How 'Wicked' Is Setting Up a New Era of Movie Musicals

'Wicked', one of Broadway’s most iconic musicals, has officially made its leap to the big screen — and it’s not just another stage-to-screen adaptation. Directed by Jon M. Chu and starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the 2024 release of 'Wicked: Part One' marks a bold turning point for movie musicals, setting new standards in storytelling, spectacle, and star power.

The movie’s success is not purely based on nostalgia. While 'Wicked' has long been a fan favourite, the film adaptation modernises the beloved tale with updated visuals, diverse casting, and cinematic storytelling techniques that make it feel fresh and relevant. Chu, best known for 'Crazy Rich Asians' and 'In the Heights', brings a vibrant, fantasy-meets-reality aesthetic that expands the world of Oz beyond the stage’s limitations.

Image Courtesy: Prime Video

What Sets 'Wicked' Apart From Others?

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the 'Wicked' film is its two-part structure. Rather than condensing the rich, emotional arc into a single movie, Universal and Chu opted to divide the story, allowing for deeper character development and more time to explore the complexities of Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship. This approach mirrors blockbuster storytelling from franchises like 'Harry Potter' and 'Dune', and signals that musicals can be just as narratively ambitious.

Musically, 'Wicked' also elevates the game. Legendary composer Stephen Schwartz returned to rework and refine the original score for the film, adding new orchestral layers and a few surprises. The vocals, led by powerhouse performances from Erivo and Grande, are raw, theatrical, and technically stunning, proving that musical authenticity still resonates with mainstream audiences.

Also Read: https://indigomusic.com/feature/gandalf-the-grey-vs-gandalf-the-white-whats-the-real-difference-9448401

Image Courtesy: Variety

Themes in 'Wicked'

Moreover, the movie leans into diverse representation and modern themes, speaking to a new generation of moviegoers. Elphaba’s journey as an outsider, judged for how she looks and misunderstood for her beliefs, remains powerfully relevant in today’s social climate. By casting women of colour and giving them centre stage in a major fantasy franchise, the film pushes the genre forward both culturally and commercially.

As the film continues to build anticipation for 'Wicked: For Good' in 2025, it's clear the film is more than just a nostalgic retelling. It’s a redefinition of what movie musicals can be — immersive, emotionally intelligent, inclusive, and epic in scale. This isn’t just a new chapter for Oz — it’s the beginning of a new era for Hollywood musicals.

Also Read: https://indigomusic.com/feature/what-squid-game-teaches-us-about-capitalism-class-and-survival-9448395