Miah Massaro | Sports Editor
As anticipation builds for the upcoming film adaptation of Wicked (2024), a wave of skepticism has emerged among fans and critics alike. Many are expressing worries even before the movie's release, with the primary concerns being the casting choices, the pop-ification of the beloved songs, and the color grading of the film itself.
Fans of the original Broadway musical are anxious about whether the selected actors, Ariana Granda and Cynthia Erivo, will truly embody the iconic characters of Elphaba and Glinda. The immense popularity of the stage production has set a high bar, leading many to question if the film can do justice to these beloved roles.
Visual quality is also on the minds of many. Known for its breathtaking set designs and elaborate costumes, the stage version has set expectations high. Fans are left wondering if the film can capture that same magic while balancing stunning visuals with strong storytelling and character development. The release of several teasers, trailers, and behind the scenes shots have left fans leaving a wide range of comments about colors of the film being incredibly underwhelming with such an amazing set design.
As the release date draws near (November 22, 2024), these concerns continue to shape the conversation around Wicked, leaving many to ponder whether the film can live up to the legacy of its beloved source material.
As of recently, various people have been able to see the entire movie ahead of its November release, and it is being hailed as a “musical masterpiece.” Those who voiced their skepticism early on have been left voicing the opposite opinion after viewing it. Variety journalist Katcy Stephan revealed, “I was ‘pessimistical’ going in, but… WICKED is a masterpiece. Ariana Grande makes Glinda sparkle” she milks every moment with gusto, humor and hair flips. Jon M. Chu added so much new life to the story that I can see why it needed to be 2 parts! Well worth the 20-year wait.”
On X, formerly Twitter, original Broadway Glinda Chenoweth wrote that audiences will “all be changed for good” upon the film’s release, adding that she is “counting down the days.”
“Wicked is a cinematic spectacle that serves as one of the very best big screen adaptations of a Broadway musical ever,” film critic Scott Menzel, wrote on X. “Jon M. Chu perfectly captures the magic of the Broadway show while adding in some of his own unique flourishes to the source material. Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo completely knock it out of the park as Elphaba and Galinda. Jonathan Bailey is also quite phenomenal in the film. Wicked lives up to the hype and often succeeds. Oh, and there is one scene that fans of the Broadway show are going to absolutely lose their minds over. Wicked is hands down one of the year’s best films.”
This adaptation of Wicked aims to reach new audiences while celebrating the original material, ensuring that both long-time fans and newcomers alike can appreciate the story. As the release date approaches, the excitement surrounding Wicked continues to grow, promising a cinematic experience that will resonate with viewers of all ages.
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