The highly anticipated film adaptation of 'Wicked' will hit theaters five days earlier than expected, pulling the film from competition with 'Moana 2' which is still slated to release on November 27.
- Jul 2, 2024
AceShowbiz - The expected anticipation for the film adaptation of Broadway's beloved "Wicked" just got a little more exciting. Universal Pictures announced that "Wicked: Part One" will now soar into theaters on November 22, a full five days earlier than its previously scheduled release on November 27, right before Thanksgiving. This strategic move allows the film to dodge direct competition with Disney's "Moana 2", which remains slated for a November 27 release.
Director Jon M. Chu, known for his work on "Crazy Rich Asians" and "In the Heights", shared the exciting news on X (formerly known as Twitter), writing, "5. DAYS. EARLIER!!!! Let's goooo!! #WickedMovie #Nov22." The decision not only averts a head-to-head clash with "Moana 2" but also gives "Wicked" the advantage to preemptively capture the holiday audience's attention before Thanksgiving festivities begin.
However, "Wicked" will still face competition from another heavy-hitting sequel, "Gladiator 2", also set to release on the same day. Although both films cater to different demographics, there is a shared anticipation in how they will perform at the box office.
The upcoming film adaptation features pop superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, the Good Witch, and acclaimed actress Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. The stellar cast also includes Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as the headmistress Madame Morrible, Ethan Slater as Boq, Bowen Yang as Pfannee, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, and Jeff Goldblum as the Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
Based on the Broadway sensation, which itself stems from Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel "Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West", the film adaptation promises to delve into the prequel story of "The Wizard of Oz", exploring the unexpected friendship and eventual rivalry between Glinda and Elphaba while they navigate life at Shiz University.
The announcement resonated deeply with fans, who have been eagerly awaiting the film’s arrival for years. "So excited. I've just been so proud of it, and it's gonna reach a whole other audience," remarked Idina Menzel, the original Elphaba on Broadway, echoing the sentiments of many theater enthusiasts.
As the anticipation builds for this magical journey, Universal Pictures also released another tantalizing trailer, featuring snippets of fan-favorite songs "Popular" and "Defying Gravity". Fans got even more enthusiastic when Menzel and Erivo appeared together at the 2024 Tony Awards, interacting in a heartfelt manner that highlighted their shared passion for the project.
The holiday season of 2024 just became even more enchanting, thanks to "Wicked". With its rescheduled release, fans can now look forward to an earlier and magical kickoff to their Thanksgiving festivities. "Wicked: Part Two" is set to follow a year later, releasing on November 26, 2025.
