On November 22, 2024, the live-action adaptation of the famous musical, Wicked, aired in the theaters. As the musical is heavily adored by fans, the announcement that revealed the musical was coming to movie screens exciting viewers. Starring internet sensations Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, the two appeared in numerous interviews prior to the film’s release.
With the interviews consisting of both actresses clearly emotional when discussing any portion of the film, this left watchers confused and curious as to what was sparking these intense waves of emotion.
Extreme puzzlement arose in individuals like Senior Concert Choir member Olivia Lounds, who expressed her mixed feelings after viewing these interviews.
Lounds has always had a profound interest in musicals, so when she heard a spinoff of her favorite childhood musical was coming to theaters, she was ecstatic. This excitement quickly transformed into skepticism as Lounds began viewing the interviews discussing the movie’s release. These interviews Lounds is referring to contain the primary cast members Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo’s constant sentimental reactions when asked about any portion of the film.
“Based on their reactions, it made me think that the movie was not going to be that good,” said Lounds.
Despite viewers like Lounds’s doubts, Wicked received instant commemoration for fans. According to Screen Rant, the movie has broken numerous box office records, amassing 455.5 million dollars in sales since its release 3 weeks ago. Described as ‘beautifully executed,’ many musical lovers were delighted with the execution of the live-action variation of the film.
Wicked’s success is not only the result of the engagement from younger audiences who had not seen the musical initially but older audiences as well. With it being an adaptation of the original Broadway musical, the Wizard Of Oz, this new release intrigued viewers who had known about this film from its origins.
This nostalgic feeling arose in individuals like Northwest’s Drama Club Director Emily Lawrie, who holds fond memories of watching the Wizard of Oz with her mother close to her heart.
Whilst anticipating the film, Laurie found herself questioning how producers would pull off such a film, on-screen. This feeling of uncertainty quickly turned to curiosity as days to the film’s release lessened.
“My initial reaction to seeing that Wicked was coming to screen was “Huh, I wonder how they’ll cast this one?” Followed shortly by, “I wonder how the musical enthusiasts are going to feel about this one?” said Laurie.
Being among the older audience who grew up with The Wizard of Oz and similar Broadway films, Laurie recalls feeling reminiscent when watching the film the first time. Calling back memories of hiding behind her mother’s arm during frightening parts of the original film, these emotions have been commonly seen among older viewers worldwide. Laurie also mentions her acknowledgment of parallels that exist between Wicked and the Wizard Of Oz, highlighting points in the on-screen film where the atmosphere perfectly recreated the original film’s. These seemingly minuscule details are what has made the movie so special to the musical’s audience.
As mentioned above, Wicked has received a tremendous amount of recognition since its release. Breaking numerous box and revenue records, the movie has made a lasting impression, although only released a few weeks ago. According to Screen Rant, the film is expected to air in theaters well in January, as it presents itself as a solid competitor to recent and expected movies.
This large amount of success is witnessed firsthand by Jackson 10 shift manager, Benjamin Berry, who has been working throughout these early days of Wicked’s release.
Berry explains his experience of working during Wicked’s initial drop as hectic, as the long awaiting movies of Moana 2 and Gladiator 2 had also been released within that same time period.
Unlike regular movie-goers, Berry has been able to develop a completely different perspective through his new management position he has acquired at Jackson’s local theater, Jackson 10.
Berry describes his team’s preparations for large movie releases consisting of ensuring sufficient movie stock, making popcorn in advance, etc.
As for the reaction the movie brought, Berry mentions that he has numerous positive and negative perspectives on the film, leaving him unable to comment on what he believes is the popular opinion on the adaptation as a whole. The factor he believes plays most into whether a viewer deems the movie as good is based on the perspective on musicals as a whole.
“The response to the movie has been fairly spread out with good and bad. I would say people who are typically more interested in plays and such came to watch it the most,” said Berry.
With well-loved musicals like Wicked, viewers can often feel overcome with nostalgia upon hearing about live adaptations. Due to the traction Wicked has brought in since its release, it is apparent that it captured the hearts of its audience once again.
