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Wicked’s Streaming Success and Upcoming Sequel
Wicked has made a remarkable entrance onto streaming platforms, quickly clinching the top spot on Peacock’s movie chart and introducing its enchanting narrative about the witches of Oz to a broader audience. The film is already notable for breaking box office records, marking it as one of the most successful adaptations of Broadway musicals to date. As it stands, this cinematic experience is only the first half of a larger narrative, with more to look forward to next year.
Released in theaters in November 2024, Wicked has generated an impressive $740 million globally. This success is particularly striking given the recent underwhelming performances of prior musical adaptations like Cats and West Side Story, along with director Jon M. Chu’s In the Heights, which earned only $45.2 million during the pandemic-stricken year of 2021. Not only has Wicked become the highest-grossing Broadway adaptation in history, but it has also emerged as the top-grossing film in the “Oz” category, and is positioned as the fifth-highest grossing movie of 2024.
Aside from its financial triumphs, the film has garnered acclaim from critics and audiences, achieving an impressive 88% approval rating from critics and 95% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes. Praised for its stunning visuals, compelling performances, and strong direction, Wicked has become a cultural phenomenon, 20 years after its original stage debut in 2003.
The film features a talented cast, with Cynthia Erivo playing Elphaba Thropp and Ariana Grande as Galinda Upland. Supporting performances come from Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.
‘Wicked: For Good’ Will Conclude the Story This Year
For many fans, the highlight of Wicked is undeniably the song Defying Gravity, perfect as a climactic finale for the first film. A prevailing question now is whether Wicked: For Good, scheduled for release in late 2025, can match or exceed this iconic moment.
Co-screenwriter Dana Fox has expressed confidence that the sequel will offer fresh surprises for viewers, emphasizing the potential for deeper storytelling. While the first film stretched the original stage musical’s content, the upcoming part two will delve into unexplored narrative spaces. Fox has noted, “Part Two actually has a little bit more room to be able to explore… We’re able to give you moments that you didn’t have in the play… in the second movie, there’s a little bit more space for interpretation.” This suggests that audiences can look forward to a richer, more expansive story.
The film’s successful streaming launch on Peacock has been bolstered by the availability of two distinct versions, including a sing-along option and bonus deleted scenes enhancing the viewing experience.
Source: Flixpatrol
Release Date: November 22, 2024
Runtime: 160 Minutes
Source
movieweb.com