Wicked (Franchise)

‘Wicked: Part I’ is a 2024 American epic musical fantasy film directed by Jon M. Chu and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. It serves as the first installment of a two-part adaptation of the popular stage musical ‘Wicked’ by Stephen Schwartz and Winnie Holzman, itself inspired by Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel. The story is set in the Land of Oz, focusing on events before Dorothy Gale’s arrival.

The film primarily covers the first act of the musical, exploring the backstory of Elphaba Thropp, who eventually becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and her complex friendship with Galinda Upland, who transforms into Glinda the Good. Cynthia Erivo stars as Elphaba, while Ariana Grande (credited as Ariana Grande-Butera) portrays Galinda. The supporting cast includes Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, and Jeff Goldblum.