Wicked

At Shiz University, Elphaba, born with green skin and treated as an outsider, is assigned to share a room with Glinda, a magnetic, ambitious student from a privileged circle. Their early clashes over personality and principle gradually turn into a complicated friendship, marked by laughter, rivalry, and deep disagreements. As political unrest and magical lore swirl around the kingdom of Oz, the pair make choices that set them on diverging public paths, one celebrated and one reviled. The film zeroes in on that college-era relationship and the forces that shape their identities, while keeping major later plot twists out of view.

Released in 2024 and directed by Jon M. Chu, Wicked is a screen adaptation of Gregory Maguire's novel and the wildly popular stage musical, with Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox credited among the writers. The film stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, supported by Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, and Ethan Slater as Boq.

The film's casting, particularly two high profile leads, and lavish production design prompted lively online debates and fan creativity. Stage purists and new viewers compared scenes and costume choices, while memes and reaction videos circulated widely, renewing interest in Oz lore and the original musical.

Critics and audiences were split but leaned positive overall, with an average user rating near 6.9/10 from about 2,783 votes. Many reviews praised the leads' vocal performances and the film's spectacle, while some critics questioned pacing and adaptation choices. The movie foregrounds themes of friendship, power, prejudice, and personal identity, set against romantic and fantastical elements.

Marketed as a major studio event, Wicked opened widely and generated substantial media attention during its theatrical run. The film's release sparked discussions about merchandising, fan screenings, and how to translate big-stage numbers to a cinematic audience, even as exact grosses vary by report.