From Broadway to the big screen, musicals becoming movies has been a hot topic among those who enjoy live theatre. Many people have differing opinions on whether Broadway stage productions should be made into motion pictures, or forever remain exclusive to the stage.

On March 14, 2023, Universal Pictures announced that the hit Broadway musical, Wicked, the prequel to The Wizard of Oz, would be coming to the big screen on November 27, 2024, with Cynthia Erivo playing Elphaba (The Wicked Witch of the West), and Ariana Grande playing Glinda/Galinda.

The movie has sparked a lot of controversies that exist in the world of musical theatre. Many are not happy with Broadway’s musicals becoming movies due to some movies in the past, like The Phantom of the Opera or West Side Story, having not lived up to the fans’ expectations.

Idina Menzel, the original Elphaba on Broadway, has shared that it is difficult for her to not be playing Elphaba in the movie, but that she does have high hopes for the movie and those in it.

The movie is set to be released in two parts, the second of which will be released on November 26, 2025.