Wicked (2024) is a musical fantasy film about Elphaba and Glinda before Dorothy’s familiar story in Oz. You do not need to read the book or see the stage musical first, but expect a 160-minute, song-led first installment—not a complete story with a final resolution.
Do you need to watch The Wizard of Oz first?
No. Wicked introduces its own setup and follows Elphaba and Glinda before Dorothy enters the story. Familiarity with Oz may make some names and references recognizable, but it is not required to understand the basic premise.
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Wicked (2024) [Blu-ray] | $17.95 | Buy on Amazon |
Is the film based on the book or the musical?
The adaptation path is Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, then the 2003 Broadway musical, then the 2024 film. The novel reimagines L. Frank Baum’s Oz; the film adapts the stage musical rather than comprehensively adapting Maguire’s novel. The film’s production involved musical book writer Winnie Holzman and composer-lyricist Stephen Schwartz, with Jon M. Chu directing. NBCUniversal’s film overview describes that lineage.
What is the spoiler-light premise?
Elphaba and Glinda meet as students at Shiz University. Their unlikely friendship is tested as their lives take different paths after an encounter with the Wizard. The film opens in Munchkinland after news of the Wicked Witch’s death, then looks back to the pair’s student years, according to the Associated Press review.
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- Wicked, one of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, now arrives on your screen as a generation-defining cinematic event.
Is Wicked Part One?
Yes. The 2024 film is the first of a two-part adaptation. It reaches the stage musical’s Act I climax after “Defying Gravity,” then signals that the story will continue. The sequel, Wicked: For Good, was released in 2025, so it is no longer an upcoming installment. NBCUniversal’s overview covers the two-part film, and Universal’s home-entertainment announcement confirms the sequel’s later release information.
How long is the film, and what is its rating?
The film runs 160 minutes (2 hours 40 minutes) and is rated PG for some scary action, thematic material, and brief suggestive material, as reported by the Associated Press.
Do not confuse the film’s runtime with the live Broadway show: the show’s official FAQ lists 2 hours 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who stars in it, and what should you expect from the music?
Cynthia Erivo plays Elphaba and Ariana Grande plays Glinda. The cast also includes Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Jeff Goldblum, and Peter Dinklage. The film features songs from Stephen Schwartz’s stage musical, alongside a score by John Powell and Schwartz. NBCUniversal says the songs were performed live on set whenever possible. NBCUniversal’s film overview provides the cast and music details.
Should you read the book, see the musical, or just watch the film?
For the basic story setup, watching the film on its own is enough. The options differ in format and time commitment:
| Option | What it offers | Time detail |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 film | A screen adaptation of the stage musical’s story, presented as the first of two films. | 160 minutes, according to the Associated Press review. |
| Broadway musical | The live stage version that the film adapts. | 2 hours 45 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission, according to the official FAQ. |
| Maguire’s novel | The earlier literary reimagining of Baum’s Oz that inspired the musical. | Runtime not applicable; no reading time is specified here. |
None is a prerequisite for following the film. Choose the novel for its distinct literary version, the stage show for a live performance, or the film for the screen adaptation.
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