and exciting.

A standout part of the ensemble cast includes Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, who brings charm and complexity to his role, while Michelle Yeoh’s Madame Morrible is as imposing and mysterious as ever. Jeff Goldblum adds a quirky spin to the Wizard, while Marissa Bode, Ethan Slater, and Peter Dinklage round out the talented cast with strong supporting performances.

Directed by Jon Chu (Crazy Rich Asians), Wicked Part 1 is an epic, visually stunning, and emotionally resonant film that makes a powerful case for why this story has endured for decades. The film strikes a delicate balance between spectacle and heart, making it a must-see event for fans of the musical, The Wizard of Oz, and anyone who loves a good story of friendship, defiance, and self-discovery.

Opening today in theaters, Wicked Part 1 is best experienced on the biggest screen possible, preferably IMAX, where its grandeur can truly be appreciated. Don’t miss this magical journey to Oz—it’s one you won’t forget.

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Step into the enchanting world of “Wicked” in the newest featurette

“Oz represents a place of magic, so to be able to invite an audience into this beautiful world is exciting.” Jon M. Chu welcomes fans and moviegoers to the wonderful world of Oz, in the highly anticipated adaptation of the hit musical Wicked, in the newest featurette.

Watch the featurette here:
Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba, feels that Oz is the land of endless possibilities. “The things you think are impossible, the things you are dreaming about, aren’t impossible at all,” she says.

In the world of Oz, nothing is as straightforward as reality. “Nothing is just one dimension, in the world of Oz,” Erivo explains. “That special magic is palpable,” Jonathan Bailey, who plays Fiyero, adds.

Alongside Erivo is Ariana Grande, who stars as Glinda, and she talks about how their characters both search for their inner magic within this world. “Glinda, just like Elphaba, just wants to find her magic,” she says. Erivo also talks about the power within Elphaba. “It isn’t about relying on someone else, it really is about harnessing the power she has, and figuring out how to use that to do good the way she needs to,” she says.

“That’s the most magical part of the whole thing,” Grande adds.

Tickets out now! Head to your local cinema, or check out their ticketing sites to reserve your seats for Wicked, in Philippine cinemas on November 20.

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WICKED movie tickets now on sale!

Don’t miss the chance to be part of one of 2024’s most anticipated movies, as tickets to “Wicked” are now available! The big-screen adaptation to the hit musical phenomenon is coming to Philippine theaters on November 20, but fans and moviegoers can now reserve tickets as early as today.

Watch the announcement, with a snippet from the songs “Popular” and “Defying Gravity” here:

Check out the ticketing sites of your local cinemas to reserve seats for Wicked.

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event.

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s Spongebob Squarepants, Fosse/Verdon) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

The cast of characters includes Pfannee and ShenShen, two conniving compatriots of Glinda played by Emmy nominee Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Bronwyn James (Harlots); a new character created for the film, Miss Coddle, played by Tony nominee Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and four-time Emmy winner Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones) as the voice of Dr. Dillamond.

Wicked is produced by Marc Platt (La La Land, The Little Mermaid), whose films, television shows and stage productions have earned a combined 46 Oscar® nominations, 58 Emmy nominations and 36 Tony nominations, and by multiple Tony winner David Stone (Kimberly Akimbo, Next to Normal), with whom Platt produced the blockbuster Wicked stage musical. The executive producers are David Nicksay, Stephen Schwartz and Jared LeBoff.

Based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked is adapted for the screen by the stage production’s book writer Winnie Holzman and by legendary Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz. The Broadway stage musical is produced by Universal Stage Productions, Marc Platt, the Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone. 

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 26, 2025.

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Watch the teaser trailer of Wicked starring Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande

TAKE YOUR FIRST LOOK AT THE BIG-SCREEN ADAPTATION OF THE RECORD-BREAKING BROADWAY MUSICAL “WICKED,” STARRING ARIANA GRANDE AND CYNTHIA ERIVO

The best way to bring folks together is to give them a real good enemy.

After two decades as one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its long-awaited journey to the big screen as a spectacular, generation-defining cinematic event this year.

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths.

The film also stars Oscar® winner Michelle Yeoh as Shiz University’s regal headmistress Madame Morrible; Jonathan Bailey (Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers) as Fiyero, a roguish and carefree prince; Tony nominee Ethan Slater (Broadway’s “Spongebob Squarepants”) as Boq, an altruistic Munchkin student; Marissa Bode in her feature-film debut as Nessarose, Elphaba’s favored sister; and pop culture icon Jeff Goldblum as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero

Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible

Jeff Goldblum as the Wizard

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked opens in cinemas November 27, while Wicked: Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters in 2025.

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PINOCCHIO trailer features Tom Hanks as Geppetto

"Star light, star bright

First star I see tonight

I wish I may, I wish I might,

Have the wish I wish tonight"

It's truly magical to hear again these words from Geppetto in Disney's timeless classic Pinocchio, which gets its live adaptation based on Disney's animated film. Geppetto is played by no other than Tom Hanks, a crafty man dreaming of becoming a father for his puppet he named Pinocchio.

Tom Hanks as Geppetto

We also get to hear When You Wish Upon A Star, Disney's OBB in every film that it makes, making the entrance for our Blue Fairy, played by Cynthia Erivo and a glimpse of Jiminy Cricket. The short trailer  afterwards shows different moments in Pinocchio's adventure. See the trailer below.

Cynthia Erivo as The Blue Fairy

Luke Evans as Coachman

Jiminy Cricket (voiced by Joseph Gordon-Levitt)

Pinocchio is directed by Robert Zemeckis, also featuring Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Keegan Michael-Key, and Luke Evans. Coming only to Disney+, which everyone in the Philippines wishes to arrive, on September 8.

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