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‘Wicked’s’ spell: How the musical phenomenon continues to captivate

Graphic by Audrey Garcia

More than two months after its release, “Wicked” still has the media and audiences under its spell.

From theaters to streaming services, social media and beyond, director Jon M. Chu’s highly anticipated adaptation has become more than just a film; it’s a cultural event.

But let’s be honest, this was inevitable. “Wicked” was always destined to be, well, popular. Its legacy spans that of L. Frank Baum’s and “The Wizard of Oz,” Gregory Maguire’s novel and subsequent Broadway musical redefined modern theater. This latest iteration was practically preordained for success.

Whether you grew up singing along to Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, devoured Maguire’s dark reimagining or simply stan Ariana Grande, chances are you found yourself in a theater seat on Nov. 22.

Since then, “Wicked” has soared.

The film now holds the title of the highest-grossing Broadway musical adaptation of all time. It scored 10 Oscar nominations, including Best Actress for Cynthia Erivo and Best Supporting Actress for Grande, and was crowned the Best Theatrical Title of 2024 by the National Board of Review.

Remarkably, “Wicked” doesn’t just ride the coattails of its legacy; it earned every bit of its success. Dazzling visuals and performances that stay true to the classic while bringing fresh emotional depth help the adaptation truly defy gravity.

While many film adaptations lose crucial story elements, “Wicked” takes the opposite approach, fleshing out scenes to deepen the story’s themes of oppression and resistance, making the film even more impactful.

Erivo delivers a powerhouse performance as Elphaba, making the iconic role her own. She embodies every nuance of a character who is all at once misunderstood, powerful and, perhaps most importantly, deeply human.

Meanwhile, Grande impresses in a role that her pop-star persona could have easily overshadowed. Her comedic timing and emotional depth add a fresh, heartfelt layer to Glinda, proving there’s more to Grande than the pop icon we know.

Of course, no film escapes criticism. Some viewers took issue with the nearly three-hour runtime, especially upon realizing that this installment only covers the musical’s first act. But despite its length, “Wicked” never drags; in fact, the hours seem to fly by.

What deserves more attention, though, is not how “Wicked” tells its story, but why this story still resonates today.

At its core, “Wicked” is about power, perception and the cost of being different. Elphaba, branded as the Wicked Witch of the West, is shunned simply for existing outside society’s definition of “normal.” Her journey of defiance and self-acceptance remains strikingly relevant in an era where marginalization and misinformation continue to shape public discourse.

“Everyone deserves a chance to fly.”

That’s what “Wicked” has always been about. And with “Wicked: Part Two – For Good” set to release on Nov. 21, 2025, this story isn’t finished yet.

If the first film was any indication, the world will be watching, spellbound.

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