Wicked has finally made its long-anticipated jump from stage to screen. With Ariana Grande’s Glinda and Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba taking over theaters with the Tony-winning musical, you’ve most likely seen pink and green somewhere on your feed, or seen some, uh, questionable marketing, or maybe you're even holding space for the lyrics of "Defying Gravity." Who's to say.
In her 9/10 Wicked review for IGN, Alyssa Mora wrote: "As the future Good Witch of the South and Wicked Witch of the West, respectively, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo deliver masterful and passionate performances that make them the perfect Elphaba and Glinda for this generation of musical fans – no small feat for roles originated by Broadway legends Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel. [...] The two synchronize like they were born for it, their genuine connection heightening the emotional stakes of the final minutes of the film. (This is where we should note that Wicked covers only the first act of the musical: Part II, and everything that comes after the anthemic 'Defying Gravity,' will hit theaters next year.)"
If you’re wondering how or where to watch Wicked online, check out the details below.
How to Watch Wicked – Showtimes and Streaming Status
Wicked is still showing in theaters. You can check the theater links below for showtimes near you:
When Will Wicked Be on Streaming?
Wicked is currently available to rent or buy through digital marketplaces like Prime Video. Wicked: Part I is distributed by Universal, so it'll eventually end up on Peacock (rather than Netflix or Disney+ – though that doesn't preclude it from ever ending up at either streaming service). Our best guess is the movie is streaming on Peacock by the end of March.
Wicked: Part 1 on Blu-ray
4K and Blu-ray editions of Wicked: Part 1 are up for preorder, set to release on February 4. For more physical media releases, check out our guide to upcoming Blu-rays.
What Is Wicked About?
Wicked is an adaptation of one of the longest-running Broadway musicals that opened in 2003, which is an adaptation of a book – The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum – that was a prequel to the original Wizard of Oz. Phew. To keep things simple, here’s the Wicked movie’s official synopsis:
"One of the most beloved and enduring musicals on the stage, Wicked makes its journey to the big screen as a spectacular cinematic event this holiday season.
"Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jon M. Chu (Crazy Rich Asians, In the Heights), Wicked is the first chapter of a two-part immersive, cultural celebration. Wicked Part Two is scheduled to arrive in theaters on November 21, 2025.
"Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning and Oscar-nominated powerhouse Cynthia Erivo (Harriet, Broadway’s The Color Purple) as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her green skin who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman gilded by privilege who has yet to discover her true heart.
"The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West."
When Is Wicked: Part II Coming Out?
As previously mentioned, Wicked is, in fact, actually an almost three-hour-long "Part I." A second and final part is set to arrive in theaters in 2026. TBD if that timeline will hold up or it'll be pushed back.
Where to Stream the Wizard of Oz Movies
Wicked (2024) is the first film adaptation of the musical that originated on Broadway, and you’ll have to wait to come to your local theater. That said, if you’re looking for an Oz-themed marathon, here’s where to steam the original Wizard of Oz movie as well as other renditions of the Yellow Brick Road over the years.
The Wizard of Oz (1939):
Return to Oz:
The Wiz:
Oz the Great and Powerful:
Wicked Cast
Wicked was directed by John M. Chu and the screenplay adaptation was written by Winnie Holzman (who wrote the book for the musical) and Dana Fox. Wicked: Part 1 stars the following actors:
- Ariana Grande as Glinda
- Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba
- Jeff Goldblum as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
- Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible
- Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero
- Ethan Slater as Boq
- Marissa Bode as Nessarose
- Peter Dinklage as Dr. Dillamond
- Andy Nyman as Governor Thropp
- Bowen Yang as Pfannee
Wicked Rating and Runtime
Wicked is rated PG for some scary action, thematic material, and brief suggestive material. It has a runtime of 2 hours and 40 minutes, including credits.
