Why the Wait for 'Wicked' Has Been So Long

For anyone who’s ever belted out “Defying Gravity” in the shower (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), the wait for a big-screen adaptation of “Wicked” has felt like an eternity. The smash Broadway musical, a reimagining of The Wizard of Oz from the misunderstood Elphaba’s perspective, has captivated audiences since its 2003 debut. However, the road to Oz has been paved with yellow brick delays that would make even Dorothy raise an eyebrow.

From Broadway to the Big Screen

Originally conceived as a live-action film before morphing into the smash musical we know today, the cinematic journey for “Wicked” began with a development period longer than a Broadway intermission.

While there was talk of the movie adaptation as early as 2015, it was officially confirmed in 2016, with its original theatrical release slated for Dec. 20, 2019. However, years ticked by with little news, leaving fans wondering if Glinda’s bubble would ever burst onto the silver screen.

But then came the unforeseen: the 2019 release of “Cats.” This unconventional adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical was a critical and commercial flop. According to some reports, the disastrous reception caused Universal Pictures to hit the brakes on “Wicked,” fearing audiences might have a case Broadway fatigue.

A Glimmer of Hope

As fans started to lose hope, director Jon M. Chu, the visionary behind films like Crazy Rich Asians and In the Heights came to the rescue. Chu’s passion for the project was undeniable. According to Yahoo News, Chu said “Wicked has been a favorite of mine since I was a kid,” in a 2020 interview. “It’s a story about defying expectations and finding your voice. That’s something that resonates deeply with me.”

The casting news that followed sent the fandom into a frenzy. Cynthia Erivo, a powerhouse vocalist known for her Tony-winning role in “The Color Purple,” would play Elphaba. Pop superstar Ariana Grande, with her signature ponytail and undeniable talent, would play Glinda.

Pushed for a Pandemic

But even Glinda’s good magic couldn’t shield the production from the unforeseen. The COVID-19 pandemic forced another delay, pushing back filming schedules and leaving everyone wondering about the fate of “Wicked.”

However, there’s a silver lining to every storm cloud.

Chu, ever the optimist, announced a crucial decision in 2022 according to Yahoo News, Wicked would be a two-part film! “As we prepared the production,” he explained, “it became impossible to wrestle the story of ‘Wicked’ into a single film without doing some real damage to it. We decided to give ourselves a bigger canvas and make not just one ‘Wicked’ movie but two!”

Fans, initially surprised, ultimately cheered. After all, who wouldn’t want more of Elphaba’s emerald-hued defiance and Glinda’s bubbly charm?

The End Is Near

With filming finally wrapping in January 2024, the wait is almost over. The wicked witch’s arrival on the silver screen is a testament to perseverance, proving that sometimes, defying gravity requires a little extra time, a sprinkle of adaptation, and a whole lot of heart.

So, grab your broomsticks, stock up on popcorn - the wait for “Wicked: Part One” may have been long, but with a talented team and a story that continues to resonate, it promises to be worth it. The film debuts in theaters on Nov. 27, 2024.

Resources: Here’s Why It Took So Long to Make the 'Wicked' Movie| Why Has It Taken So Long to Bring Wicked to the Big Screen?| Something Wicked This Way Comes: Everything We Know About This Year’s Biggest Movie Musical