Recently, the new movie adaption of Wicked has brought the beloved Broadway musical to the TV screen, giving fans a fresh take on the iconic story. Starring Ariana Grande as Glinda and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, the movie introduces a new generation to the musical, exploring the complex relationship between two unlikely friends. The profound message of standing with those you love and fighting for what you believe is right is deeply portrayed in this new adaptation. The film retains the magic and excitement of the original musical while still adjusting the story to its new audience. The movie promises a beautiful and emotion-packed experience, seamlessly blending themes of friendship, power, and identity.
The casting choices of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo have sparked both excitement and controversy within Wicked fans. Ariana Grande brings a fresh voice to Glinda, but many questioned her casting, as she is known more as a pop star than an actress. However, I believe she exceeded the expectations of any doubting viewers. Cynthia Erivo also had an amazing performance in the film, especially in her interpretation of “Defying Gravity.” Chelsey Mei (11) expresses that “the casting of these characters was so well done, and they both showed so much passion in their roles.” Both actresses bring new dimensions to the roles of Elphaba and Glinda, while still paying homage to the performances of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.

While the movie captures the essence of the original Broadway production, a few significant differences are separating it from the original. For example, the movie introduces new scenes and expands on backstories, providing a deeper look at the characters and the land of Oz itself. The second song of the musical, “The Wizard and I,” is restructured to give context to Elphaba’s motivations and relationship with the wizard, while in the original musical, it is a simpler and more vague introduction. In many songs, add-libs and note changes are adapted to give the new cast a fresh spin on the script. However, despite these minor changes, the movie remains faithful to the narrative of the Broadway show, especially in the iconic song, “Defying Gravity.”
One of the most notable differences is the visual representation of Oz itself. While the stage production uses sets and lighting to create an imaginary world, the film takes advantage of modern film technology to paint a vibrant experience for movie viewers. Oz is brought to life with impressive special effects and set designs, making it feel like the real world.
For example, the campus of Shiz is given a magical, fairytale feel through light pastel colors, luscious greenery, and enchanting classrooms that could not have been created in a stage production. The Emerald City is also much grander on screen, with towering buildings and glittering green streets. I felt that the CGI effects they were able to create in the movie made Oz feel much more real and gave the audience a deeper connection to the characters.
Both on screen and on stage, Wicked narrates a powerful message about the complexities of friendship, the importance of self-discovery, and the challenges of standing up against societal norms. The movie adaptation enhances these themes by vividly capturing the original plot from a more up close perspective. Viewers– young and old alike– can connect to Elphaba as she struggles with prejudice and fights for justice, as these struggles remain relevant in today’s society. Similarly, Glinda’s evolution from a superficial character to someone who values integrity and friendship can resonate with those who have had or are on similar personal growth journeys. The depth of Wicked, along with its amazing visuals and impressive acting leaves a lasting impact on viewers, as they question the roles of the government and society on good and evil.