Warning: Wicked spoilers ahead!
The hotly anticipated film adaptation of fan-favorite Wicked is finally out and the buzz is huge. Have you seen it yet? Or are you waiting to treat yourself this Thanksgiving?! Here at StageAgent, we joined the cinema audiences who ran to the movies last weekend to get our first taste of Jon M. Chu’s reimagining of the world of Oz. And, yes, we’re a fan!
The movie brings some exciting twists to the beloved stage musical, blending cinematic magic with deeper character moments. If you're a fan of the original or just curious about the changes, here's a breakdown of what's different - and why it works.
Ariana Grande by Condé Nast (through Vogue Taiwan), via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0. 
Cynthia Erivo by Our Movie Guide - "Wicked" - Australian Premiere Interviews via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0.
Fresh Takes on the Story
Doctor Dillamond’s role is expanded in the film. Instead of simply singing about “Something Bad” in a classroom, he gathers Animals in a secret meeting to discuss the dangers they face. It’s a powerful scene that intensifies the stakes of Elphaba's journey as an activist. Plus, there’s a clever throwback to The Wizard of Oz: poppies, which Doctor Dillamond loves, play a critical role when Elphaba uses them to put people (and guards!) to sleep during a rescue.
And Nessarose? She gets way more screen time. The movie delves into her personality and her relationship with Boq, showing her as fiercely independent. This shift should make her eventual storyline in Part Two even more meaningful.
Musical Moments Reimagined
The songs we know and love are getting some extra flair and pizzazz! “Defying Gravity” now has added lyrics and visuals that emphasize Elphaba’s emotional and physical transformation. Plus, she learns to fly solo - literally - without the stage mechanics holding her back. It’s a jaw-dropping moment of liberation.
[Kara Lindsay, Rachel Tucker and the cast of WICKED. Photo by Joan Marcus]
Remember the fun but brief Wiz-O-Mania sequence in “One Short Day”? The movie turns it into a show-within-a-show that dives into the Wizard’s backstory and the mystical Grimmerie. It’s a feast for fans of Oz lore, complete with Easter eggs and cameos from the original Broadway stars, Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel.
And they're not the only cameos from the original team behind Wicked! Winnie Holzman, who wrote the book for the original musical and also co-wrote the screenplay, appears as a Wiz-O-Mania actor. And who else should be the one to admit Elphaba and Glinda to see the Wizard? It's none other than the show's composer Stephen Schwartz ... “The Wizard will see you now!”
Even smaller numbers get a glow-up. “Sentimental Man,” a low-key piece in the stage show, now includes a dream ballet and shadow puppets, making the Wizard’s character more dynamic and tragic.
Characters Shine Brighter
Fiyero gets a much-needed update. His entrance in the musical, with a cheeky joke about Elphaba's green skin, hasn’t aged well. In the movie, he meets her in the woods, and their interaction has a more genuine spark. It’s a little dashing, a little awkward, and sets up their future relationship beautifully. (And if you've seen Jonathan Bailey in Bridgerton, you'll know that he is the king of the smouldering look, more of which are surely to come in Part 2!)
Elphaba herself has new tricks up her sleeve. Along with her classic spells, the movie gives her the ability to see visions of the future, adding layers to her decisions and actions. Glinda and Elphaba’s friendship gets some extra love too. A recurring musical motif blends “Dancing Through Life” with “For Good,” hinting at their eventual connection even as they start as frenemies. And let's not forget their beautiful connection inside the Ozdust Ballroom....a quietly emotional moment that had tears rolling down the faces of actors and audiences alike. Arguably one of the best moments in the whole film.
The Big Picture
The film’s CGI breathes new life into Oz. From flying monkeys to magical poppies, it creates a more vivid, immersive experience. Top tips? If you're of a nervous disposition, maybe hold on to your seat when the monkeys take flight to seek out Elphaba and Glinda...some people in the cinema audience nearly hit the roof during one key moment! And it's worth repeating: Elphaba’s climactic flight in “Defying Gravity” is a visual showstopper, free from the stage’s technical limitations.
The most significant change? The movie adapts only Act 1 of the stage show, allowing for richer storytelling and character development. This gives us more time to savor key moments, and the cliffhanger ending will leave us eagerly awaiting Part Two in 2025.
These changes don’t just modernize Wicked; they bring depth, spectacle, and a fresh perspective to a story we thought we knew. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to Oz, this adaptation promises to enchant!
Last Updated: December 05, 2024
Writer, editor and theatre researcher