The upcoming spooky season is set to be all about witches, with the highly anticipated movie Wicked from Universal Pictures taking audiences on a magical journey to the Land of Oz. Based on the popular stage musical of the same name, which in turn was inspired by Gregory Maguire’s novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, this film promises to offer a fresh perspective on the iconic characters from L. Frank Baum’s classic novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
The story revolves around Elphaba Thropp, portrayed by Cynthia Erivo, a young woman with green skin who is misunderstood by society. Upon arriving at Shiz University, she forms an unlikely friendship with the popular Galinda Upland, played by Ariana Grande. However, their paths diverge after encountering the enigmatic Wonderful Wizard of Oz, portrayed by Jeff Goldblum, leading them down contrasting paths that eventually result in Elphaba becoming the Wicked Witch of the West and Galinda turning into Glinda the Good.
True to its origins as a musical, Wicked will feature a captivating soundtrack that highlights the themes of good and evil present in the story. The trailer for the film offers a glimpse into the enchanting world that awaits audiences.
The release date for Wicked is set for Monday, 18 November 2024, in the UK and Friday, 22 November 2024, in the US. This places the film in direct competition with another highly anticipated movie, Gladiator 2, directed by Ridley Scott, which is also scheduled to premiere on 22 November in the US.
Tickets for Wicked are expected to go on sale approximately a month before the premiere date, around mid-to-late October 2024. Fans can secure their seats at major cinema chains in both the US and UK, including AMC Theatres, Fandango, Cinemark, Regal Cinemas in the US, and Vue, Cineworld, Odeon, and Showcase in the UK.
With its unique take on the beloved characters of Oz and its enthralling musical elements, Wicked is poised to be one of the most talked-about releases of the year. Don’t miss your chance to experience this magical journey on the big screen.