We hope you’re still “holding space” for Wicked. With all the hype the smash-hit movie-musical has garnered over the last few months, let all of Oz be agreed: This is a film you’ll want to watch again and again.
There’s no better time to celebrate than in the wake of Oscar season, following the film’s 10 nominations and 2 wins for production design and costume design. The latter win was even historic, as Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win an Oscar in the category. Although the musical adaptation didn’t take home Best Picture or acting nods, leads Cynthia Erivo (nominated for Best Actress) and Ariana Grande (nominated for Best Supporting Actress) still dazzled at the ceremony with a live performance of “Defying Gravity.”
With that in mind, here’s what to know as you set out for the yellow brick road—ideally from the comfort of home.
What is Wicked about?
Wicked, a prequel to The Wizard of Oz, is an adaptation based on the acclaimed longstanding Broadway show and book by Gregory Maguire. The film is directed by Jon M. Chu, of In the Heights and Crazy Rich Asians fame, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, who originally composed the Broadway production. The story centers around Elphaba and Glinda (later known as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch, respectively), during their time at Shiz University. The two meet at the school, where they become roommates, rivals, and eventually, good friends. The film also features a large ensemble, including Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Michelle Yeoh as Madam Morrible, Ethan Slater as Boq, Marissa Bode as Nessarose, and Bowen Yang as Pfannee, among others.
Erivo and Grande have become close offscreen, too. Erivo, who was honored as one of ELLE’s 2024 Women in Hollywood, told ELLE, “I’ve gained a sister. At this point, we speak almost every day. Both of us were blown away by how connected we were immediately.” In an interview with Deadline, Grande shared similar sentiments, saying, “We both made the conscious decision when we met to take care of each other, and that’s what we have done in the realest of ways, every step. I always say this, but it’s one of the things that I think we’re most proud of. This whole thing.”
And since this iteration of Wicked is just the first of two films, there will be a lot more of Glinda and Elphaba to look forward to when part two arrives later this year.
Is Wicked available to stream?
Wicked is now available to stream on Peacock.
The film became available to purchase or rent on digital platforms on Dec. 31, 2024. Audiences can access the film through participating digital retailers, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, Fandango at Home, Comcast Xfinity, Cox, and Microsoft Movies & TV.
Purchasing the digital version also comes with exclusive bonus content, including deleted and extended scenes, a 40-minute journey through Oz celebrating the film’s on-screen magic, and a sing-along version of the movie for fans who want to belt out their favorite numbers.
