'Wicked' Officially Opens on Friday

Written by Naugatuck Patch Mayor Nancy Sasso Janis

On the off chance that you had not already heard, the film version of “Wicked,” the beloved Broadway musical, will officially open on Friday. As the tagline divulges, movie goers will “discover everything that happened before Dorothy dropped in.”

Of course, the film is based on my all-time favorite musical that has been on stage for the past two decades. This spectacular film adaptation of “Wicked” is expected to be the most talked-about film of this holiday season.

Universal Pictures and Marc Platt, both of whom produced the iconic stage musical, announced plans for a film adaptation in 2012. After a long development process and pandemic delays, filming finally began in December 2022.

This epic musical fantasy was directed by Jon M. Chu from a screenplay by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. The stage musical by the Grammy and Oscar® winning composer and lyricist (and Connecticut resident) Stephen Schwartz and book writer Holzman was loosely based on the 1995 tome of the same name written by Gregory Maguire.

The film stars Emmy, Grammy, and Tony winning powerhouse and Oscar® nominee Cynthia Erivo (“The Color Purple”) as Elphaba, the green girl who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Grammy-winning Ariana Grande as the “Popular” young woman who becomes Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. Jonathan Bailey portrays the roguish Winkie prince Fiyero, Ethan Slater plays Boq, Bowen Yang is Pfannee of Phan Hall.

Marissa Bode portrays Nessarose Thropp, Elphaba's paraplegic younger sister and Peter Dinklage will be heard as the voice of the Goat, Doctor Dillamond. Michelle Yeoh snagged the role of Shiz University’s headmistress Madame Morrible. Jeff Goldblum appears as the legendary Wizard of Oz.

Adam James and Alice Fearn (who played Elphaba in London’s West End) play Galinda’s parents, and British actor Andy Nyman plays Elphaba’s father, the Governor of Munchkinland.

Spoiler alert: Composer Stephen Schwartz has a cameo as the Emerald City guard who announces to Elphaba and Glinda that "the Wizard will see you now" during the musical number "One Short Day.” I love that a few West End actors also make cameo appearances in the movie.

The film’s production team decided to split the epic scope of this story into two parts. This would allow the film to expand upon the relationships of the characters as they journey through the prequel, without having to cut any of Schwartz’s beloved musical numbers and any major plot points.

For this visually stunning film, Paul Tazewell worked as the film’s costume designer. Erivo made some requests for the Wicked Witch costumes, as well as contributing to several other parts of Elphaba's appearance, especially the character’s hair and nails.

I had my first hint that the film would have a big marketing push when I was emailed a press release on Oct. 14 about pink and green “Wicked” sneakers that would be sold by WalMart. (I confess that I bought my first ever pair of high-tops when my local WalMart had my size.)

Ahead of the film’s release, there has been a wide range of merchandising featuring the movie’s logo and the likeness of Elphaba and Glinda. I have seen lots of toys and games, as well as a wide variety of books, including Maquire’s source material, and journals. Beauty products include nail polish and hair care products. Hallmark has made Glinda and Elphaba Christmas tree ornaments.

Needless to say, there are plenty of choices for t-shirts and sweatshirts, jackets, sweaters, and costumes sized for adults and children, all featuring a wide range of graphics and quotes. Accessories include backpacks, socks, and jewelry. Target sells pink crowns, long gloves, and outfits in the girl’s department, and Starbucks stocks “Wicked” drinkware. Kohls carries caps and knitted scarves. Bloomingdales also has some items.

As a steadfast fan of the Broadway musical, I already owned the piano/vocal songbook, the CD and a silver necklace. When I caught the latest tour in Hartford, I couldn’t resist adding a purple t-shirt. So far, I have recently treated myself to two film-themed t-shirts to wear with the sneakers, an “Elphie” collectable bluetooth speaker (only available at Target,) and a kit to make “Wicked” bracelets.

The official soundtrack track list includes iconic “Wicked” first-act songs. The soundtrack is available on picture disc vinyl, a fan edition vinyl box set, a fan edition CD, a 2LP set (both Elphaba and Glinda versions,) and standard LP and CD versions. Target will sell exclusive LP and CD versions, and Barnes and Nobles will offer an exclusive CD. All of them are pink and green. Pre-orders for all of the versions of the Republic Records “Wicked: The Soundtrack” will be shipped on Friday.

Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 21, 2025.

The Regal Brass Mill Center movie theater will offer the 2D version beginning on Friday, and the AMC in Southington 12 will present the 3D and 2D versions. If you travel to Danbury, AMC Danbury 16 will present 3D, Dolby Sound and 2D versions of the film. Cinemark North Haven and XD will offer 3D, 2D and D-BOX.