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Wicked’s Continued Success and Streaming Triumph
Months after its theatrical debut, Wicked remains a favorite among audiences. As reported by Deadline, the musical adaptation has recently achieved significant streaming milestones on Peacock, amassing an impressive 882 million minutes of viewership from March 17 to 23, making it the top film across streaming platforms during that week.
Available on Peacock starting March 21, Wicked quickly climbed the ranks to become the platform’s leading Pay 1 film in its debut week. Viewers can stream it until July 20, along with a bonus Sing-Along version and a 40-minute behind-the-scenes feature that dives into the enchanting world of Oz, showcasing the film’s visual artistry, along with various deleted and extended scenes.
The Story Behind Wicked
Inspired by the acclaimed Broadway musical, Wicked unveils the backstories of the witches from the Wizard of Oz. The film features Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a character grappling with her unique abilities, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular student who is still on a journey to discover her true self.
Their paths converge at Shiz University, where they develop an unexpected bond, only for their friendship to be tested by their fateful meeting with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This enchanting journey ultimately leads them to become the infamous Wicked Witch of the West and the benevolent Glinda the Good.
Award Recognition
The film’s impact has not gone unnoticed, as Part 1 of Wicked garnered 10 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. Both Erivo and Grande received nods for their performances, with Erivo recognized as Best Actress and Grande as Best Supporting Actress. At the ceremony, the film took home two Oscars for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design, further solidifying its artistic achievements.
Supporting Cast and Release Schedule
The cast of Wicked is bolstered by talented actors such as Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Ethan Slater as Boq, and Marissa Bode as Nessarose. The first installment premiered on November 22, 2024, with a sequel titled Wicked: For Good set for release on November 21, 2025.
Source
www.broadwayworld.com